Post Date: 03/17/2020 8:22 PM

The City of Westerville announced it is offering a payment holiday for all residential and business utility accounts for bills due on April 15, 2020. The decision was discussed and unanimously approved by Westerville City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday, March 17.



Based on economic uncertainties for residents and businesses caused by the spread of COVID-19, the City will enact this relief program to waive fees for the current month’s payment of electric, water, sanitation and trash/recycling.



If residents and businesses are able, City officials encourage paying-it-forward by making a donation to a Westerville-based nonprofit or charitable organization that can provide further assistance for food, housing, financial assistance or mental health counseling needs during these challenging times.



These organizations include but are not limited to:

While the precise means by which the monthly bill will be modified is still being finalized, the effect will be that no payment will be required for bills normally due on April 15. Bills sent at the end of the month will show a “zero balance due” or will carry a similar message to customers.

The City’s Finance Department has estimated the total cost of the holiday to the Electric, Water, Sewer and Refuse funds at approximately $5.5 million.

“These utility funds will endure this lost revenue for the time being given the extraordinary economic conditions impacting our community,” said City Manager David A. Collinsworth. “Once the COVID-19 crisis is over and the economy rebounds, we will evaluate the fiscal condition of these utility funds and may adjust rates over time to ensure adequate fund balance, but such adjustments are not a certainty at this point.”

Questions may be directed to Utility Billing Services at (614) 901-6430 or via email at askutilitybilling@westerville.org.