County Manager James Feeley encouraged department heads to contact the media to get the word out about programs and services. Many representatives are willing to speak with community groups or civic organizations about eligibility requirements and answer questions about their programs.

And neighbors and family members watching out for one another is equally important.

Regular visits to the frail, disabled or homebound should be made, and emergency-contact numbers to reach county agencies are available through fire departments, the State Police and village police departments if the person needs help.

Several educational booths and displays set up during the Franklin County Fair from Aug. 2 to 10 share information about services that they or loved ones can use. A Web site at www.mybenefits.com helps people see what benefits they might be entitled to and where employers can learn more to pass on to their staff.

FIXED RENTS

One segment of the community that won't see any help is rental-property owners who -- under federal housing rules -- cannot raise their fixed rent to have tenants contribute to soaring heating bills.

Loretta Fish said she paid nearly $4,500 in fuel costs last year at two apartment buildings she owns. She began to tear up as she explained how she fears she will not be able to keep up with the costs this winter on top of the $8,000 she pays in taxes.

She said her tenants get HEAP benefits but she doesn't see the money, and because the utility bills are not in their names, there is no assistance available there.

Fish was advised by other property owners to kick her current tenants out, then raise the rent or rewire the houses so each apartment pays for its own utilities.

But she said the expense of the conversions would be too costly.

draymo@pressrepublican.com