TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, City Manager
FROM: Brian D. Martin, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution to Extend Emergency Utility Assistance Program
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Good Governance; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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SUMMARY:
summary
Since 2020, City Council broadened qualification criteria, increased Utility funding, and extended the Emergency Utility Assistance Program. This resolution further extends the program through December 31, 2026, and authorizes up to $400,000 of Utility revenue annually for assistance to qualified customers beginning in 2025.
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ISSUE:
Shall City Council adopt Resolution 2024-47 (Attachment 1) restating the terms of the Emergency Utility Assistance Program and extending the program to December 31, 2026?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution 2024-47 (Attachment 1) restating the terms of the Emergency Utility Assistance Program, extending the program to December 31, 2026.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
This staff report is related to agenda item 24-436 setting proposed fees and charges for utility service rates (water, wastewater, stormwater) and authorizing an allocation of $400,000 of utility revenue for calendar year 2025 for the Emergency Utility Assistance Program. Resolution 2024-47 accomplishes the following actions:
• Restates the terms of the Emergency Utility Assistance Program;
• Extends the effective date through December 31, 2026; and
• Reduces the maximum assistance per account/customer to $350 from $500 per year.
Staff anticipates recommending that City Council continue the allocation of $400,000 for calendar year 2026 next year.
BACKGROUND:
A Water/Wastewater Task Force (Task Force) is commissioned every two years to advise the Public Works Director on the utility rate setting process. The 2024 Task Force members included four Salem City Councilors, a Marion County Commissioner, representatives from City of Keizer and City of Turner, a representative of Suburban East Salem Water District, representatives from Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), and two community members at-large.
The Task Force reviews the Utility’s financial plan and considers rate proposal scenarios developed by staff and consultants. After careful review of all the available information, the Task Force recommends a rate proposal to the Public Works Director who brings it to the City Council for adoption. The Task Force met six times this summer between June and September to review the financial outlook for the Utility. As part of that process, they also reviewed and recommended $400,000 annually for the Emergency Utility Assistance Program, with a maximum limit per account of $350. This will allow approximately 1,143 people to receive assistance in 2025 and 2026.
The following table provides a summary of the customers assisted, total program expenditures, and average assistance per customer served by the Emergency Utility Assistance Program since 2021. During 2022 and 2023, additional federal funding was temporarily available. Expenditures in 2024 represent nine months of program expenditures through September 2024.
Customers are qualified to receive assistance by St. Vincent dePaul and The Salvation Army. Agencies report that applicants are often in need of short-term assistance due to loss of a job, medical emergency, or other significant life transition. Some applicants are already working with the agencies when qualified for the program, and others are referred by the City of Salem when they express a need to a Utility Customer Care Representative who provides a referral. Agencies work together to leverage all programs and funds available to assist individuals and families seeking stabilization.
Alicia Blalock, Assistant Director
Public Works Administration Division
Attachments:
1. Resolution 2024-47
2. Exhibit A - Emergency Utility Assistance Program