BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Brentwood City Commission has voted to approve a resolution waiving the fees for overdue Brentwood Water and Sewer bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accounts not paid by the due date are typically charged a ten percent late fee and disconnection of service. Because of economic hardship brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Resolution 2020-35 authorizes a temporary modification to Brentwood's utility billing.
"As a way to provide a small measure of relief for Brentwood Water and Sewer Customers who may be adversely impacted by the current economic circumstances, staff recommended a formal City Commission authorization to waive the ten percent penalty for late payments for bills due in the months of March, April and May," said Brentwood Water Services Director Chris Milton.
The resolution was passed unanimously by the seven-member commission.
"We are glad that Brentwood is in a financial position to be able to provide a small measure of relief for our residents and businesses during this unprecedented time," said Brentwood Commissioner Susannah Macmillan.
Brentwood City Manager Kirk Bednar says the exact dollar amount this could cost the water and sewer department is impossible to estimate. Historical data, though, estimates that the loss could be in the range of $30,000.
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What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
