This action item has been requested by Councilmember Huff and was recommended for approval by the Public Utilities Advisory Board.

If authorized, staff recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to develop program options and parameters, including financial impact, for consideration at a future City Council Meeting following adoption of the Cash Balance Policy that is scheduled for presentation to the PUAB on November 19 and the City Council at the following meeting. 

At the October 15 Public Utilities Advisory Board Meeting, the Board approved the following recommendation for the City Council's consideration:

We, the Public Utility Advisory Board, recommend a financial relief program for the Independence Utility Rate Payers (amount & method to be determined by city staff and City Council).   This motion recommends that all of our utilities participate, Water, WPC and IPL.  Given the economic crisis for many of our rate payers during the current pandemic, it is critical that the financial benefit be received as soon as possible.  

As of September, approximately 7,000 customers have delinquent accounts totaling $1.7 million compared to 6,700 customers and $870,000 during the same time last year. 

The City has allocated $2.3 million in CARES funding for utility assistance for Independence residents impacted by the COVID pandemic. To date, an estimated $1 million has been applied for by residential customers. Funding must be fully spent by December 30 or risk being returned to Jackson County.

The PUAB recommends program(s) in addition to the CARES Utility Assistance funding for utility relief for Independence Utilities customers, with particular consideration given to those businesses who have suffered economic losses as a result of the public health restrictions implemented by the Jackson County Health Department, including those businesses who were forced to close during the pandemic as well as those who continue to be forced to operate at a reduced operating capacity. 

Amendment made during the 10/19 Council Meeting:  To allow CARES funding of $2.2 Million to apply toward identified businesses referenced in Bill No. 20-792.