By Blake Haas and Heart of Illinois ABC
MCLEAN COUNTY – The Town of Normal is reminding residents of options available for water bill repayment and assistance.
According to the letter sent to residents with a past due balance, the moratorium ends in October and advises people to seek assistance through the Low Income Water Assistance Program, apply for the Emergency Assistance Program at the Normal Township Office, or contact the Town of Normal Water Department.
Those looking into the Low Income Water Assistance Program are asked to reach out to Tazwood Community Services at 309-533-7723 Monday through Friday from 8-noon and 1-4 p.m. for eligibility determination — residents must be income-eligible with a bill greater than $250.
Households applying for the Emergency Assistance Program at the township office at or below 100% poverty level with at least one child under the age of 18 may receive up to $1,500 to assist with water bills, according to a release. Those interested can call the township at 309-452-2060.
A release from the Town of Normal said approximately 1,300 accounts have nearly $650,000 in outstanding balances.
The Town will begin disconnecting services on delinquent accounts in November which do not have payment plans.
Meanwhile, Bloomington residents who are behind on their water bills have time to repay missed bills through the city’s repayment plan.
According to a news release, account holders who have past payments must present 10% of the total due balance at the time of agreement approval.
The past-due bills with amounts under $2,000 and under will have the remaining balance due in 12 monthly installments.
Failure to make the monthly installment could result in a water shutoff.
To avoid shutoff, residents who are 60-days or more behind in payments will receive separate notifications indicating the amount owed and the required payment date.
Bloomington residents can call 309-434-2426 to set up a payment plan.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
