The Eureka City Council discussed several ways to help residents and businesses manage water and sewer costs Tuesday, but adopted no new utility-assistance program.
The discussion followed a Utility Customer Assistance Report listed on the council’s agenda. Public Works staff described existing conservation rebates, possible incentives to increase enrollment in the city’s Ion Water usage-monitoring service, broader outreach about available help and a possible voluntary bill-rounding fund for customers who want to support households facing hardship.
Staff reported that 616 customers were enrolled in Ion Water out of about 10,000 city water accounts. The service allows customers to view usage and receive leak alerts. Staff cited one case in which a toilet ran for five days, using 34,000 gallons and producing a $667 bill. Staff said the bill could have reached about $4,000 if the leak had continued for a month.
Existing rebates include $150 for an energy-efficient washing machine and $25 or $50 for qualifying toilets, according to the staff presentation. Council members said the city should do more to publicize those rebates and available outside assistance, including information for customers who are falling behind on bills.
The council also discussed giving customers clearer information about how Ion Water data is stored and used. Staff said the service is a web-based application connected to the city’s smart-meter system; council members asked for additional privacy information before encouraging wider participation.
For businesses, staff is studying whether large water and sewer impact fees could be paid in installments rather than in one lump sum. The report described a possible long-term payment structure, but staff said the city still needs to assess the effects on capital-project funding, administration and account transfers through its ongoing rate study.
The council asked staff to continue the rate-study and feasibility work and return with recommendations. The meeting record does not set a date for that follow-up or establish costs or eligibility rules for the options under discussion. The full council meeting recording is available from the city’s Oct. 20 meeting.
