Salinas finance committee recommends 15% sewer-bill assistance for year 1, sends resolution to council

The Salinas Finance Committee voted unanimously on Sept. 9 to recommend the City Council adopt a resolution establishing a residential sewer payment assistance program at 15% for the program’s first year, with the finance department administering applications and a target implementation in November.

City staff presented the program as a response to concerns raised during a recent sewer rate study and compared local approaches, saying many jurisdictions offer assistance ranging from 15% to 50% of bills. Adriana, a staff member who presented the proposal, summarized the program and the rationale for eligibility: “If you qualify for CARE, then you qualify for our program,” she said, referring to the federal-state energy discount program administered by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).

The presentation noted staff…