Chapter 13.34
UTILITY TAX DISCOUNT
Sections:
13.34.010 Program for discounts established.
13.34.020 Low-income senior citizen qualifications.
13.34.030 Disabled citizen qualifications.
13.34.070 False/incorrect information.
13.34.010 Program for discounts established.
City council has previously determined that it is in the best interest of the city to establish discounts for residential utility services, water, sewer and garbage charged to low-income senior citizens and qualified disabled citizens in order to provide necessary support for the disadvantaged. Such reductions are intended to offset rate increases and relate to the applicable utility tax rate. City administrator/clerk-treasurer is authorized and directed to administer the program and may establish administrative processes and procedures to implement the intent and purpose of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 1428 § 2, 2017; Ord. 1024 § 1, 2004)
13.34.020 Low-income senior citizen qualifications.
A low-income senior citizen may establish eligibility for the discount program by submitting the following information to the city administrator/clerk-treasurer:
A. Is 65 years of age or older; and
B. Has a maximum annual household income at or below 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines; and
C. Is a single occupant or the head of a household or the spouse of the head of the household; and
D. Resides in the dwelling unit served by the solid waste, sewer, and water utility; and
E. Is billed or is the spouse of a person billed by the water, sewer and garbage utility.
Applicants shall provide such verification and shall provide such other data as is deemed appropriate upon forms provided by city and in the manner determined by the city. (Ord. 1428 § 3, 2017; Ord. 1024 § 2, 2004)
13.34.030 Disabled citizen qualifications.
A disabled citizen may establish eligibility for the discount program by submitting the following information to the city administrator/clerk-treasurer:
A. Is disabled; and
B. Has a maximum annual household income at or below 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines; and
C. Is a single occupant or the head of a household or the spouse of the head of the household; and
D. Resides in the dwelling unit served by the solid waste, sewer and water utility; and
E. Is billed or is the spouse of a person billed by the garbage, sewer and water utility.
Applicants shall provide such verification and shall provide such other data as is deemed appropriate upon forms provided by city and in the manner determined by the city. (Ord. 1428 § 4, 2017; Ord. 1024 § 3, 2004)
13.34.040 Application.
Discount applies to the utility tax rate applicable to residential water, sewer and garbage utility services. Persons qualified by the city as eligible recipients of a low-income senior citizen discount or disabled citizen discount provided for in this chapter shall be charged a discounted utility tax rate for charges assessed for residential water, sewer and garbage utility services. Such discount shall be applicable for the first month following submission of a complete application and city approval of the application. (Ord. 1428 § 5, 2017; Ord. 1024 § 4, 2004)
13.34.050 Discount rate.
City administrator/clerk-treasurer is authorized to reduce the most current/applicable utility tax rate on charges for residential water, sewer and garbage utility services to qualified low-income senior citizens or qualified disabled citizens by 25 basis points. For example, if the sewer utility tax rate is assessed at 32 percent, it will be reduced from 32 percent to seven percent. (32 percent minus 25 percent equals seven percent.) (Ord. 1428 § 6, 2017; Ord. 1088 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1024 § 5, 2004)
13.34.060 Procedure.
All persons claiming the discount provided for in this chapter shall first be required to file an application at City Hall in Zillah to initiate the reduction. The application shall be on forms prescribed by the city administrator/clerk-treasurer and shall provide information by which the city administrator/clerk-treasurer may verify the applicant’s eligibility to participate. Applicants shall be required to submit such additional information as may be required by the city administrator/clerk-treasurer to verify eligibility. In order to remain eligible for the program, an applicant must verify to the city that they are still eligible and reapply for the discount every 12 months by filing a new application. If the city determines that the applicant is ineligible for the reduction, the applicant will be notified by the city. If applicant moves from the residence to which the service is provided or otherwise becomes ineligible for the reduced rate, the applicant shall be required to notify Zillah City Hall immediately and the applicable discount rate shall be terminated. (Ord. 1428 § 7, 2017; Ord. 1024 § 6, 2004)
13.34.070 False/incorrect information.
If false, incorrect or misleading information is submitted to the city in connection with any application for a reduced utility tax rate, the applicant will automatically become ineligible to receive any future discounts and any discounts or reductions already given shall be fully repaid to the city, together with a penalty in the amount of 100 percent of the repayment amount. This remedy shall be in addition to any other remedies the city may have for the provision of false, incorrect or misleading information. (Ord. 1428 § 8, 2017; Ord. 1024 § 7, 2004)