CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – With thousands of civilian employees at Fort Campbell going without pay during the government shutdown, and a lapse in SNAP benefits, the City Council Thursday night moved toward creating an added grace period for Clarksville Gas & Water bill payments.

The amendment, sponsored by Councilwoman and Gas & Water Committee Chair Deanna McLaughlin, was added to the council’s monthly agenda during Thursday’s meeting, according to a city news release.

Since the amendment did not appear on the executive session agenda a week earlier, it required and received two-thirds majority approval of the council for consideration. That vote was 11-0, with Councilwoman Wanda Smith abstaining. The bill subsequently gained unanimous first-reading approval.

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“Our department continually analyzes the needs and wants of customers through customer interactions and reviewing related policies,” said Gas & Water General Manager Mark Riggins in the release. “One comment we consistently hear is that, from time to time, customers simply need more time to pay.

“With the awful effects our community is enduring due to the federal government shutdown, we ask the council to allow us to move forward with the payment extension policy revision,” Riggins said.

How CGW extensions will work

If approved on second and final reading, this revised policy will allow Gas & Water, upon individual request, to extend a customer’s utility bill payment by 14 days to avoid interruption of service. The revised policy would allow two payment extensions per year, although not in immediate succession.

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This policy applies to all Clarksville Gas & Water customers, whether affected by the federal government shutdown, a future employer layoff, or any other unanticipated personal hurdles that might hurt household finances, the release said.

“As we respect customers’ privacy, and this policy is available to all, we will not require, nor ask for a reason, documentation, or other proof, but rather, simply ask customers to request the extension for documentation purposes,” Riggins said.

For shutdown and other special needs

“I want to sincerely thank our Gas & Water Department under the great leadership of General Manager Mark Riggins, and the full City Council, including Gas & Water Committee Chairman Deanna McLaughlin, for being sensitive to the household financial constraints that many Clarksville residents are experiencing, especially in these times of unprecedented federal government shutdown and inactivity,” said Mayor Joe Pitts in the release.

“Every action that we can take to ease some of the burden for our residents is our duty and responsibility, and I look forward to final Council passage of this measure,” Pitts said.

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“This 14-day payment extension is a vital safety net, recognizing that life sometimes throws unexpected financial challenges at our residents – whether it’s a government shutdown, a job loss, or any personal hurdle,” McLaughlin said. “Our goal is simple: to provide a little more breathing room and ensure that essential utility service remains on during those difficult times, all while respecting our customers’ privacy and dignity.”

What’s next

A special called session of the City Council is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 4:30 p.m. for a second-and-final-reading vote on the amendment.

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Christian Brown contributed to this report.