Robbinsville – The Graham County Department of Social Services is adding a new service for the community.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on the community, the department is now offering assistance with water bills in addition to its other services.
The program is funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
“It’s a brand new program that’s got quite a bit of money attached to it,” said department of social services director Amy Seay.
At the department’s meeting held Dec. 14, Commissioner Dale Wiggins highlighted a need for more information about the new service to be made available to the public.
“You’ve got about $14,000 there and I’m just curious because a couple of weeks ago, our church was asked to donate money to help pay people’s water bills that the town of Robbinsville said they were going to disconnect the following day and the day after that, and the total they were looking for was about $5,000,” Wiggins said.
“I’m sure there must be a lot of past due bills, but I’m wondering why didn’t these people come to you guys?”
Seay said that her department was still trying to get the word out about the relatively-new program.
“If you come in for another service, we’re asking you about that service,” Seay said.
The board also discussed the possibility of giving the Town of Robbinsville resources to distribute regarding the assistance.
“We’ve never done water,” Seay said. “Dec. 1, I think was when it started, and it’s brand new.”
In addition to the new program, Seay said the department had managed to fill some of the vacancies, with three vacancies remaining.
“We did get those Medicaid positions filled and they have all started,” Seay noted.