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Dallas staff outline water conservation rebate options; committee asks for implementation analysis
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Summary
Staff presented water-conservation models from peer cities (rebates for efficient toilets, smart irrigation, lawn conversion or consumption-based credits) and sketched a simple consumption-reduction credit; committee asked staff to return in June with percentages, funding sources and administrative details.
Staff presented several models for a water conservation incentive program used in other Oregon cities and sketched a consumption-based credit the committee could consider.
Examples included Corvallis (one-time $75 rebate for qualifying high-efficiency toilets), Hillsboro (rebates for toilets and smart irrigation devices), Ashland (rebates plus lawn conversion and free water-efficiency checkups), and Lake Oswego (rebate plus reimbursement up to $200 for a paid water-use assessment). Staff suggested a lower-administration alternative: a consumption-based program where customers that reduce use during peak months (June–September) by an agreed percentage would receive a $100 bill credit in October.
Funding and administration: Staff said credits would come from the water fund and reduce water revenue, but could be balanced by lower supply costs if demand drops. Committee members asked how to verify reductions and whether credits would be applied as bill credits or cash rebates; staff said they would return with details and a recommended percent reduction threshold.
Next steps: Staff will analyze realistic percentage thresholds, administrative workload, fraud risks and funding implications and report back in June.
