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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">October 9, 2020</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Sarah Talbert
<br />Assistant Director
<br />Utilities
<br />City of Columbia
<br />Sarah.Talbert@CoMo.gov
<br />573.874.7273</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">City of Columbia clarifies utility disconnection process</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display: inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The City of Columbia appreciates customers who have made payments or payment arrangements and we will continue to work with our customers to try and ensure their utilities remain connected. It is important that customers continue to make monthly payments or payment arrangements to ensure they do not get several months behind as has occurred over the past several months. Utility disconnections will begin again on or after Oct. 26, 2020.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We understand the hardships that many of our customers have faced during the pandemic and that is why we made the decision to stop disconnections of utilities for non-payment and the waiver of past due fees in March,'' said Utilities Director David Sorrell. "However, we must also pay close attention to the financial condition of the utilities to ensure they remain solvent, are able to make bond payments, retain bond ratings and provide reliable electric, water, solid waste, and sewer services to over 50,000 customers." </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The City of Columbia is also working very closely with Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) to support their efforts in partnership with Boone County to provide financial assistance to those who qualify. It is anticipated that early next week CMCA will announce the Boone Cares initiative which will provide utility assistance to qualified</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Boone County residents for electric, water, solid waste, sewer as well as natural gas and internet services. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For customers who continue to experience hardships and difficulties in paying their City of Columbia utility bill, we encourage them to contact City of Columbia Utility Customer Services at 573.874.7380 to set up a payment plan as soon as possible. Customers may also call 573.874.CITY (2489) for more information on utility assistance options.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We will continue to do everything we can with our community partners to help our customers who continue to face hardships due to COVID-19," Sorrell added.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Payments can be made online at MyUtilityBill.CoMo.gov or via phone at 573.874.7694 or 800.234.0641. Customers can also make payments through the drive up windows located on the north side of City Hall at 701 East Broadway, by placing non-cash payments in the drop box on the north side of City Hall or in person inside of City Hall. Masks are required and customers may experience long wait times in person. There are no fees for payments made online, via phone, in person or through the drive up windows when using a debit, credit card or echeck.</span></p></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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