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Water/Sewer

You may drop the application in the 24hr Dropbox located in the parking lot of City Hall

or Email it to: 
[email protected] 

or Mail it to:
City of Backus
PO Box 44

Are you struggling to pay your water/sewer bill and need help? 

The City can set up a payment plan with you if needed. To set up a payment plan please contact the City Clerk for approval of a payment plan. You will need to fill out the Repayment Agreement form and return it to City Hall. You can mail it to: PO Box 44 Backus, MN 56435. Drop it off at City Hall during business hours or put it in the 24-hr drop box located in the parking lot at: 112 King St South Backus, MN 56435. Or email it to [email protected]. All payment plans must be approved by the City Clerk. Any missed payments will VOID any agreed on payment plans and the account will be due in full immediately. 

Click here for the Repayment Agreement Form: Repayment Agreement Form

If you are looking for assistance with your Utility Bills further information can be found below. Or please contact Cass County at: 218-547-1340

Utility Bill Assistance in Cass County, MN

If you’re struggling to pay heating, electric, or other utility bills in Cass County, Minnesota, several programs can help you avoid disconnection and reduce costs.

1. Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Administered by the BI-CAP (Bi-County Community Action Program) in Cass County, the EAP is free and available year-round (October 1–May 31) for renters and homeowners with income at or below 50% of the state median BI-CAP.

  • Primary Heat Grant: Pays a portion of heating/energy costs; grants are based on household size, income, and prior year’s energy use. Payments go directly to your utility or fuel provider.

  • Crisis Program: For emergencies like a disconnect notice, lack of fuel, or past-due bills. Can help reconnect service, get emergency fuel delivery, or pay overdue balances BI-CAP.

  • Energy-Related Repair (ERR): For life-threatening heating emergencies or furnace repairs/replacements; requires proof of ownership BI-CAP.

  • Eligibility: Sliding scale based on household size and income; automatic qualification if you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI LIHEAP Offices.

  • Apply: Online at BI-CAP EAP or by mail to:
    BI-CAP, 6603 Bemidji Ave N / PO Box 579, Bemidji, MN 56619
    Phone: 218‑751‑4631 BI-CAP.

2. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
A federal/state program for heating and cooling bill help, available year-round LIHEAP Offices.

  • Cass County LIHEAP Offices:

    • Bi-County Community Action Program: 8245 Industrial Park Rd, Walker, MN 56484

    • Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: 16126 John Moose Dr, Cass Lake, MN 56633 LIHEAP Offices.

  • Eligibility: Based on household size and income; automatic for SNAP, TANF, or SSI participants LIHEAP Offices.

3. Local & Charitable Resources

  • Churches United: Offers financial aid for bills, rent, and other expenses; call 218‑444‑1380 Need Help Paying Bills.

  • Bemidji Community Soup Kitchen: Free meals; no income restrictions; call 751‑2810 Need Help Paying Bills.

  • Fargo-Moorhead Salvation Army: Utility assistance for Cass & Clay counties; call 701‑232‑5565 Salvation Army Midwest.

4. Additional Cass County Help

  • Reach Out For Warmth / Energy Assistance Program Crisis: Emergency heating help for disconnects, empty fuel tanks, or furnace repairs Need Help Paying Bills.

  • Weatherization & Conservation Improvement Program: Free energy efficiency upgrades; partners include Tail Power, Crow Wing Power, Lake Country Power, and MN Power Need Help Paying Bills.

5.National Veteran Utility Assistance Programs

If you are a disabled veteran, you may also qualify for:

  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) - Contact your VA Health Care Provider

  • Grants to Provide Stability (GPS) 

    The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) Grants to Provide Stability (GPS) program offers up to $1,000 to eligible Minnesota veterans facing temporary financial hardship, helping cover essential housing and utility costs.

    Program Overview

    The GPS Home Program is designed for veterans in Minnesota who experience a sudden drop in income and need immediate help to avoid homelessness or stabilize housing Disabled Veterans National Foundation. It is not a guaranteed award — approval is on a case-by-case basis, and each veteran can only receive one grant per fiscal year (October–September) Disabled Veterans National Foundation.

    What’s Covered

    • Essential housing expenses: Rent or mortgage (including property taxes)

    • Essential utilities: Electricity, water, gas, propane, oil, waste disposal Disabled Veterans National Foundation

    • Car payments (if employment-related)

    • Internet (if employment-related)

    Not covered: Deposits, moving expenses, medical bills, car insurance, cable, or any direct payments to the veteran cdn.cocodoc.com.

    Eligibility

    • Must be a post‑9/11 veteran with a confirmed discharge status (DD‑214 showing character of service) Disabled Veterans National Foundation.

    • Must be in temporary financial hardship and at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

    • Must have a plan to continue services after the grant period cdn.cocodoc.com.

    Required Application Materials

    • Completed DVNF GPS Home Program Application Form

    • Certified DD‑214 (stamped by VA, courthouse, or VSO)

    • Cover letter explaining the hardship, need, and plans after the grant

    • Budget worksheet and bill(s) to be paid (lease or utility bill)

    • Letter of reference from a Veteran Service Officer or caseworker

    • HIPAA Authorization Form (to verify veteran’s situation) cdn.cocodoc.com

    Application Process

    • Submit via fax to (202) 737‑0214 or mail to:
      Disabled Veterans National Foundation GPS Home Program
      1634 “Eye” Street, Suite 750
      Washington, DC 20006 cdn.cocodoc.com

    • DVNF processes applications within about 30 days cdn.cocodoc.com.

    • If approved, checks are mailed to vendors twice a month Disabled Veterans National Foundation.

    How to Apply

    1. Gather all required documents.

    2. Complete the DVNF GPS Home Program Application Form.

    3. Submit your application with all supporting documents.

    4. Follow up if you do not hear back within 30 days.

    Tip: If you are in Minnesota, you can also explore Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) grants for veterans’ organizations, which may offer broader support for housing and stability programs Minnesota's State Portal. For more details or to start your application, visit the DVNF GPS Home Program page or contact DVNF directly.

  • American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance – Cass County, MN

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the state VA Claims Insider.

Tips for Applying

  • Have proof of veteran status (DD214 or VA letter).

  • Gather income documentation and utility bills.

  • Apply early — some programs have application windows (e.g., EAP runs Oct–May).

  • Recertify on time to avoid losing benefits.

Additional Veteran-Focused Utility Help
National and state programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), Operation Homefront, and Grants to Provide Stability (GPS) can also assist veterans with utilities VA Claims Insider. Veterans should check eligibility and apply through their VA or local VA office.

Tip: Many programs require recertification before benefits end, so veterans should set reminders to maintain eligibility Need Help Paying Bills.

Next Steps:

  • Start with Cass County Veterans Services Office (VSO) for benefits counseling and program referrals.

    • Apply: Online at BI-CAP EAP or by mail to:
      BI-CAP, 6603 Bemidji Ave N / PO Box 579, Bemidji, MN 56619
      Phone: 218‑751‑4631 BI-CAP.

      Apply for BI-CAP EAP if you need heating/electric help.

  • Contact Churches United or Bi‑County Community Action Programs for emergency or long-term support. 

    • Churches United: Offers financial aid for bills, rent, and other expenses; call 218‑444‑1380 Need Help Paying Bills.

    • BI-CAP (Bi-County Community Action Program) in Cass County, the EAP is free and available year-round (October 1–May 31) for renters and homeowners with income at or below 50% of the state median BI-CAP.

  • Explore national veteran utility assistance programs for extra options. 

There are also several programs available for low-income households at the site below - 

Utility Assistance Programs in Minnesota – USCIS Guide