Water bill adjustment considerations and extended permitting times are just two elements of an ordinance Sugar Land City Council voted to approve at its Feb. 23 meeting. The ordinance implemented “certain emergency powers” due to the recent winter storms and subsequent disaster declaration.
"Residents of Sugar Land have endured conditions no one should have to experience during the past week," Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman said. "Many have sustained damage to their homes and businesses and are facing extensive repairs. The ordinance we approved is intended to help our residents and businesses through the recovery process."
Businesses and residents who had pipes or water lines break due to the weather, causing increased water usage, higher bills and potential home damage, may be eligible for help from the city. The adjustments, which will only be applied to the week of the storm, will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
The ordinance will offer potential relief for those who experienced a catastrophic leak or damage due to the extreme weather conditions the week of Feb. 15. Residents and businesses alike can request an adjustment from the city and must provide documentation of the damage. The city also said it is also granting payment plans to households and businesses experiencing financial hardship, which allow customers to pay their outstanding balances over a longer period along with their current charges with no additional penalties or risk of disconnection.
