SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — More than 1,400 water customers in Seminole County who are behind on their bills will soon be at risk of having their service disconnected.
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The county’s water and sewer utilities department is ending a moratorium on disconnecting meters for people who haven’t paid.
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The moratorium had been in place for more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The county says they’re currently owed almost $740,000 from about 1,450 delinquent customers.
Starting January 12, the county will begin shutting off their service for non-payment.
“The amount that were delinquent is about double what it would be on a monthly basis from a pre-pandemic perspective,” Seminole County Environmental Services Director Terry McCue said.
McCue says the unpaid bills are starting to impact the county’s bottom line.
“Our revenues come from our customers,” McCue said. “We’re not supported by backstops, so we can’t provide free or reduced price services.”
McCue says they’re trying to reach those customers through a targeted campaign to keep their water flowing.
“We can compassionately set up repayment plans, and will stretch them out for as long as a year if that’s what it takes,” McCue said.
Customers who are behind on their bills can also apply for federal funds through the county.
“We do have emergency rental assistance and emergency mortgage assistance funds, as well as some American Rescue Plan dollars that are available to help some of our renters and homeowners that have fallen behind on their utility bills during the pandemic,” Seminole County Community Services Director Carrie Longsworth said.
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To get help, log onto the county’s website, or visit the community services building in person to fill out an application.
McCue says residents facing disconnection should contact them as soon as possible to work out a solution.
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