By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Kansas Governor Laura Kelley’s executive order following the COVID-19 pandemic called for all disconnects to be prohibited through May 31 for electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications.
The City of Great Bend handles water services for residents and are continuing to monitor the state’s and Kansas Corporation Commission's orders regarding utility disconnects.
City Clerk Shawna Schafer estimated customers will still be given a week's notice before water is shut off following the end of May.
"The number of people withholding payment during this period is not large," said Schafer. "We have crammed numbers on outstanding accounts, and we actually had more outstanding during the winter than these past two months. Those were numbers through the end March though."
Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis mentioned at the beginning of May that the city is still assessing late charges but will work with residents.