Miramar mayor offers to help pay federal workers’ bills amid government shutdown
The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1, causing paychecks to be stalled for federal workers across the country.
Some federal employees in Miramar are being furloughed, according to Mayor Wayne M. Messam, and they may not have enough money to pay their bills as the shutdown continues.
At a regular commission meeting Oct. 1, Messam said, “They’re not collecting a paycheck while Washington is in gridlock, but guess what? They still need our water to survive.”
In response, the mayor is offering assistance to verified federal employees by exempting their water bills from late fees, offering payment arrangements and preventing their water from being turned off.
“The City of Miramar not only is the home of several federal agents and employees, we also have residents … that work at various places whether it’s the airport, law enforcement or other civic service,” Messam said.
To qualify, individuals should provide a letter from their employer confirming furlough status, a recent pay stub and a federal ID, according to a statement from the city.
“This is a temporary measure to help our neighbors get through the crisis until they return to work,” the statement said.
Residents can visit the water billing division at two locations:
- Miramar City Hall, 2300 Civic Center Place
- Multi-Service Center, 6700 Miramar Pkwy
The FBI Miami division and ICE ERO-Center are two federal agency buildings located in Miramar. The Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE agents are currently working without pay.
In a statement, FBI Miami officials told the Miramar News: “FBI operations will continue even during a lapse in appropriations. All FBI employees are considered excepted due to the critical support that FBI personnel (HQ, field, and legal attaché) provide to address imminent threats to human life and property through our national security and law enforcement mission.”
This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 2:56 PM.
