Council extends utility bill relief program

 The City Council voted Wednesday to extend until Dec. 30 the program that provides financial relief for Kyle residents who have had problems paying their municipal utility bills as a result of the pandemic or are below federal low income thresholds.

The item was part of the council’s consent agenda and that entire agenda was approved unanimously so there was no individual debate or discussion on the proposal from council members.

The program only applies to the utility bills residents receive from the City of Kyle. In order to be eligible for the program, residents must meet these three criteria:

• A residential customer living inside the city limits of Kyle with an active utility account;
• The primary individual under whose name the utility account is registered and established and;
• Experiencing a financial hardship due to loss of job or reduction in income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, or be at or below the federal income thresholds for low income.

To receive benefits from the program, applicants must be able to provide proof of income or pay reduction (latest pay stub), proof of approved unemployment claim or a letter from an employer confirming business closure, layoff or reduction in pay due to COVID-19.

The program covers all utility bills issued for services between March 1 and Dec. 30 and benefits may be used to pay for all utility services provided by and billed for by the City of Kyle (water, wastewater, solid waste and storm drainage); monthly service charges for utility services; late payment penalties; and service disconnection fees.

Residents can apply for the benefits or learn more about it here.