News Details (Posted: June 20, 2008):

Friendly Rock Program

Full Description:

Friendly Rock Program Changes to program make it easier to donate Since 1994, the City of Round Rock has offered the Friendly Rock Program to help Round Rock residents facing financial difficulties pay for essential water utility services. In April, the City Council approved changes to the program that make it even easier to contribute to this worthwhile cause. In the past, customers had to sign up for the program in order to make a donation. Starting with the May billing cycle, Round Rock utility customers will see a $1 donation for Friendly Rock automatically added to their current billed amount. Customers can choose not to include the donation with their payment without penalty. They can eliminate the automatic addition by checking “None” in the Friendly Rock section at the top of their bill, or by calling the Utility Billing office at 218-5460. Direct debit customers will not be affected by these changes. They still need to sign up for the program in order to donate. Online customers will also have the option to include a $1 donation in their payment. Currently, less than 1 percent of utility customers participate in the program. The City hopes to increase that number because of the need in the community. So far in 2008, the Round Rock Serving Center, which administers the program, has already provided $6,000 in assistance just for Round Rock customers. Last year, the Friendly Rock Program collected about $4,200, comprising only about 25 percent of the Serving Center’s expenses for water bill assistance. The program is designed to provide emergency, not on-going, assistance, and customers can only get help from it once every six months.