Actions taken by VML member localities to assist furloughed workers during the Dec. 22, 2018 – Jan. 25, 2019 federal government shutdown.
To request updates or to add your locality to the list below, contact Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org.
Commonwealth of Virginia: On Jan. 28, SB 1737 (Civil relief; furloughed or otherwise not receiving wages, etc.) passed the Senate General Laws and Technology committee.
City of Chesapeake offers resources for families in need, including a 30-day extension for water and sewer bills or a payment arrangement. Assistance is available upon request and with validation of circumstance. Information is available at Cityofchesapeake.net.
City of Fredericksburg has resolved that city residents will not have their services cut off due to late payment for bills with a January 25th due date. Council has also directed that staff develop a temporary ordinance to waive late penalties on these January 25th utility bills in an effort to relieve hardship caused by the federal government shutdown.
Additionally, City Council voted in favor of extending the supplement personal property tax bill deadline from January 31, 2019 until February 28, 2019. All city residents who have received this supplemental tax bill will have their due dates extended to February 28th without needing to show proof of hardship.
City of Norfolk is offering part-time employment options for employees who have been furloughed. Those who are hired may end their employment with the City of Norfolk once the shutdown ends, or keep the job depending on the assignment. Job listings include an administrative technician opening, family services worker I, a lifeguard position and an office assistant position, among others. Click here to apply.
- City of Norfolk is helping furloughed federal employees from nine federal departments. Participants must be Norfolk residents and show proof of employment. They are offering payment plans for HRUBS bills, personal property and real estate taxes. The city will also defer payments for monthly parkers and waive late fees accumulated during the shutdown for parking tickets issued in the last 30 days. Contact info for each of these services can be found at gov.
City of Portsmouth is offering food referrals and assistance with utility or rental payments. The City Treasurer’s Office is offering tax deferments and Dominion Energy’s customer service team is available to discuss payment options as well. Contact information for these services is available at Portsmouthva.gov.
- Portsmouth Parking Authority said access cards will not be turned off and late fees will not be applied for those who are active-duty Coast Guard members, or those who are working without getting paid. They will retroactively suspend accounts for those who are furloughed and those who contact them confirming the last day the access card was used on the Middle Street Garage’s system. For more information, call 757-393-8800.
- Portsmouth Police Department is collecting goods – like diapers, baby wipes, non-perishable food items and toiletries – for Coast Guard members impacted by the shutdown.
City of Suffolk is offering crisis assistance for families without heat, imminent utility cut-off, and inoperable or unsafe heating equipment. They are also offering intake services, tax deferments and payment extensions. For department-specific contact information, visit Suffolkva.us.
City of Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office will give free meals to federal workers and their families who are impacted. Meals will be served on Jan. 21-22, 28, 30 and Feb. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Training Academy, located at 411 Integrity Way if the shutdown continues. Participants must bring federal work IDs.
Town of Culpepper: is working with those that have requested assistance based on their need.
Town of Richlands has provided deferment of electric, water and sewer payments upon request from furloughed federal workers until the furlough is ended.
Town of Warrenton is waiving all utility late fees and allowing roll overs for federal government employees. Additionally, working create a consolidated page on our website for events and help by local businesses in our community. Examining more options and bringing them to Council.
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved financial aid to local food pantries and a temporary fee waiver for federal workers who ride Loudoun County Transit buses. Additional details are in the news release online. Loudoun County compiled a webpage of county resources for residents affected by the shutdown.
