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By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Managing Editor

HELENA – Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the city of Helena has made some changes to how it is handling fees for the water board.

For the next billing period in April, there will be no late charges added to water and sewer bills for anyone who needs extra time to pay water bills.

Mayor Mark Hall said this is specifically for those who have lost their job related to COVID-19.

“I do not want anyone to be without water during this crisis so I have asked for our utility department to assist any customer as much as possible that has suffered loss of income due to a job loss during the crises,” Hall said in a Facebook release. “This will also apply to any Helena business water bill that is late for payment due to any mandatory closing ordered by the health department for the upcoming April billing period.”

So in addition to residents who have been impacted financially by COVID-19 due to a job loss, businesses that have been forced to close their doors to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus won’t endure any late fees either.

“Please call the utility board office to ask for a late fee waiver, and to set up a new payment plan,” Hall said. “Waivers must be due to unemployment related to the COVID-19 health emergency.”

You can call 663-2161 extension 441, 442 or 443 for assistance.