Council reviews proposal to offer monthly utility discount to seniors and disabled residents

A council member proposed creating an annual utility‑billing discount for elderly or disabled homeowners in Beresford, modeled on the South Dakota Tax Assessment Freeze program and subject to council approval each year.

"If you were to offer a $25 a month discount on a qualified residence utility bill, that would come to $300 annually," the council member said, outlining three suggested tiers ($25–$50 per month) and a sample cost model. Using a working assumption of 25 qualified applicants, the presenter said a $25 monthly discount would cost the city about $7,500 annually and a $50 monthly discount about $15,000.

The proposal specifies homeowner status (not renters), income documentation from prior‑year tax returns, and an annual application and renewal process like the county program. Staff and councilors discussed administrative burdens, potential funding sources (community program funds or general fund), and constraints tied to state SRF loan accounting (which may limit reducing utility charges made to meet loan covenants).

Council members suggested referring the concept to the finance and public utilities committee for more detailed modeling and to verify eligibility counts (staff noted 22 Union County residents currently enrolled in the comparable county assessment‑freeze program; the city may have additional eligible residents). The sponsor said a formal ordinance or resolution could be developed after committee review and a mid‑summer applicant count would inform the fall budgeting process.

No ordinance was introduced at this meeting; the item remains in concept stage pending committee work and staff analysis.