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Board adopts changes to low-income water assistance program, adds 25% tier
Summary
The board unanimously adopted Resolution 25-01 to expand eligibility and add a two-tier discount to the district's low-income residential water assistance program, using county-level HCD income guidelines and reserving 60% of funds for the neediest households.
The Board of Directors unanimously adopted Resolution 25-01 on Jan. 17 to amend the district's low-income residential water customer assistance program, adding a second, lower tier of assistance intended to expand participation.
Aaron Hesselman, the district's public affairs specialist, told the board the program established by Resolution 20-339 in 2023 set a $50,000 annual cap and provided a 50% reduction for qualifying Liberty Care customers. "Today we're here to talk about draft program changes to our low income residential water customer assistance program," Hesselman said, explaining staff's proposal to introduce a second tier with a 25% rate reduction tied to county-level income guidelines published by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Hesselman said 2024 was the program's first year and that 28 participants used the benefit out of an estimated 88 eligible households — about 32% utilization — leaving room to increase outreach. Under staff's example using a two-person household, the existing tier 1 Liberty Care income threshold would be under roughly $41,000 a year, while the proposed tier 2 HCD guideline would extend eligibility to households earning up to about $75,000 a year.
Staff recommended reserving roughly 60% of funds for tier 1 participants and 40% for tier 2 to keep the deepest subsidy focused on the lowest-income customers. Hesselman also outlined outreach steps that included translated flyers, social-media promotion and coordination with Sierra Community House and Liberty Utilities to reach care-enrolled customers.
Board members questioned how the program would treat tenants whose landlords pay water bills; staff said property-owner billing rules and the district's ordinance complicate tenant-based eligibility and that tenant verification would require further work. After discussing administrative caps and possible additional revenue sources, Director [Board member] moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
The resolution will take effect under the schedule in the adopted document; staff said they will monitor participation and may adjust allocations and outreach as needed.
