CITY OF RENTON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2019
City of Renton Contacts
Gregg A. Zimmerman, Public Works Administrator, 425-430-7311
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
City of Renton offering assistance to residents affected by government shutdown
City to waive late fees for utility bills; local food banks offer help to those in need
RENTON, WA - The City of Renton is offering assistance with utility bills to federal employees who may have faced hardship due to the government shutdown.
The city will waive any late fees on water, wastewater, and surface water utility bills for Renton utility customers. The city will also suspend service interruptions (water shut offs) for non-payment during the shutdown and work with customers on repayment options once the shutdown is complete. This action is not a waiver of rates, only a waiver of associated late fees.
Eligible Renton residents should contact Utility Billing at 425-430-6852 or [email protected]. They can also request assistance at the Public Utility Counter on the first floor of Renton City Hall, 1055 South Grady Way, during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to verify eligibility, the city will require that customers applying for assistance provide verification of their status as federal employees whose pay is being withheld.
In addition, Renton area food banks are offering assistance to furloughed government workers who live in Renton. The Renton Rotary Salvation Army Food Bank (425-255-5969), located at 206 S. Tobin St., is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Proof of residency in Renton (utility bill, mail with your name and address) is required. Children will need their birth certificate.
The Emergency Feeding Program (425-277-0300) has no Renton residency requirement. They are located at 851 Houser Way N, Suite A and are open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Emergency Feeding Program is willing to make special arrangements to help government workers who need assistance.
City News Releases
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 104,100 (2018), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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