During a recent meeting of the Midway City Council, discussions centered on a proposed water fee waiver program aimed at assisting primary residents, particularly seniors, facing financial challenges. The council considered implementing a trial period for the program, which would allow residents over 65 to have their water fees waived at the council's discretion.

Council members expressed concerns about the potential participation rates, noting that many residents who can afford their water bills may not opt into the program. The discussion highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to billing, suggesting that families using less than 5,000 gallons of water per month could benefit from a reduced rate, thereby promoting water conservation.

Financial implications of the proposed program were also a key focus. The council estimated that if 10% of eligible residents participated, the city could see a reduction in water billing revenue of approximately $32,000 per quarter. However, with current water fund reserves exceeding $13.8 million, council members felt confident that the city could absorb this loss without jeopardizing essential services or infrastructure projects.

The council acknowledged the importance of supporting long-term residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, who may struggle with rising costs despite their homes' increased market values. The proposed fee waiver program was seen as a proactive measure to alleviate some of this financial burden.

Overall, the council's discussions reflected a commitment to exploring options that would provide relief to residents while maintaining the financial health of the city's water fund. The potential trial program is set to be further evaluated, with the aim of gathering data to inform future decisions.