The city of Ferndale is giving federal employees a break on their bills during the partial government shut down.
Furloughed or unpaid workers can defer their city payments, including water and utility bills, taxes, and parking costs.
“This is a hardship that I believe they shouldn’t have to endure simply because of the political squabbles in Washington,” Mayor David Coulter said.
Payments will be deferred throughout the shutdown and for an additional 60 days after it's over. No additional late fees will be charged while the payments are delayed.
“We decided that the furloughed employees deserve all the support that we can give them,” Coulter said.
Coulter said federal employees from other cities who are visiting Ferndale can also have their parking fees waived by going to City Hall to obtain a special parking pass.
Residents can take part in the payment deferral program by applying in person at City Hall or completing the online application here.
Eligible workers will be asked to verify their status with a federal employee ID or pay stub.
