Discounted utilities in the works for Riverbank’s disabled poor
Low-income seniors looking forward to discount rates on water and sewer services will wait a bit longer while city workers develop similar breaks for low-income disabled people.
Fines from late utility bill payments could make up revenue lost from charging low-income seniors $9 less on monthly water bills than regular customers, and $6 less for sewer, representing 24 percent discounts, a report says. Seniors would have to prove they receive less than $11,950 per year for one person, or $13,650 for two, to qualify, and would reapply every other year.
The City Council, learning this week that the discount would cost City Hall $23,500 a year if 130 customers participate, asked staff to come up with a similar program for the disabled poor before the council takes a final vote.
City staff has received no clear direction on what the railroads would accept. ... This is difficult to understand from a corporate citizen standpoint, as the area in question continues to be poorly managed by the railroads.
Riverbank city report
Feb. 23In other action, the council took steps toward a long-term plan for improving Patterson Road from Roselle Avenue to Claus Road. Leaders envision beefing up part of the two-lane road with an extra lane heading east and a center turn lane. But homeowners object to banning parking along the south side of Patterson from Tina Lane to Claus, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Sierra railroads have refused to talk about granting the city right of way needed along nearby tracks.
“Our hope is over time to convince the railroads to reconsider their decision,” City Manager Jill Anderson said.
The council also updated its housing plan. State housing officials mandate that the document accommodate construction of 1,280 homes through 2023, while vacant land in the city and future growth areas could be expected to produce 3,551 units, a report says. The city has pledged to evaluate needs for farmworker and low-income housing.
This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Discounted utilities in the works for Riverbank’s disabled poor."