BLOMINGTON, IL – As the City resumes water shut off and penalty processes it wants the community to be aware of the variety of programs available to provide assistance.

Along with the payment installation plan to help residents bring past due accounts current, the City of Bloomington has partnered with Tazwood Community Services to offer help through the Low-Income Water Assistance Program. Those needing help could receive up to $1500 to pay utility bills. More information about the Tazwood programs is available HERE.

The City is also offering an exemption program for residents with limited financial means that are unable to pay their Bloomington utility bill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for exemption will be taken starting October 1, 2021, and the forms can be found HERE. Eligible households did not earn more than $99,000 in annual income for single or $198,000 for joint filing in calendar year 2020. Can show an identifiable COVID-19 related hardship that makes being able to make full utility payments unsustainable (e.g., substantial loss of income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, or an increase in out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic). They are making timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as the customer’s circumstances allow and have already applied for financial assistance related to the outstanding utilities.  The customer must identify at least two agencies to which application was made and the last date of contact.

If any resident wants to sign up for the City’s repayment plan it’s a phone call away. Just dial 309-434-2426 and choose option 4.