HUTCHINSON, Kan. ā The City of Hutchinson ends the suspension of disconnections for city utilities Monday. The city suspended disconnections in March in response to the pandemic.
At the moment, the city says it has more than double the number of households on the disconnect list compared to this time last year. Figures released to Eagle Radio and Hutch Post show that, in February, the city had $19,178 worth of outstanding bills that were scheduled for cutoff. Most were one month past due. As of Friday morning, the city has $82,299 worth of outstanding bills. Of those, 191 accounts are one month past due, totaling $12,824. But another 437 accounts are over a month past due and total nearly $70,000.
The city stressed that if customers need more time, they can visit hutchgov.com/pay-agreement to begin the process of setting up a payment agreement to keep their service from being interrupted. To talk with a customer service representative, call 620-694-2621 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Those in need of financial assistance because of coronavirus are encouraged to apply for help online at RallyReno.org or by calling 2-1-1. The Reno County VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) Unmet Needs Fund is there to aid with essential expenses, like utilities and housing, for those financially impacted by the pandemic.
City Hall will be open to the public on June 1. While in-person utility payments may resume at that time, customers will still be encouraged to use the following services to pay utility bills when possible:
ā¢ Visit waterbill.hutchgov.com to pay your bill online
ā¢ For help in setting up online bill pay, please visit https://www.hutchgov.com/536/Online-Bill-Pay-Help
ā¢ Call 620-694-2621 to pay by phone
ā¢ Use the drop box on the west side of City Hall, 125 E. Ave. B, or mail payment to the same address.