Resident raises concerns about Fountain Utilities payment-assistance process during public comment

At the March 11 Fountain City Council meeting, resident Constance Weisenhunt used the public-comment period to say she and others seeking help with Fountain Utilities were told they were ineligible for payment arrangements.

Weisenhunt said utility staff told her the utility uses an internal credit rating and that accounts above a certain amount—she reported a figure of about $750—may not be eligible for the payment-assistance program. She said attempts to locate the program’s eligibility information were unsuccessful and that a utility representative she spoke with became agitated.

City staff on the dais asked staff to follow up. City Manager (Mr.) Trainor said he would follow up with Weisenhunt and report back to council. Councilmembers and staff urged residents to contact utility customer service before receiving a shut-off notice so options can be explored.

Weisenhunt also described prior nonprofit and shelter research she had done to verify services available to unhoused residents; she asked the council to improve communications and access to assistance programs.