Baldwin is the latest city in Habersham to offer assistance to low-income residents struggling to pay their water bills.
The city council on Monday voted to partner with Ninth District Opportunity to provide financial assistance to those at risk of getting their water turned off for non-payment. Clarkesville, Cornelia, and Demorest previously signed onto the program which is being funded through the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan. The program is administered locally by Ninth District Opportunity.
The Baldwin Council unanimously voted to join the program for a year after which time they will have the option to renew for another year. The city will be required to return any unused funds back to the state and will be required to submit data showing the funds were properly used.
“The obligation of the city is very limited when you’re considering it to the benefit to citizens,” Woodmaster told the council.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said councilmember Alice Venter. She spoke of Baldwin residents who took a financial hit from the pandemic, particularly the elderly, and said, “I think this is a good opportunity to relieve some burden, especially off of those folks.”
The first year of the program runs through September 30, 2022.
Baldwin residents and those in other cities that have joined the program may apply for financial assistance to pay their water bills through the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and Ninth District Opportunity Services.
The form for requesting utility assistance through NDO, as well as all other services, is located here.
