Battle Ground council approves utility rate cut for low-income seniors

The Battle Ground City Council recently voted to approve a utility rate reduction program for low-income seniors starting in January.

Qualifying seniors will receive a 25 percent reduction on their water, sewer and stormwater drainage utility bills. To qualify, residents must be 62 or older, reside within the city of Battle Ground and be the head of their household.

The income standard for the program is based on limits set annually by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. This year for Battle Ground, those limits are $30,800 for a one-person household, $35,300 for a two-person household, $39,600 for a three-person household and $43,950 for a four-person household. The qualifying income levels continue to increase with additional household members up to $58,050 for an eight-person household.

Program eligibility also depends on the customer’s average monthly winter water usage between December through March. The usage must remain at 6 units, roughly 4,500 gallons, or less.

Customers who register for the program will realize an average monthly savings of $24.70 a month, and city officials estimate that roughly 230 customers are eligible for the discount, according to information from the city.

Battle Ground will start accepting applications for the program on Dec. 2. The application, information on qualifications and how to apply, are available online at www.cityofbg.org/801/Rate-Reduction-for-Seniors-with-Low-Inco or by request from the utility department customer service desk at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 S.W. First St. Utility department staff are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 360-342-5002.