Residents are out of work and unable to pay their bills because of COVID-19.

As the provider of water, sewer, and refuse service, the City has the opportunity to significantly reduce the mounting economic burden for these households.

We are asking the City to forgive water/sewer/refuse bills for households where one or more adults are unemployed. We recommend that the forgiveness period start immediately and include any outstanding balances. This relief should be offered to any household that pays its utility bill directly to the City (as opposed to households where the utilities are included in a recurring rent payment to a landlord).

In order to reach the most equitable cross-section of households, we further ask that the City accept documentation of unemployment that includes (but is not necessarily limited to) proof of unemployment benefit filing OR a letter from the previous employer documenting the termination/layoff.

JUSTIFICATION

• Housing costs are the single biggest monthly expense for the majority of households. The City cannot legislate rent relief or rent control. In contrast, the City is the provider of water/sewer/refuse and can therefore reduce housing costs through this action.

• The City has general fund dollars and reserves that can be allocated to utility relief. While there are many competing economic needs right now, a utility relief program will directly provide aid to households with the greatest economic need. For this reason, funds allocated to this program will allow households to spend their limited income on other goods and services throughout the community, returning the City’s investment into the overall economy.

• Other economic supports, such as unemployment benefits or rental assistance, will not be available to all members of our community, some of whom will lack the documentation needed for eligibility. Utility relief can be equitably offered to every eligible household.

• This program will require City staff to manage applications for relief. On the other hand, it will reduce the need for staff to juggle overdue bill collection, potential shutoffs, and arranging alternate payment options. Providing utility relief will reduce stress on households and provide a clear directive for City staff.

This direct benefit to households will be a powerful intervention from our local government, demonstrating that we are a community standing strong together during the COVID-19 crisis.