When: Ephrata Borough Council meeting, April 5.
What happened: Ephrata residents threatened by utility shutoffs have gotten a one-month reprieve before disconnection. Council voted unanimously to extend the disconnection moratorium to April 29, thanks to the recently approved American Rescue Plan passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.
Background: Inside that plan is an energy and utility provision that allows residents to apply for funding grants to help pay their outstanding fees. The plan provides $4.5 billion nationwide that can be used to pay utilities, rents and mortgages.
Whatâs next: Residents in arrears have 30 days to apply for help under the plan which, if approved, will help them pay their obligations for up to a year. But to receive this reprieve they must apply, said Ricky L. Ressler, the boroughâs budget and finance committee chairman. He said residents affected by the threat of disconnection can apply with Lancaster County, and they can get