Bills build up for some as utility moratorium prevents shutoffs

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Over 200 residents in Blaine and Birch Bay have fallen further behind on their utility bills, and financial assistance programs need funds to help them.

The number of customers in arrears has leveled off since October 2020. Both the city of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District have had some customers pay outstanding balances but say still others have increased balances to confront. Although governor Jay Inslee extended the utility shutoff moratorium to April 30, keeping the water running and lights on for these residents, the bills will need to be paid
eventually.

The city and water district have payment plan programs available for residents behind on their bills but do not provide any financial assistance. Residents are encouraged to seek out assistance from community resources like the Community Assistance Program (CAP) and the Opportunity Council.

CAP executive director Dan DeMent said the community has answered their call for help but more donations will be needed to keep all residents receiving water service on come May. “We are encouraged that people did respond, and we don’t have the ability to help all,” DeMent said. “But I think the tsunami is nearing, and we hope we can help as many as possible.”

Right now, between Blaine and Birch Bay, the total balance of arrears is nearly $175,000.

City finance director Jeff Lazenby said in an email that the city of Blaine has a total of 116 accounts with outstanding balances, and the sum owed to the city is $136,147, an average of $1,174. Lazenby said the city of Blaine has about 3,500 accounts, which means the delinquent accounts make up just over 3 percent. The majority of these accounts are residential, he added.

Birch Bay water and sewer district finance director Sandi McMillan said that 98 Birch Bay Water and Sewer District customers who were paying their bills before Covid-19 are two or more bills behind and in aggregate owe $38,553 to the district or $394 on average per account. With nearly 8,000 connections, those in arrears comprise just over 1 percent of their customer base. One-third of those accounts are rentals, McMillan said.

In November, the assistance program began asking community members to donate if they could, DeMent said. So far, they have about $15,000 in donations. “We can at least chew off a bite of what we’re expecting,” he said.

The assistance program only offers help with utility bills if a shut-off is impending. Since the moratorium, the program has not provided any utility assistance, DeMent said. Those expecting to  face a cut off once the moratorium ends should contact CAP in advance.

Before the pandemic, the program provided assistance to about 10 residents per month, totaling from $800 to $1,100, depending on that month’s donations, he said.

DeMent said he hopes less people are actually in need of assistance than the totals may suggest. Hopefully, some people with arrears have the ability to pay but have been taking advantage of the moratorium, he said.

The city of Blaine and the water district offer payment plan programs for customers behind on their bills to pay the outstanding balances off over time.

Blaine residents behind on their bills are asked to fill out an application and enter an agreement to pay off their outstanding balance in equal installments due on the 20th of each month for up to a year. The deadline has been extended indefinitely, but Lazenby encourages customers to get their applications in.

The district asks customers to pay their outstanding balances within 60 days after the moratorium on shut-offs expires or enter into a one-year payment plan, according to its website. To enter into the payment plan, customers must contact the district office and verbally agree to the terms.

The district also sent out a letter January 29 to all customers who are two or more bills behind notifying them of the April 30 expiration date and that its board of commissioners will decide at that time whether the district will return to shut-offs for nonpayment. The letter also directs those customers to CAP and Opportunity Council as resources.

The Opportunity Council offers bill assistance for home heating and energy bills, community services manager Lorena Shah said, but is putting together a water assistance program. To provide assistance, individuals do not need to be in crisis or arrears to be eligible for the programs. Vetted individuals can receive partial assistance for energy bills each month with the amount depending on need, Shah said.

CAP also vets residents for the city of Blaine and the water district, and provides funds if the residents meet the requirements, or the city or water district uses their war chest of donated funds.

DeMent said the easiest way for individuals to help is by using the donation option on their utility bill. Whether it’s $5 or $100, he said any donation will help.

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