Chatham County is preparing to restart its practices of disconnecting water services and collecting delinquent taxes on Monday.

The county government suspended both of these actions earlier this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper created an executive order preventing utility companies from disconnecting customers due to late payments, but the moratorium ended July 29. Chatham County implemented their own suspension in an effort to help those experiencing financial challenges, but the county’s extension ends August 31.

According to the county, utility collections staff sent letters to delinquent utility customers on August 14 to inform them of the upcoming restart. While disconnections and late fees were waived through the end of the month, Chatham County said residents with past due or current account balances are expected to pay such amounts.

In its release, the county government shared some tips for how utility customers could try to reduce their future financial obligation. Making as full of payments as possible, creating a payment plan with the Chatham County Utilities Department, checking for leaks and conserving water use were just a few of the suggestions.

Monday will also be the start date Chatham County’s delinquent tax collector will begin enforcing collections once again. That practice has been on hold since March 16.

Chatham County utility customers looking to pay balances or learn more details about the disconnection suspension can connect the Chatham County Utilities Department at 919-542-8270. Those looking for more information on tax payment options can contact the Chatham County Tax Collections office’s website or at 919-542-8260.

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