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City of Berkley won't charge late fees for water bill during COVID-19 pandemic

Posted at 10:25 AM, Apr 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-22 10:27:24-04

BERKLEY, Mich. (WXYZ) — The City of Berkley says it will not charge late fees or penalties on water bills for the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since March 2020, the city placed a hold on late charges during the initial disruption to help residents, who may have recently lost their jobs due to the virus, as well as businesses facing financial insecurity.

“This is part of a set of measures the City is undertaking to try to ease the strain on our residents and businesses brought on by this pandemic,” said Matthew Baumgarten, Berkley City Manager. “Given the number of residents who have had their livelihoods disrupted, suspending late fees is a good temporary measure. People will still have access to water and can just pay their bill when they can over the course of months instead of weeks.”

Beginning October 2020, the city will review outstanding balances and will roll certain past due amounts to the winter tax bill, according to officials.

Residents and community members who are able can pay their water bill and other utilities online or mail their payments to City or place it within the secure dropbox located at City Hall on 3338 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley.

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