HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-033 Authorizing the City Manager to FInalize and Implement the Final Phase of the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Utility Bill Relief Grant ProgramResolution 22-033
RESOLUTION NO. 22-033
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FINALIZE AND
IMPLEMENT THE FINAL PHASE OF THE COVID-19 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
UTILITY BILL RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the COVID-19 outbreak has caused
substantial financial hardship for many of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, many residents are struggling to recover from the financial impacts of shut-
downs and other COVID-19 mitigation efforts; and
WHEREAS, City Council Resolution 20-024 approved a COVID-29 utility bill financial
assistance relief program; and
WHEREAS, the program allocated $25,000 from the Water/Sewer fund to be used for
utility bill relief for residents; and
WHEREAS, this financial assistance was in addition to the discounts currently offered
and provided to low income utility customers; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also instituted a moratorium on late fees and utility shut-
offs during the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the utility shut-off moratorium ended on April 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, several accounts remain in arrears and could benefit from an expanded
utility relief program; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Attorney General allows the use of public funds "for
the primary purpose of protecting citizens and promoting public health" during the pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, expanding the utility relief program protects residents and promotes public
health by giving COVID-19 impacted residents economic stability and a safe living environment,
allowing small business owners to continue employing local residents and contributing to the tax
base, and supporting our landlords who provide workforce housing; and
WHEREAS, without expanding the utility relief program, all City rate payers may face
increased rates to cover the outstanding balances;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
Section 1. The remaining balance of the COVID-19 utility bill financial assistance
relief fund is allocated to assist individuals affected by the pandemic with outstanding utility bills
Resolution 22-033
or landlords whose prior tenants were affected by the pandemic and left large outstanding utility
bills.
Section 2. Applicants must provide evidence that their financial hardship was due to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Section 3. City staff will administer the program consistent with application and
donation forms in Exhibits A and B. Approved applicants will receive a one-time credit on their
City utility bills. Credit will be given based on first -come -first -approved basis. 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 1St day of August 2022.
David J, 1., ,pati` r -'_I_-"? .._.__......µ
Attes4:
City Clerk
Mayor
Appro 1q, ati to form:
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City Attorney