{"id":78216,"date":"2020-03-31T12:15:50","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T16:15:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=78216"},"modified":"2020-11-24T19:07:27","modified_gmt":"2020-11-25T00:07:27","slug":"local-government-covid-19-update-3-31-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2020\/03\/31\/local-government-covid-19-update-3-31-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Local government COVID-19 update – 3\/31\/2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

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City of Fort Wayne and Allen County news release:<\/p>\n

Local government and utility and banking sectors provide update on COVID-19 response and resources that are available to the public<\/strong><\/p>\n

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(March 31, 2020) \u2013 Local government and utility and banking sectors today provided an update on the community\u2019s response to COVID-19 and resources that are available to the public.<\/p>\n

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown, and Nelson Peters were joined in-person by representatives from City Utilities and STAR Financial Bank.<\/p>\n

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City Utilities<\/strong>
\nEarlier this month, City Utilities suspended utility service disconnects for non-payment. In the field, during this crisis, City Utilities has suspended meter change-outs, including previously scheduled appointments, except in emergencies. It is important for customers who are not able to pay or pay their full amount to contact customer service about their situation and work out a payment plan. Customers can use the kiosk located outside of Citizens Square and off of the parking lot at 200 East Berry St. to make payments or call customer service to discuss an account. <\/p>\n

NIPSCO<\/strong>
\nNIPSCO recently announced that it has voluntarily suspended shutoffs for nonpayment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This suspension applies to residential, commercial and industrial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. In addition, NIPSCO is offering its most flexible payment plans to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19 and will suspend late payment charges until May 1. NIPSCO will continue to monitor current events and support our customers and communities. Meanwhile, NIPSCO continues to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the health and safety of its workforce in order to maintain reliable energy service for customers and the ability to respond to emergency events, should they occur. For further assistance, please call customer care at 1-800-4-NIPSCO or visit NIPSCO.com. In addition, the NiSource Charitable Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by NIPSCO\u2019s parent company NiSource Inc., announced that it has committed $400,000 to the American Red Cross in Indiana as part of its overall $1 million donation to help provide COVID-19 relief support across the company\u2019s seven-state service territory. The dollars are intended to support the delivery of care and comfort to local communities in need as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. <\/p>\n

Indiana Michigan Power<\/strong>
\nI&M does not anticipate any interruptions in our service related to the coronavirus. I&M\u2019s No. 1 focus is on the health and safety of our customers and employees as teams continue to work to keep the lights on 24\/7. Recognizing the need for Personal Protection Equipment in communities we serve, I&M is donating 10,000 masks and 10,000 individual nitrile gloves from our inventory to health-care workers and first responders throughout the areas we serve in Indiana and Michigan. The mask is the much-needed N95 mask, and the gloves are nitrile gloves, made from a synthetic rubber. Additionally, the American Electric Power Foundation is donating $1.5 million in emergency funds to support basic human needs and help address the hardships faced by customers and communities. Of that, $240,000 will be distributed to appropriate non-profit agencies in the I&M service territory. Because we know that many of our customers are facing unusual financial hardships, we have temporarily suspended all service disconnections for non-payment. All customers will ultimately be responsible for paying their bill, and we urge them to try to keep their accounts current. If a customer is going to have trouble paying their bill, please contact us by phone at: 1-800-311-4634 or through Facebook or Twitter to discuss payment options.<\/p>\n

Banking<\/strong>
\nSTAR Financial Bank is working to provide short term loan relief options for retail customers if needed. Additionally, in collaboration with the Small Business Administration, STAR is looking to facilitate several assistance programs to commercial and small business clients. STAR drive-up video banking remains available at all locations from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and STAR mobile and online banking are available 24\/7 to all customers. STAR lobbies continue to maintain \u201cspecial designated hours\u201d by appointment only that can be set up through a Customer Service line. As a member of the FDIC, STAR is committed to keeping client funds secure and accessible. As a community bank, STAR remains available to help the community.<\/p>\n

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Residents are encouraged to check with their respective bank to see what services and help may be available.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m encouraged that our utility and banking partners understand the significance of this pandemic and are responding accordingly. It\u2019s vital for us to help meet the challenges that individuals, families, and businesses are experiencing,\u201d said Mayor Henry. \u201cBy working together, we\u2019ll get through this and be a stronger and more united community.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope our residents find the information we are providing valuable and helpful. Uncertainty in times like these often leads to anxiety, stress and tension. By directing our citizens to these resources which can provide assistance, we hope to reduce that uncertainty and stress so that we can all pull through this together,\u201d said the Allen County Board of Commissioners. <\/p>\n

With more cases of COVID-19 being confirmed in Allen County, leaders again stressed the importance of practicing social distancing, washing hands thoroughly and regularly, and limiting activities in group settings. The public is reminded to be vigilant and use good judgment as a result of Governor Holcomb\u2019s stay-at-home order.<\/p>\n

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COVID-19 updates<\/strong><\/p>\n