The city of Poulsbo announced that it is offering a new Emergency Flexible Pay Plan to assist utility customers who have fallen behind on their bills due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers with past due balances can have that balance divided up over 12 months and make payments on both their monthly and payment plan bills to avoid penalties and utility suspension.

This news comes ahead of the conclusion of Washington state’s moratorium on utility collection, which ends Sept. 30.

This new flexible payment plan is made possible by the city being a recipient of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, which went into effect in March. One of the many uses for ARPA funds is in assisting residential utility customers with costs incurred prior to March 3.

Eligible recipients must submit a completed application that can be found on the city’s website. The application must also include copies of city utility bills or customer detailed account history with signed certification as well as copies of documents showing loss of income (recent tax returns are recommended) and a completed W-9.