Council backs revised low-income utility credit, asks staff to proceed to third reading

At a March 11 Laramie City Council work session, councilors directed staff to proceed with a third reading of changes to the city27s low-income municipal services rate ordinance that would retain a $37.58 monthly credit, add a $3.20-per-month surface-water drainage credit and broaden homeowner eligibility to those meeting Wyoming LEAP income guidelines (60% of the state median), with staff verifying household income.

Finance Director Director Wade told the council the draft changes were intended to expand access while limiting material impacts to utility-rate revenue. "If the changes that you have are substantial, you will see the ordinance on your agenda the next regular meeting," Director Wade said during the presentation, adding that staff would return with an amended ordinance at the council's direction.

Why it matters: The city has not updated the low-income credit since adoption in February 2013. Councilors and staff said the proposal aims to reach more low-income homeowners without creating an unsustainable revenue gap in water, wastewater, solid-waste and surface-water drainage enterprise funds.

Key details and staff analysis - Current enrollment: Director Wade reported 13 households enrolled in the city27s low-income credit program. Staff used participation in the…