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 2008, 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 2008 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 will 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.

The program is designed to provide emergency, not on-going, assistance, and customers can only get help from it once every six months.