By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The city has approved utility bill assistance for 113 low-income Sitkans, the city finance office said today.
Under the Assembly-approved program, a city contribution of up to $65 a month, or $750 a year, is available to those who qualify. The Assembly originally voted to set aside $400,000 for the Utility Cost Subsidization Program, but the figure was later reduced to $200,000 and the remainder contributed to the school district.
City Controller Melissa Haley said the utility subsidy program went info effect with the January utility bills. Eligibility can be shown by participation in other programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Baranof Island Housing Authority assistance and eligibility for reduced or free school lunch.
Some applicants will receive less than the authorized $65 discount because their utility bill was less than that, Haley said. She said in some cases landlords pay a portion of their tenants’ utility bills.
The $200,000 set aside by the Assembly is more than enough to cover everyone who qualified in this year’s round of applications, Haley said.
“If the same number is maintained next year we’ll have more than two years’ worth available,” Haley said.
Those qualifying for the subsidy will realize the discount when they pay their utility bills in person or online. The credit is applied when the bill is issued, although the bills themselves do not show the discount, Haley said. The finance department hopes to have the credit appear on bills for February or March, she said.
As to whether the program is helping, the finance department hasn’t received much feedback from users.
“In some cases it is significantly reducing the impact, but it really depends on individual circumstances,” Haley said. “On a relatively small bill, it has a big impact.”
Assembly member Kevin Knox, who co-sponsored the ordinance to start the program, said he’s pleased the program is assisting needy families and individuals.
“I’m definitely happy we have the ability to reach people who need it and that the only people turned away were turned away for incomplete applications,” Knox said. “Everyone else with complete applications was approved – that speaks to its success, and that we’re reaching the people in need.”
