March 20, 2020 9:55 a.m.
Roseburg residents are now able to make water utility payments, and pay court or traffic fines via their phones.
City of Roseburg Communication’s Specialist Eric Johnson said the change was made in an effort to help residents and businesses effected by the COVID-19 situation. Johnson said account holders can now pay their bill over the phone by calling 492-6720.
The latest option allows for social distancing as well as a convenient way to help people pay bills safety from home. City Finance Director Ron Harker said for security reasons they don’t normally allow payments over the phone. He said however, ‘in these trying times, we felt it was necessary to relax this policy and make it easier for customers to pay their water bill or their court and traffic fines”. Harker said that customer safety is the number one priority, and “creating this new option for payment is not only more convenient, but also keeps our employees safe”.
Johnson said although paying by phone is now available, staff prefers that customers pay their water bills online. Payments can also put in the City Hall drop box, located by the main entrance. Johnson said the City strongly encourages its customers to use social distancing by utilizing both of these methods of payments.
Johnson said in this unprecedented time, the City understands that residents may be undergoing hardships that make it difficult to pay their financial obligations. He said that flexible payment plans can be tailored to each individual’s economic situation.
In addition to paying monthly water utilities, new customers can also set up their water service via the phone.
Go to www.cityofroseburg.org for more information.