Department of Utilities
Reference: Brighton Customer Assistance Program
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Marv Falconburg, Acting City Manager
Prepared By: Maria Ostrom, Finance Director
Date Prepared: March 30, 2020
PURPOSE
An ordinance to amend the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to clarify customers can receive a $300 one-time calendar year credit regardless of the amount currently due on their utility bill (credit will not lapse) and to state customers who have tampered with their meter in the last twelve (12) months are not eligible for this credit.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
Financially Responsible
BACKGROUND
At a special meeting on March 25, 2020, City Council directed staff to bring forward an ordinance for formal consideration to amend the CAP to facilitate increased access for customers facing financial hardship during this COVID-19 crisis.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
City Council approved $10,000 in funding for the CAP in 2020. With the changes proposed to the CAP, staff believe minimum funding required for this program due to the unprecedented financial hardship faced by residential customers as a result of COVID-19 will be $50,000. However, staff will monitor costs for 2-3 months once the changes have been implemented and request a budget amendment if needed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve the ordinance as written.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
1. Approve the ordinance amending the CAP
2. Do not approve the proposed amendment