San Benito allowing customers to delay paying utility bills

The City of San Benito officials announced that leniency on payment of utilities' bills is being extended.

"We will suspend late charges and disconnects on late bills for a period of time due to the hurricane emergency," Mayor Joe H. Hernandez said in a press release issued late Monday.

"We would like everyone to come in as soon as possible to make their payments, but we don't want them to worry about that right now," he said.

Officials also advise residents that it could be days or even up to a week before full power is restored.

Emergency Management Coordinator Orlando Garcia said the city is not in charge of electrical service and can't do anything except report problems to AEP.

"We at the City Hall, where the Emergency Operations Center is located, and the Municipal Building are still without power. All we can do is to urge residents to please be patient and their services will be restored as soon as possible," Trevino said.

To report outages, call 877-373-4858.

Communications Director Martha McClain said that city offices have been closed due to the power outage, preventing residents from paying the water bills.

She added that the continued power outages were driving residents into the city-operated shelter, located in the Community Building, 210 E. Heywood.

Late Monday, there were 100 people in the shelter, down from the 850 that occupied three separate buildings on the San Benito High School campus last Tuesday and Wednesday. Supplies, including 1,000 pre-packaged meals were delivered for consumption.

McClain said that on a more positive note, water and sewer services are working well throughout the city. "The water is safe to drink and we have no problems with our sewers," Trevino said.