Utility discounts expanded for more residents
At a glance
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The committee recommended passing an amended ordinance that raises the income threshold for the Utility Discount Program, which could make discounted water, wastewater, drainage, solid waste, and electric services available to more Seattle households.
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What this means
The committee advanced a bill to broaden eligibility for Seattle’s Utility Discount Program by increasing the income cutoff. If approved by the full City Council, more residents could qualify for lower bills on water, sewer, drainage, garbage, and electricity. The committee also discussed changes to water rates and emergency bill assistance programs, but no final action on those items was recorded in the minutes.
Key decisions
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- Recommended City Council confirm Zahoor Ahmed as a member of the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District Board through July 30, 2030.
- Recommended City Council pass as amended CB 121222, expanding the Utility Discount Program income threshold.
- Heard the Audit Recommendation Updates information item.
- Discussed CB 121245 on Seattle Public Utilities water rates, discount program qualifications, and low-income credits.
- Discussed CB 121246 on Seattle Public Utilities emergency bill assistance.
- Discussed CB 121247 on City Light emergency bill assistance.
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Meeting information
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Governance and Utilities Committee
Agenda
- This meeting also constitutes a meeting of the City Council, provided that the meeting shall be conducted as a committee meeting under the Council Rules and Procedures, and Council action shall be limited to committee business.
- Please Note: Times listed are estimated
- Call To Order
- Approval of the Agenda
- Public Comment
- Items of Business
- Appointment of Zahoor Ahmed as member, Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District Board, for a term to July 30, 2030.
- Audit Recommendation Updates
- An ordinance relating to the Utility Discount Program; amending the income threshold for the utility discount program for water, wastewater, drainage, solid waste, and electric utility services; and amending Sections 21.49.040 and 21.76.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
- An ordinance relating to rates and charges for water services of Seattle Public Utilities; revising water rates and charges; revising qualification requirements for the utility discount program; revising credits to low-income customers; and amending Sections 21.04.430, 21.04.440, 21.76.030, and 21.76.040 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
- An ordinance relating to emergency assistance for Seattle Public Utilities customers; amending Section 21.76.065 of the Seattle Municipal Code to adjust program terms and conditions and expand eligibility guidelines for emergency bill assistance.
- An ordinance relating to the City Light Department’s emergency bill assistance program; amending Section 21.49.042 of the Seattle Municipal Code to adjust program terms and conditions and expand eligibility guidelines for emergency bill assistance.
- Adjournment
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