Committee tables Perrysburg senior and disability utility discount pending more data

The Perrysburg Public Utilities Committee discussed a proposed ordinance (10 60.10) to establish a utility discount program for city residents who are 65 or older or fully disabled and whose household income is at or below 225% of the federal poverty level. Staff said the policy is intended to help residents who may struggle with new stormwater utility charges and other rising bills.

Staff member introduced the proposal, explaining: "What this is is a, ordinance where we are proposing a utility discount, for individuals in federal poverty level per household or who are, fully disabled and also below 2.25, times the federal poverty level, for a household." Staff estimated the program could cover roughly 300 accounts and noted an illustrative benefit level had been discussed earlier in staff meetings. Committee members pressed for details on eligibility and fiscal impact; staff said qualification would require documentation such as the first page of a federal 1040, age verification and disability documentation.

Committee members questioned the choice of 65 as the age threshold and the 225% cutoff, noting other cities use a range of thresholds. One committee member noted an approximate one-person threshold at that 225% level, saying it equated to about "$35,000 something" for a one-person household. Staff clarified the ordinance would set baseline eligibility in city code, while a later resolution would set the specific discount amount and allow staff to adjust the benefit without changing code.

Members raised program-design and legal questions: a member asked for verification options and suggested home inspections to ensure, for example, that a sump pump is not tied into the sanitary system. Staff confirmed "this would include renters as well" and said the program would apply only to city residents. Concerns about how the discount would be funded led staff to explain the utilities fund impacts were being considered in the rate study and that take-up would determine the annual cost; staff previously estimated a sample annual impact around $36,000 depending on the benefit level and participation.

After requests for comparative community data (rates at 175%, 225%, 250%), a legal review of any liability from limiting benefits to Perrysburg residents, and clearer cost estimates, the committee elected to postpone action. Chair asked, "Can we table it?" and the committee and staff agreed to table the ordinance to the next meeting for additional information.