III. Water, Sewer and Refuse System
Chapter 13.44
REDUCED RATES FOR LOW INCOME CITIZENS
Sections:
13.44.010 Purpose and authority.
13.44.030 Base rate reduction amount.
13.44.050 Application process.
13.44.060 Exceptions and limitations.
13.44.070 Penalty for false information.
13.44.010 Purpose and authority.
The purpose of this chapter is to amend existing ordinances which establish the base rate to be charged for water, sewer and refuse services as the same apply to certain low income senior citizens and low income disabled citizens, as defined by this chapter. This chapter is based upon the authority provided by RCW 74.38.070. (Ord. 1309 NS § 1, 2003).
13.44.020 Definitions.
A. “Base rate” means the following:
1. For water service, it shall mean the “monthly water user base charge” set forth in CMC 13.04.110, as set by ordinance;
2. For sewer service, it shall mean the “monthly sewer user base charge” set forth in CMC 13.20.020, as set by ordinance;
3. For refuse service, it shall mean the “monthly residential rate for a 32-gallon cart” as set forth in CMC 8.08.010, as set by ordinance;
4. For stormwater management utility, it shall mean the “monthly storm water management rates” set forth in CMC 13.50.110, as set by ordinance.
B. “Income” shall include all combined household income, including that of the applicant’s spouse or co-tenant(s), from all sources for the preceding calendar year and shall be less than the specified amount for household size. Income shall include earned income as well as retirement income, Social Security benefits, disability benefits, investment income, interest income, capital gains and net rental income from real estate.
C. “Low income disabled citizen” means (1) a person qualifying for special parking privileges under RCW 46.19.010(1)(a) through (f), (2) a blind person as defined in RCW 74.18.020, or (3) a disabled, handicapped or incapacitated person as defined under any other existing state or federal program whose combined household income, including that of his or her spouse or co-tenant(s), is at or below 100 percent of the federally established poverty level.
D. “Low income senior citizen” means any person 62 years of age or older and whose combined household income, including that of his or her spouse or co-tenant(s), is at or below 100 percent of the federally established poverty level. (Ord. 1519 NS § 1, 2014; Ord. 1309 NS § 2, 2003).
13.44.030 Base rate reduction amount.
The base rate for water, sewer, refuse, and stormwater management utility services shall be reduced by 50 percent for any person who is eligible for such reduction under the terms of this chapter. The reduction amount for refuse services may be applied to a 32-gallon cart as set forth in CMC 8.08.010(A). (Ord. 1519 NS § 2, 2014; Ord. 1309 NS § 3, 2003).
13.44.040 Income eligibility.
Any low income senior citizen or low income disabled citizen, who is the owner, contract purchaser, or lessee of a residential dwelling unit within the city limits of the city of Colville, connected to or serviced by the water, sewer or refuse utility service systems operated by the city of Colville, and who is responsible for payment for those services, is entitled to a base rate reduction for those services, after establishing their eligibility for the same in accordance with the procedure set forth in CMC 13.44.050.
A. The residential dwelling unit must be occupied and used by the applicant(s) as his or her residence.
B. Applicant’s assets, exclusive of the residence and lot applied for, and one vehicle, shall not exceed $35,000; provided, however, a “disabled” applicant shall be granted a second vehicle exemption if the vehicle has been substantially modified for use by a disabled person. (Ord. 1309 NS § 4, 2003).
13.44.050 Application process.
A. Any person wishing to establish their eligibility for the base rate reduction provided for in this chapter shall submit an application to the city treasurer of the city of Colville on such forms as shall be provided.
B. Application for the base rate reduction must be made annually and must be filed with the city treasurer not later than April 15th of said year in order to become eligible for each benefit year which shall commence June 1st of said year and shall expire May 31st of the following year; provided further, that eligibility must be re-established through a reapplication process each year.
C. Application for base rate reduction can be made prior to the fifteenth day of any month of the benefit year and rate reduction will commence with the billing of the second month after application and shall expire after the end of the benefit year.
D. All applications and reapplications must (1) include a signed copy of the federal income tax return for the calendar year prior to the benefit year of the applicant and all persons residing with the applicant, unless the filing is not required by law; if a tax return is not required, a copy of the Social Security letter defining benefits for the year may be substituted, and (2) affidavits of the applicant and all persons residing with the applicant, setting forth all amounts and sources of income for the calendar year preceding the application. (Ord. 1309 NS § 5, 2003).
13.44.060 Exceptions and limitations.
Notwithstanding the above provisions, eligibility for the base rate reduction shall not be available to any person who resides in federally subsidized housing. Further, a base rate reduction shall not be available to more than one person per household. (Ord. 1309 NS § 6, 2003).
13.44.070 Penalty for false information.
Any individual who provides false information to the city of Colville in an application for reduced utility rates shall forfeit the low income senior or low income disabled citizen’s eligibility for future reductions in utility rates and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as set forth in the CMC 1.08.010 as the same now exists or is hereafter amended. Additionally, the low income senior citizen or low income disabled citizen shall be required to repay the amount of any utility discount received based upon such false information, together with interest at the rate of 12 percent until repaid in full. (Ord. 1309 NS § 7, 2003).