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Ellensburg council approves first reading to expand low-income utility discount to 40% AMI
Summary
Council conducted first reading and approved moving forward with ordinance 49‑62 to extend utility discount eligibility to households at or below 40% of area median income; staff said the change would affect about 36 current customers and return with implementation details.
The Ellensburg City Council conducted first reading and approved a motion to advance ordinance 49‑62, which expands the city utilities’ low-income discount eligibility from the previous threshold to households at or below 40% of area median income (AMI).
City staff explained the change restores a prior income-threshold standard after an earlier program standardization had set the threshold against a different poverty metric. Staff said the amendment will protect customers previously covered and open eligibility to those at up to 40% AMI. During council questions, staff said the immediate change would affect 36 current customers.
Public commenters were mixed. Some urged expanded coverage for seniors and residents on fixed incomes; others asked about program oversight, eligibility verification and how the city would ensure households no longer eligible were removed promptly. Council asked staff to return to the June 2 meeting with specific answers about program monitoring and the number of customers affected so the council could finalize the ordinance.
Council members emphasized the program’s role in supporting vulnerable residents, with one member noting many beneficiaries are seniors on Social Security. The motion to conduct first reading passed on a council voice vote; a supplemental staff report on implementation and fiscal impact will follow.
