The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana

The city of Pendleton has announced that they will be accepting credit cards and debit cards for payment of utility bills. While this may have been initiated to make it more convenient for payments, given the times we are in, it may lead some to further extent already troublesome debt. Many families are already robbing Peter to pay Paul because of increased cost at the grocery, a job loss, or an other increase in the cost of living that have struck many. For instance, the Town of Pendleton announced just recently that they were increasing the cost of electricity by some 5.8% starting immediately with another increase to follow in 2009.

For those who find themselves in need of assistance for utility bill payments there may be other solutions rather than digging themselves into additional long term expense. Many agencies around Madison County do offer assistance to those who qualify. Names of some of these sources may be available from utility offices, via the internet, your local library, or though information that can be obtained from Township offices and charitable organizations in the area.