The Battle Ground City Council recently took action to enact a Utility Rate Reduction Program for senior citizens with low income.
The new program will begin in January of 2020.
Qualifying senior citizens will receive a 25 percent reduction on their water, sewer and stormwater drainage utility bills. To qualify for the program, a person must be 62 years of age or older, reside within the city of Battle Ground, be the head of household and have an annual income that, when combined with the annual income of all household members, meets the standard for the program.
The income standard for the program is based on limits set annually by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In Battle Ground for 2019, those limits are $30,800 for a one-person household, $35,300 for a two-person household, $39,600 for a three-person household and $43,950 for a four-person household. The qualifying income levels continue to increase with additional household members, up to $58,050 for an eight-person household.
Program eligibility is also dependent on the customer’s average monthly winter (December through March) water usage, which must remain at six units (approximately 4,500 gallons) or less.
Customers who register for the program will realize an average monthly savings of $24.70 a month.
The city estimates that about 230 customers are eligible for the discount.
The city will begin accepting applications for the program on Dec. 2. The application, as well detailed information on qualifications and how to apply, is available online at cityofbg.org/801/Rate-Reduction-for-Seniors-with-Low-Inco or by request from the Utility Department customer service desk at Battle Ground City Hall, located at 109 SW First St. in Battle Ground.
Utility Department staff are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist customers with questions. They can be reached at (360) 342-5002.
– The Reflector
