PRESS RELEASE
CITY OF BENICIA
City Hall, 250 East L Street
Benicia, California 94510
Contact: Lorie Tinfow
City Manager
ltinfow@ci.benicia.ca.us

CITY OF BENICIA UPDATE ON COVID-19
FOR MARCH 20, 2020
Moratorium on Utility Disconnections and Late Fees;
Due Dates for Business Tax Payments Extended

Benicia, CA (March 20, 2020) — Effective March 17, 2020, the City of Benicia implemented a moratorium on utility service disconnections and late fees for nonpayment due to the COVID-19 emergency and the current closure of City Hall offices. The deadlines for business license tax and transient occupancy tax payments are also extended.

The utility-related changes will apply to both residential and commercial water and sewer customers and tax deadline extensions will apply to all businesses, until June 15, 2020.

“We know that the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 emergency and the current shelter-at-home order has created a financial strain on our residents and businesses,” said City Manager Lorie Tinfow. “We are extending due dates to relieve some of the stress in dealing with the current situation.”

To further support customers who may be impacted by the pandemic, the City will offer its most flexible payment plan to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19. Simply fill out the Payment Arrangement Agreement found online at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/UtilityBilling and email it to utilitybilling@ci.benicia.ca.us.

Although the City’s offices are closed to the public, customers may still make payments in many ways:

• Calling 1-866-344-1979
• Paying online at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/UtilityBilling
• Using the drop box located in front of City Hall, 250 East L Street (Do not leave cash in this depository.)

If you have questions about starting or stopping water services or other servicerelated issues, please go to www.ci.benicia.ca.us/UtilityBilling and fill out the appropriate form, then email it to utilitybilling@ci.benicia.ca.us.

More information on the City of Benicia’s response to the COVID-19 emergency can be found at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/coronavirus.

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