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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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 19, 2020

Benicia, CA (March 19, 2020) — In light of the continuing need to minimize exposure of City staff and the public to COVID-19, City of Benicia buildings and facilities will remain closed through Sunday, April 12, 2020. While city hall is closed to the public, many staff members continue to work behind the scenes observing social distancing or working from home.

Parks will remain open. Most park restrooms will remain closed with the exception of those at City Park and the First Street Pier, open 7:30 a.m. to dusk. After yesterday’s Shelter at Home order by Solano County Public Health Department, it is important to remind residents that To-Go orders are available from local restaurants and exercising out of doors is encouraged with social distancing.

“This extension of the city closure is necessary to protect our community,” said Mayor Elizabeth Patterson. “I appreciate everyone’s participation in the effort to minimize exposure to COVID-19 and please remember to help others during this time as much as you can.”

Residents may find these links helpful –

State of California:
https://covid19.ca.gov/
Apply for unemployment, disability or family leave benefits:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm
For businesses:
https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/
County of Solano Public Health:
http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/ncov.asp
City of Benicia:
https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/coronavirus

Benicia Fire Department reminds you that when requesting emergency services: If you have flu-like symptoms, are quarantined, or under self-quarantine and need emergency services, please let the dispatcher know. Sharing this information with 9-1-1 dispatchers will help first responders take the necessary precautions to avoid spread of COVID-19. All information will remain confidential.

As conditions change, updates will be shared on the City of Benicia’s Coronavirus webpage at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/coronavirus. Please follow the City of Benicia, Benicia Fire Department and Benicia Police Department on social media and sign up at www.Nextdoor.com for neighborhood updates and information from the City of Benicia.

What can you do?
• See the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease website for updates, news and
symptoms to watch out for.
• Wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes.
• Maintain your social distance (no hand shaking or hugging) at events and gatherings.
• Stay in touch with older adults and encourage them to seek medical assistance, if they develop symptoms.

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