Toho Water Authority (Toho) board of supervisors, during their most recent board meeting, voted to increase the Toho Assistance Program (TAP) funding by $50,000. The program will now be available to assist additional water customers during this uncertain economic downturn due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
TAP provides assistance paying existing water bills for households with elderly or disabled individuals or families with children under 12 years of age who might be facing a temporary financial crisis.
TAP funds are provided by Toho and managed by the Osceola Council on Aging (COA), which is responsible for administering all funds contributed to the program.
“Toho is here for our community during these times and always,” said Clarence Thacker, Chairman of the Toho board of supervisors. “This infusion of financial assistance that is needed during this difficult period aligns with our mission to continue to provide convenient access to the water services our customers count on.”
The next registration starts at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 20, customers in need of assistance can use COA’s online COVID19 Emergency Utility Assistance platform or can call 407-933-9540. The online platform can be found on www.osceolagenerations.org under the Services menu option. To ensure applications are processed in a timely manner, a limited number will be accepted per week. This online tool also serves neighboring utilities KUA and St. Cloud Utilities.
“We appreciate our community partners, like Toho, stepping up to help community members who need assistance the most,” said Warren Hougland, Community Services Director at the COA. “We are truly all in this together.”
Toho encourages customers who do not qualify for TAP funds to contact Toho Customer Service at 407-944-5000 prior to bills becoming delinquent due to non-payment. Customers may be eligible for a payment extension request or a payment plan may be devised.
