As incomes are compromised amid the coronavirus pandemic, many are taking advantage of suspended late fees and postponing payments, which could hit people with high bills in the future.

Alabama Power is suspending late fees and disconnections for non-payment. Many cell phone and loan providers are deferring payments. Unfortunately, deferment does not equal forgiveness and those bills will pile up if pushed off for months.

Mayor Steven Reed's community impact task force had a teleconference Thursday to talk about how to meet immediate needs during the public health crisis, while also having long-term consequences in mind.

“Sometimes when you’re in the middle of the storm, that’s when it’s best to try and get your way out of it instead of letting it blow over,” Reed said before the meeting began.

Although there is a separate committee to discuss the economic impact of the coronavirus, the community impact task force did not discuss recovery efforts without the conversation drifting toward the financial implications of the pandemic.

Executive Director of Hands On River Region, Tasha Cooper, said the information and referral helpline 211 has received an influx of calls from people asking about forgiveness programs and what they can do to receive funding.

"The number one (call) we received is individuals concerned about being able to pay their bills," Cooper said.

People are being advised to continue paying their bills and avoid deferment if at all possible, but that may not be possible for some.

Any outside funding people can attain to avoid deferment is important. Jimmy Hill, President and CEO of River Region United Way, said many applications for the Community Covid-19 United Relief Fund have been for utility assistance.

"When you start to look at the applications that have come in there are a lot of agencies that have already recognized that utility assistance is a prevalent need in our community right now," Hill said.

The $200,000 fund was set up by the Central Alabama Community Foundation and River Region United Way to support non-profit emergency response and recovery efforts. Organizations designated 501(c)3 nonprofits can apply to receive $2,500. Applications for the fund opened April 1 and Hill said roughly 200 organizations have already applied.

Sara MacNeil can be reached at smacneil@montgome.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter.