Council raises income thresholds for senior and disabled reduced water rates

The Muskogee City Council on Feb. 23 approved an amendment to the city utilities code that raises the household-income eligibility thresholds for senior and disabled reduced water rates.

Councilor Tracy Hoose told the council the change is "not a rate increase" but an adjustment to the income thresholds to account for inflation. Under the amendment, a single-person household’s eligibility threshold increases from $1,200 per month to $1,300, and a two-person household’s threshold rises from $1,600 to $1,800. Hoose said residents may apply for reduced rates at the revenue division in City Hall on the first floor.

Council discussion included a clarification question confirming the change will allow more people to qualify. The ordinance was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

Action taken: Ordinance 42-92A was adopted to amend chapter 82 (utilities) to change Section 82-71(a) (rates generally) to raise the eligibility thresholds for municipal reduced water rates for seniors and disabled residents.