Penalties had been eased due to COVID-19
Post Date: 05/26/2020 3:30 p.m.
In March 2020, in response to the anticipated economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Broken Arrow provided assistance to customers who needed help by temporarily suspending late fees and utility turn-offs for overdue utility payments.
This decision has benefited approximately five percent of the Broken Arrow utility customer base of just over 38,000.
As the City moves closer to phase three of re-opening the community and finalizes its budget for next year, it is important the City also pays its expenses for operations, projects and debt service. The City must meet its obligations, like all other utility companies, and it does so from payment for services by customers.
Accordingly, and beginning with the billing cycle due June 10, the City will reinstate normal operating practices, which includes assessing late fees. Customers who have been unable to make payments during the past two months because of the pandemic should call the Utility Billing Office to see what options are available. If customers fail to make payment arrangements, utility shutoffs will resume beginning June 29.
“During this unprecedented time, we definitely had to do our part to help our residents struggling because of job loss or other circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said City Manager Michael Spurgeon. “I understand that this is an extremely sensitive decision and a difficult one for sure. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to help keep the organization running, so it’s important we get back to normal operations so we can keep the water flowing to over 38,000 homes and businesses in Broken Arrow.”
Residents with questions can contact the Utility Billing Office at 918-259-8409 or email at utilities@brokenarrowok.gov.
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