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Thousands of Fort Wayne residents lost water and sewer service this summer after failing to pay their bills.
Mayor Tom Henry said Thursday the city has seen an increase of nearly 50 percent in utility disconnects this summer versus last year, and he reminded residents they have options when faced with a bill they can’t pay.
“We are facing tough economic times, and that leads to difficult decisions about the necessities of life,” he said.
Maggie Fiedler, utility customer relations manager, said the city is seeing customers not paying bills who have never done so previously. The city typically gives customers about 60 days before it will shut off their utilities, but Fiedler said there are many options available to prevent the loss of water and sewer.
“Our goal is to not turn off the customer,” she said.
The key for customers in trouble is to contact the city, she said, so payment arrangements and other help can be discussed.
Wayne Township Trustee Rick Stevenson said requests for help to his office have jumped by almost 50 percent this year, forcing him to cap aid. Although this allows the township to help more people, many can’t get all the assistance they need, he said.
He recommended that people in trouble call 211, a hotline that describes what assistance is available.
The increase in unpaid bills hasn’t hit other area utilities. Mike Brian, spokesman for Indiana Michigan Power, said the electric utility has not seen an increase in delinquent bills this year. He said that people having trouble paying their bill are encouraged to call the power company to work out a plan.
A spokesman with Northern Indiana Public Service Co. said its natural gas customers in the Fort Wayne area have had fewer disconnects this year than last year.
Jerry Peterson, executive director of United Way, said it is important that people are aware of their options before the cold weather arrives and the need for help becomes greater.
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