HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-024 Authorizing the City Manager to Finalize and Implement the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Utility Bill Relief ProgramResolution 20-024
RESOLUTION NO. 20-024
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING COVID-19 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UTILITY BILL
RELIEF PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the COVID-19 outbreak has caused
substantial financial hardship for many of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the
City proposes a COVID-19 Financial Assistance Utility Relief Program; and
WHEREAS, this Program would allocate $25,000 from the Water/Sewer fund to be used
for utility bill relief for residents; and
WHEREAS, this financial assistance is in addition to the discounts currently offered and
provided to low income utility customers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
Section 1. The City Council allocates $25,000 to the COVID-19 Financial Assistance
Utility Relief Program from the Water/Sewer fund.
Section 2m. The City will also accept donations to the program from City residents,
businesses, and organizations until State of Emergency has ended.
Section. City staff will administer the program consistent with application and
donation forms in Exhibits A and B. Eligible participants will have a household income below
200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Approved applicants will receive a one-time credit on their
City utility bills consistent with the matrix in Exhibit A. Credit will be given based on first-
come -first -approved. The City will continue to give credits until the available funds are depleted
or until the State of Emergency has ended, whichever is earlier. Any funds remaining at the end
of the program will be donated to OlyCap.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting thereof,
held this 181h day of May 2020.
Michelle (li,
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to„ olln
--
------ _ .. ------...................................
oanaca Sanders, MMC 11:cicli fI�°c; wot
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution 20-024 - Exhibit A
Page 1 of 2
City ofPort r' 250 Madison Street, Suite 1 I Port Townsend, WA 98368 1360.379.4409 1 www.cityofpt.us
Townsend
UTILITY BILLING
COVID- 19 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION
The City recognizes there is a substantial need for city utility bill (water/sewer/storm) financial assistance for our residents.
The City is allocating $25,000 for city utility bill relief along with instituting a community donation program.
Please understand there is a limited amount of funding and once depleted assistance will no longer be available. This
financial assistance is in addition to the discounts currently offered and provided to low-income households. This is a one-
time financial assistance for those who qualify.
Proof of income, layoff and household information is required to consider this application complete. Appropriate
documentation may include a letter from your employer, verification of hours reduced or layoff from employer, paystubs,
or any additional information that will show an impact from the COVID-19 virus and employee identification.
Amounts will be credited to utility bills based on the matrix outlined below:
Residents:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
How many people are in your household?
What is your total current household income? (Please include all forms of income including, but not limited to,
social security, unemployment, and child support):
UP TO 200% OF
FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL
ANNUAL
MAXIMUM
HOUSEHOLD
SIZE
MAXIMUM
RELIEF
INCOME
AMOUNT
1
$25,520
$65
2
$34,480
$80
3
$43,440
$95
4
$52,400
$110
5+
$61,360
$125
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
How many people are in your household?
What is your total current household income? (Please include all forms of income including, but not limited to,
social security, unemployment, and child support):
Resolution 20-024 - Exhibit A
Page 1 of 2
,px�, 250 Madison Street, Suite 1 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360.379.4409 1 www.cityofpt.us
l:ii,) ort r
Townsend
UTILITY BILLING
Yes No
Have your work hours been reduced or have you been temporarily
or permanently laid off due to the COVID-19 virus?
Are you currently receiving discounted utility services? (If you are currently receiving a discount, this will not disqualify
you from obtaining city utility bill relief. If you answer yes, you do not need to submit documentation unless your
information has changed.)
Yes No
E=
Please ensure all necessary verifications of income and impact due to the COVID-19 virus are included with this application.
DECLARATION
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that all the statements on this application are true. Any false
statement on this form will result in a loss of eligibility and shall require the repayment of any assistance received. I acknowledge submitting this
application is not a guarantee of eligibility for city utility bill relief. The applicant understands and acknowledges the funds are limited and this
program may end at either the time the funds are depleted, or the COVID-19 State of Emergency has ended, whichever occurs first. The City also
reserves the right to follow up on any of the information provided.
Applicant's Signature:
Date:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY BELOW THIS LINE Application A roe
Reviewed By...,_.. ...... ...Date., 11 Yes �....m
No
Notes: Account #:
Approved By: Dater ❑ Yes ❑ No
Notes:
Resolution 20-024 - Exhibit B
Cityof Por�M„ 250 Madison Street, Suite 1 Port Townsend, WA 98368 1360.379.4409 1 www.cityofpt.us
i
Townsend
UTILITY BILLING
COVID-1 9 CITY UTILITY BILL RELIEF DONATION FORM
The City recognizes there is a substantial need for city utility bill financial assistance for our residents. The City is allocating
$25,000 for city utility bill relief along with instituting a community donation program.
Please note that donations will be credited to individual residential city utility (water/sewer/storm) accounts based on
qualification for city utility bill assistance due to COVID-19. Any remaining donated funds after the State of Emergency
has ended will not be returned but will either be sent to OlyCap for continued financial assistance for Port Townsend
residents in need or the City may institute an ongoing donation program.
Name:
Address:
Phone;
Email:
Check the box if you wish to remain anonymous Eil
Amount included for donation:
If you wish to donate to a specific city utility account, please include the name and address of the individual with this form:
I understand that my signature below authorizes the City of Port Townsend to apply this donation directly to city utility
customers' accounts affected by the COVID-19 virus. The distribution of these funds will be determined by approved
applications received for city utility bill assistance as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Any donated funds remaining after
this State of Emergency has ended will not be returned but will either be sent to OlyCap for continued financial assistance
for Port Townsend residents in need or the City may institute an ongoing donation program.
Signature Date
Please return forms and checks payable to City of Port Townsend, 250 Madison Street, Ste 1, Port Townsend, WA 98368
* Donations may be tax deductible, please advise your tax accountant *