By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Some 175 Sitkans have applied for help with their utility bills in 2023, and the city’s review of their qualifications is underway, staff members say.
Under the program, qualifying households can receive up to $100 per month toward their utility bills.
City Finance Director Melissa Haley said most applicants do qualify, but it takes time to go through the dozens of applications and verify the information provided. Assistance starts in January.
The one-page application asks for name, address, utility account number and phone number of the account holder.
“We try to make it as easy as possible to apply but it has to be fair,” Haley said.
Applicants qualify through their participation in any of the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Medicaid; National School Lunch program; and Baranof Island Housing Authority.
The applications could be submitted in person or by mail or email.
At a recent Assembly meeting, a few citizens were upset to find out they had missed the August to October application period for 2023, and felt the information had not been readily available.
The city advertises the program and application period through traditional and social media and its own website, but two members of the public said they missed those announcements this year, and one asked that notification be included in customers’ utility bills. Melissa Henshaw, public and government relations director, said today that she is always interested in ways to get the word out to the public, and can be reached at melissa.henshaw@cityofsitka.org.
The program’s origin goes back to 2016 when Assembly members Tristan Guevin and Bob Potrzuski took note of rising utility shutoffs because of unpaid bills, and co-sponsored a subsidy ordinance. It failed on a 2-4 vote, but it was introduced again in 2018, co-sponsored by Potrzuski and Kevin Knox. It passed 4-2 on final reading and went into effect in 2019.
The maximum subsidy at the time was $65 a month with the actual amount distributed determined by the number of applicants and the total amount of the funds budgeted for the program.
A major change this year was Assembly approval of a higher budget, and the increase in the monthly subsidy to $100. In the increased appropriation, Assembly members noted the rate hikes in electricity, water, wastewater, solid waste and harbors.
The increased subsidy amount went into effect on July 1 this year, with a budget total sufficient to cover the remainder of this year and the full 2023 calendar year.
“If I didn’t feel we had enough I would go forward with a supplemental (ordinance),” Haley said.
Guevin was no longer on the Assembly when it passed but continued following the progress of the ordinance. He said today he was glad to see the program come to fruition and continues to help people today.
“I think the program was needed then and is definitely still needed now, particularly with the rising inflation and cost of living,” he said. “It potentially is needed even more at this point. And I think it’s a program that greatly benefits the families and individuals who need it.”
The city program is one of several government and private organizations are offering to help with the cost of utilities and heat.
Here are a few others:
The city has a separate program under which citizens can donate through their utility bills. The donated amounts go to the Salvation Army for its utility assistance program.
“It’s a fair amount of funds – it’s very generous of folks to do that,” said Salvation Army Maj. Sabrina Tumey.
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski last month announced $13 million to help low-income individuals and families pay for home heating costs this winter and cover unpaid utility bills. Those interested in applying can visit energyhelp.us or call 1-866-675-6327.
The state also offers assistance through heatinghelp.alaska.gov or at 800-478-7778.
