Victorville is trying to help residents who are having difficulty paying their utility bills because of COVID-19.
The city council voted unanimously to spend $2 million of its allotment from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to fund its Utility Bill Assistance Program, according to a statement on the city’s website.
Residential and commercial customers who are behind on their water, sanitation, storm drain, and/or household hazardous waste payments can apply to receive a one-time payment, which will eliminate any debt accrued between April 2020 and July 2021.
“So many in our community face hardships caused by the pandemic,” Mayor Debra Jones said in the statement. “We are very excited to use these federal dollars to help Victorville residents and businesses who have fallen behind in paying their utility bills.”
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 23 or until funds are depleted. Applications are available at VictorvilleCA.gov/utilityhelp, or in-person at the customer service counters in city hall.
Passed in March, the $1.9 trillion America Rescue Plan Act includes funding for municipal governments to promote economic and health recovery in their communities in the aftermath of COVID-19.