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Wood Village council repeals long-running retired household utility discount
Summary
The Wood Village City Council on Oct. 8, 2024 adopted Ordinance 5-2024 to repeal the retired household discount program, citing equity and program design concerns; staff said about 52 households used the discount and it cost utilities roughly $17,237 a year.
The Wood Village City Council voted Oct. 8 to repeal the city's retired household discount program, a utility rate break in place since 1973 that staff said is not means-tested and is paid by other ratepayers.
City staff explained the program applies only to directly billed single-family customers and grants a discount on base rates regardless of income. "It costs utilities $17,237 a year," said Greg, a city staff member, breaking the cost into roughly $4,600 from water, $10,500 from sewer and just over $2,000 from the street/storm fee. Staff said about 52 customers currently receive the benefit.
Supporters of repeal told the council the city has an existing, means-tested utility assistance program funded by donations and a council budget allocation; staff said the assistance program is open every six months on a rolling basis and can be claimed by households that qualify for programs such as SNAP or Oregon Health Plan. Greg outlined a transition: households on the retired discount can apply once in 2025 to the utility assistance program without income verification as a one-time transitional measure.
Mayor (presiding) said the council considered the change thoughtfully. The ordinance takes the discount away effective Dec. 31, 2024, and councilors voted to adopt the repeal during the meeting. Staff said customers who still need help can apply for the utility-assistance program beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
