City plans support for utility bills

Julye Keeble|Leader-News


Gloria Resma (at podium) executive assistant to city manager Vince DiPiazza, accompanied by Lucia Guedea (left), utility office manager, and Marisa Arreola, assistant utility office manager, speaks to city council about their work to implement a utility bill assistance fund. The trio spoke about the Helping Hand Fund at the April 26 city meeting, and Resma said the fund began accepting applications on May 17.

Years after conceiving of the idea, staff with the city of Uvalde have implemented a utility assistance plan called the Helping Hand Fund, and city council has funded the program with more than $25,000, according to city finance director Felix Castillo.

Applications began being accepted on Tuesday.

The fund currently has approximately $29,450 in funds, with $4,450 raised from fundraising efforts including races held years ago by city employees. Castillo said city council supports the program, and agreed for staff to allocate $25,000 to the beginning fund balance to begin the program.

Gloria Resma, executive assistant to city manager Vince DiPiazza, Lucia Guedea, utility office manager and Marisa Arreola, assistant utility office manager, spoke about the program to the Uvalde City Council at their April 26 meeting.

“Over the last few months we decided to develop this program because we are finding that there is a need for it,” Resma said.

Resma said two categories were created, with the first allowing city residential utility customers experiencing financial hardship due to special circumstances to apply for assistance. Those in this category may qualify for up to $150 in bill relief, up to two times per year, for a maximum allowance of $300.

The second category is for those age 65 and up, and those in this category may be eligible for aid with one month of utility bills, up to three times per year.

Applicants will be evaluated on a case by case basis as long as funds are available. Criteria for those requesting aid includes the elderly, disabled, veterans, and persons participating in the SNAP, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or receiving Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or certain needs-tested veterans benefits.

Proof of financial hardship may be required, and the utility account must be in the applicant or their spouse’s name at their primary residence.

Any assistance offered by the program will be applied to the customer’s outstanding utility bill, and assistance cannot be used to establish new service.Existing city utility customers who wish to donate to the Helping Hand Fund will have the opportunity to send in a one-time donation or they may choose to have their utility bill rounded up to the next dollar.

 Contribution forms will be sent out with the monthly utility bills and are available online.

To apply, go by the administration or utility office at city hall, 101 E. Main St., or apply online, tinyurl.com/2p8fm6ch. 

For more information, contact Resma by calling 830-278-3315 ext. 141 or via email at gresma@uvaldetx.gov.