Liberal commissioners on Thursday approved utility‑billing waivers for the Stepping Stone shelter after staff explained the city had been providing waivers while the shelter recovered from operational difficulties.

City staff recounted that a previous city manager authorized utility waivers in September, and that the interim city manager continued the practice with the stated condition that waivers would cease if the shelter regained operational ESG funding. Staff said the shelter has applied for operational ESG funding, a decision staff expected within a week, with funding to follow by September if approved.

Staff told the commission that billing adjustments to date totaled $6,779.75 on the most recent statement but presented a motion approving waivers in the amount of $6,000; commissioners approved the motion 5‑0. Staff said any final waivers and reconciliations would be brought back to the commission in the coming months once ESG funding status is confirmed.

The staff presentation framed the action as transparency in accounting for city support and noted the city is hopeful the shelter will return to independent operations providing job placement and transitional housing services. The commission did not receive public opposition at the meeting.