Several residents came to the Piedmont City Council meeting Tuesday night to express frustration over the substantial increase in their utility bills for the month of January.

“I know that a lot of people are on unemployment right now and are struggling,” said one resident. Bills have doubled for some, residents said, and they aren’t sure how they’ll be able to pay.

“There’s been no rate increase,” said Councilman Billy Baker. “It’s probably just the fact that we’ve just used more gas trying to keep our houses warm.”

Baker said that the 13 straight days of very cold weather during the month of January likely caused a large increase in gas and electric consumption.

The council has approved a program that will allow residents to sign an agreement that would put off a portion of their bill. Residents can pick up an application at the water-gas building on South Center Avenue that will allow them to pay 50 percent of their utility bill immediately, with the remainder to be paid on an agreed upon payment plan.

Mayor Brian Young said that payment schedules will be worked out on a case by case basis, taking into consideration each applicant’s total amount due.

City Clerk Michelle Franklin said that she could not say for certain if the assistance program will be available for the February billing cycle, but that it is possible if the extreme cold weather persists.

Piedmont Housing Authority Director Keith Word said that residents can also receive help paying their utility bills by calling or stopping by the Community Action Agency at 206 Lee Street in Piedmont.

The agency basis applicants on income only, said Word, and can be reached at 256-447-6563 and at 256-237-4114.

In other business, the council passed a resolution proclaiming February as Black History Month for the city of Piedmont.