Pocatello offers billing help to federal workers

Federal employees living in Pocatello are encouraged to get in touch with the city’s Utility Billing Department.

The city is providing some assistance to workers impacted by the government shutdown by permitting payment arrangements on their accounts. In that way, they will be able to extend the due date of their bill or make partial payments to the account.

“Through no fault of their own, these workers may have fallen on hard times,” said Mayor Brian Blad. “This is a simple way that our City can provide them with a little help and show our support.”

Blad is also encouraging all Pocatello businesses to find a way to help federal employees deal with the situation.

Federal employees can visit the city’s Utility Billing office at 911 N. 7th Avenue during business hours or by placing a note in one of the Utility Billing Drop Boxes. Arrangements should be considered “pending” until formally accepted by the utility billing office. Residents will then receive notification.

Federal employees tell us they are forbidden from receiving direct contributions from the public, although management groups can help manage them.

In Pocatello, federal workers in need of food assistance should contact the Idaho Foodbank at 208-233-8811 or use the Food Assistance Locator.