Explanation
This ordinance amends Sections 1147.19 and 1105.21 of the Columbus City Codes to revise the Low Income Discount program related to master metered communities. The City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities has a Multi-Unit Master Metered Property Water/Sewer Low Income Discount Program. This program offers qualifying customers a 20% discount on the commodity portion of their water/sewer bill. The program includes eligibility criteria and eligibility must be established annually.
The eligibility requirements include: 1) the property receives subsidized housing benefits, or 2) 80% of units meet the income levels of 150% (or less) of the current Federal Poverty Level with their household income or are currently enrolled in a qualifying low income program. Examples of qualifying programs include food stamp benefits, Ohio Medicaid, Low Income Energy Assistance, Home Energy Assistance, Public Housing Benefits, or Ohio Works First. Documentation showing evidence of 80% of the units meet the criteria must be provided for each unit.
The application to the discount for Multi-Unit Master Metered Properties has been revised to open up the discount to property owners who do not bill their tenants for water. Currently the discount only applies to property owners that bill their tenants for water.
FISCAL IMPACT: Additional master metered properties may become eligible for the Low Income Discount Program due to increased participation since the discount is now opened up to property owners who do not bill their tenants for water.
Title
To amend Sections 1147.19 and 1105.21 of the Columbus City Codes to revise the Low Income Discount program related to master metered communities; and to repeal the existing sections being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to revise the Low Income Discount program related to master metered communities;
WHEREAS, this program offers qualifying customers a 20% discount on the commodity portion of their water/...
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