Council hears plan for a senior-focused conservation water rate to avoid age-based discrimination

City staff told the council they are developing a proposed "conservation program" to address concerns about water rates for seniors.

The chair said staff met with Brad and are drafting a program that would allow reduced rates based on minimal water usage instead of an age- or income-based qualification. "He called it something like a conservation program," the chair said, adding that the approach "takes away the argument of discrimination" and avoids requiring customers to present income information.

Council members responding during the department reports session praised the concept. A council member said they were approached by a constituent who would not qualify under an older-person rate and welcomed a usage-based approach that could help residents on tight budgets.

Staff plans to circulate a draft proposal to council members for review; the chair said the council might hold a public hearing in August and consider the change as an amendment to the fee-rate resolution schedule if members endorse proceeding.

No ordinance, fee amounts, effective dates or eligibility thresholds were presented at the meeting; staff said a detailed proposal is still in progress and will be shared with the council for comment.