The City of South Bend will forgive the outstanding utility debts of nearly 5000 South Bend households.

This comes after a nearly two-year moratorium on water shutoffs, and includes water, sewer, and solid waste services.

Mayor James Mueller says its time to move forward and lift the moratorium on shutoffs. He adds that this relief on City utility debt provides residents with a clean slate and comes with expanded assistance programs to help residents stay up to date.

The City will relieve a total of $3.1 million in unpaid City utility bills for 4,957 households, reflected on March or April bills.

\Water shutoffs for nonpayment will resume in June. Formal approval of the one-time program is expected on March 8.