COVID-19 RATEPAYER RELIEF MEASURES
Certain measures are in place providing relief to ratepayers experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SERVICE SHUTOFF MORATORIUM
BE ADVISED that Executive Order 229 currently prohibits a local government from shutting off water service to a residential customer, or to accounts primarily serving residential customers, due to nonpayment of water or sewer unless the disconnection is to prevent or ameliorate a risk to public health or safety. This shutoff moratorium remains in effect until March 15, 2022.
LATE PAYMENT PENALTY AND LEIN ENFORCEMENT MORATORIUM
BE ADVISED that until March 15, 2022, Executive Order 229 places a moratorium on local governments enforcing late payment charges and penalties on utility accounts or referring a delinquent water or sewer charge to tax sale. On or after March 15, 2022, charges and penalties may be imposed for delinquent payments, and any payments remaining delinquent may be referred to a tax lien sale held by the municipal tax collector.
BILL ASSISTANCE & ARREARAGE FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is currently developing a Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This program is designed to assist water and sewer customers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further information will be provided from the DCA once the program goes live.
OPPORTUNITY TO REPAY ARREARAGES IN INSTALLMENTS
BE ADVISED that residents experiencing economic hardship during COVID-19 and who are behind on their water or sewer payments may be eligible to enter into an agreement whereby the resident agrees to pay their arrearages in installments over a period of time. As part of the agreement, the resident MUST keep up to date ALL current charges. For more information on repaying arrearages in installments, jwatson@clementon-nj.com or 856-783-0284 x 114 or 115.
A copy of this notice is available at the Clementon Municipal Building located at 101 Gibbsboro Rd Clementon, NJ 08021, the Borough website at www.clementon-nj.com and Borough of Clementon Facebook page.