City of Florence rolls out new program to help residents pay utility bills

FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) - The city of Florence is aiming to help those struggling to pay their water and sewer bills by implementing a community effort-style program.

Starting May 1, those who are part of the city’s water and sewer system will have their monthly bills rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. This new program is called the Florence’s CARE, or Coins that Add Relief and Enable program.

The extra money will be distributed to those struggling to pay their bills.

“It’s there to help those who most need help,” said Florence’s Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Rawlinson.

Florence resident Bradley Sellers said his reaction when he sees his water and sewer bill every month is, “Here we go again.”

“It’s close to almost ridiculous, you know, and we can use all the help we can get,” said Sellers.

Rawlinson said the city has the elderly, disabled, and those with young kids at the top of their minds. He added that city council members decided to implement this program after realizing water and sewer rates were increasing.

“It was brought up that some folks may be more detrimentally affected by the rate increases and that there was a desire to find some way to give some relief,” said Rawlinson.

One resident, Alexis D. Pipkins Sr., said some residents have taken issue with this.

“In terms of why the decision or how the decision was made to make it compulsory, that piece, I think, in terms of the review or the implementation of the process, should have taken a greater level of consideration,” said Pipkins.

Although Pipkins disagrees with how the program is being implemented, he said he doesn’t disagree with its intention.

“Water and sewer, those are essential services, and so in terms of trying to provide support for those who may be disabled and those that are elderly, I think it’s honorable to try to provide some supports there,” he said.

Those who qualify for the program can apply every six months and can receive a $150 maximum in a six-month period.

Residents can opt-out, but if they don’t, they will automatically be enrolled in the program.

To see how you can qualify for the program, visit this website.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.