City of Columbus

City Leaders Announce Assistance For Furloughed Federal Workers

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus City Council announced plans to assist furloughed federal workers with utility bills and outlined what a continued shutdown could mean to Columbus residents. 

“Federal employees should not face penalties and potential loss of basic services like water because the federal government cannot work together to pass a budget,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “We will do our part to support families during this difficult time, but I call on the President and Congress to reach a resolution and reopen the government.”

The Department of Public Utilities will waive penalties to any furloughed federal employees who reside in the city of Columbus and are unable to pay their city utility bills. Eligible federal employees will make minimal monthly payments until the shutdown is over. To begin the process, furloughed employees should call 614-645-8276 or visit the walk-in payment office at 111 N. Front Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215. They should bring proof of employment, such as a pay stub or an employee identification badge. 

“As a City, as a community, we will do what we can to help our residents during this unprecedented moment,” said President Pro Tem Michael Stinziano. “As citizens and neighborhoods look for answers, we stand ready to help serve them to find solutions.”

City leaders also noted the dramatic affect a continued shutdown will mean not just for federal workers, but for many residents of Columbus.

While city programs that rely on funding from the federal government are not impacted yet, a continued shutdown will mean delays of projects funded in part by Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) including the new Linden Community Recreation Center, affordable housing projects and the new Hilltop early childhood education center.

Programs such as School’s Out that coordinates services during school breaks may also be cut. Funding for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food and nutrition service that supplies supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income mothers and children could run out by the end of February.

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