Battle Creek Times

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek spent $800,000, as part of its American Rescue Plan Act Utility Payoff Program, earlier this month to help cover neighbors’ outstanding utility bill balances.

These funds were allocated as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) approved by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021. The City of Battle Creek, along with other municipalities across the country, received stimulus money to aid in recovery efforts from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city has spent its ARPA allocation in various ways, based on input received from our community. One of these approved projects was the American Rescue Plan Act Utility Payoff Program which designated $800,000 to help pay neighbors’ utility bills with outstanding balances.

Payments through this program applied to the past due amounts of eligible neighbors from the period between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021. Based on geographic and account balance information, the city made a payment toward 3,243 neighbors’ outstanding utility bill balances.

Neighbors will see this payment applied to their upcoming bill as a payment/credit to their account on March 4, 2023. They do not need to take any action to participate in the program, and they do not have to pay it back to the city.

Eligible neighbors should have received a letter from the city describing the American Rescue Plan Act Utility Payoff Program.

For questions or further information about the city’s American Rescue Plan Act Utility Payoff Program, neighbors can contact the city’s Finance Department or Utility Billing Department at 269-966-3311.

Original source can be found here.