WHEREAS, One of the first resolutions our administration adopted, in January 2009, after first taking office in the midst of the Great Recession, was the adoption of Resolution #09-07: A Resolution for Implementation of the Utility Hardship Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, This Resolution created a new program that reduced, by 25%, the water and sewer bills of eligible low-income residents of Pittsfield Township for a given calendar year; and
WHEREAS, Our administration has continued to implement this Hardship Assistance program over the past eleven (11) years in keeping with our central tenant of meeting the needs of all and providing additional assistance to our most vulnerable community members; and
WHEREAS, The COVID19 pandemic is, once again, creating numerous financial hardships for many in our community and requires, maybe even more than the Great Recession, for those of us in positions of leadership to provide additional protections for vulnerable community members; and
WHEREAS, Since March 15, 2020, when we first began to deal with the pandemic, both our administrative and leadership team have taken many steps and implemented multiple initiatives to do just that, including an extension of timelines for utility bill payment along with adoption of Resolution #20-16 to assist local, small businesses and Resolution#20-17 to enhance access to affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, Given the sudden and severe onset on the current financial crises, related to the COVID19 pandemic, that has, according to the most current reports, resulted in 1 out of every 4 Michigander being unemployed; we feel it is important to enhance the existing Utility Hardship Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, In order to assist low-income families, seniors, and others on fixed income deal with the harsh financial conditions currently facing our community, state, and nation, we commit to not just the continuation of the Utility Hardship Assistance Program, which reduces, by 25%, the water and sewer bills of eligible Pittsfield Township residents but, also, provide for deferred payments;