Sewer & Refuse Amnesty Program

OPTION A: ONE-TIME RELIEF

One-time relief for homeowners who reside in the property as their primary residence or for residential tenants who are legally liable by written agreement for the payment of the sewer/refuse bill either of whom are at or below the federal poverty line.

Beginning on March 1, 2020 and lasting until March 31, 2020, either of the above individuals owing $250 or more on the combined sewer/refuse bill as of November 1, 2019 AND with household income at or below the federal poverty line is eligible for a one-time 100% forgiveness of the total past due amount owed as of November 1, 2019. The one-time relief amnesty program application must be accompanied by proof of total annual income for 2017, 2018, and 2019. Failure to include any requested documentation will result in denial of amnesty. If all requirements are met, the outstanding sewer/refuse balance will be reduced to zero. Customers will be expected to remain current with any sewer/refuse bill issued after November 1, 2019 to avoid the water shut off process.

OPTION B: 50% DISCOUNT PERIOD

50% Discount Repayment Period – must be paid during month of march 2020

Beginning on March 1, 2020 and lasting until March 31, 2020, any customer owing $250 or more in arrears on their combined sewer and refuse bills as of November 1, 2019 is eligible for a 50% reduction of the total past due amount owed on their sewer/refuse bill as of November 1, 2019. To be eligible for this discount, customers must pay their discounted total in full by March 31, 2020. The total due must be paid in a single transaction.

OPTION C: 120-MONTH EXTENDED PAYMENT PLAN

120 Month Payment Plan – 25% off total sewer and refuse arrearages

Beginning on March 1, 2020 and lasting until March 31, 2020, any customer owing $250 or more in arrears on their sewer/refuse bill as of November 1, 2019 is eligible to enter into an extended and discounted 120-month payment agreement for the total past due amount owed as of November 1, 2019. Customers who sign up for this plan will be eligible for 25% forgiveness of their total outstanding sewer/refuse bill when they pay off 75% of the past due amount owed, so long as they make their past due monthly payments as scheduled and remain current on any sewer/refuse bill issued after November 1, 2019. No water shut off procedures will be taken during the 120-month payment period if the customer remains current with the payment plan as well as the current bills.

Additional Information

Any customer that has not signed an extended or discounted payment plan agreement by March 31, 2020 will be ineligible for an extended or discounted payment plan. Beginning on April 1, 2020 payment plans will be limited to a 12-month maximum period with no discounts offered.

The best way to receive answers about the amnesty program is to meet with us in person at York City Hall during the month of March 2020. A voice mailbox has been set up at 717-849-5223. You may also email amnesty@yorkcity.org. Inquiries sent to the voicemail box and the email address will be responded to within 48 hours.

Office Location & Hours

Special office hours will be implemented on the following dates strictly for sewer and refuse payment processing to better serve members of the public that may be unable to make it to York City Hall (101 S. George Street) during normal business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if I Am Eligible for The Amnesty Program?

Eligibility is determined based on your November 1, 2019 past due sewer/refuse bill. If your past due amount is greater than $250 and your application is submitted and approved during March 2020 as required, you are eligible to participate in one of the amnesty programs.

How Do I Know if I Am Eligible for The One-Time 100% Relief (option A)?

If your combined sewer and refuse bill is $250 or greater and your household meets the federal poverty guidelines outlined below you are eligible for 100% amnesty relief. An application and specific documentation is required. If all conditions are met, your outstanding sewer/refuse balance will be reduced to zero. Customers must remain current with any sewer/refuse bill issued after November 1, 2019 to avoid the water shut off process.

Do I Need to Stay Current on My Bill if I Participate in An Amnesty Program?

If you are participating in Option C, the 120-month payment plan, provided that you maintain both the payment schedule and remain current on the owed sewer and refuse bill, shut off procedures will not be taken during the payment plan period.

Can I Make Sewer and Refuse Amnesty Arrangements Over the Phone?

No. Individuals wishing to take advantage of this program must come to York City Hall (101 S. George Street) in person on the posted dates to participate in the amnesty program.

What if I Have a Delinquent Sewer/refuse Bill but Don’t Participate in The Amnesty Program?

Beginning April 1, 2020, customers who are delinquent on their bill will be subject to water service termination and other methods of collections per City of York ordinance 933.09(a).

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