L.S. Sewer District heads Caring by Sharing program

BY PAM STEVENS | EDITOR In last week’s Journal, we introduced the Lake Stevens Sewer District’s Caring by Sharing Program which has been implemented to help families in need of assistance in these hard times.

The Lake Stevens Sewer District has been working on a program to help those who may have trouble paying their sewer bills and their new Caring by Sharing Program fits the bill.

“This type of program is offered by other utility companies and is such a benefit to those who are in need. It is a way to give to others, knowing that you are making a difference in their lives, reducing the stress of having to worry about a payment they might not be able to pay,” Tonya Christoffersen, Deputy Manager of Administration for the Lake Stevens Sewer District said.

The program needs a non-profit organization to collect and distribute funds, which is why the Lake Stevens Family Center has stepped up to help in that capacity.

Sewer District staff and Commissioners are sensitive to those who have trouble paying their bills especially due to job loss and the tough choices that many are having to make right now.

“The Sewer District cares as much about the people they serve as they do about the service they provide,” Kathleen Friend, Director of the Lake Stevens Family Center said.

The Caring by Sharing program will take effect this month and ratepayers will find contribution vouchers in their monthly sewer statements. If families want to help other families, they can send the voucher along with the amount you choose to donate to the Lake Stevens Family Center at P.O. Box 288, Lake Stevens, Wash. 98258. They can also add additional funds to their monthly payment and the money will be delivered to the Family Center.

“If someone is unable to pay their bill, they can meet with the Lake Stevens Family Center staff and apply for a one month respite from paying their sewer bill. Because we are not sure of the demand, and we are not sure of what will be donated, we have limited it at this time, to a one month per year of paid sewer,” Christoffersen said. “The RCW code of Washington requires that all of the processing is managed by a non-profit, so in order to qualify and receive the discount, the requestor must go through the Family Center and not to the Sewer District office as we will not be able to assist you there, rather we will refer you to the Family Center.”

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