City utility bills have increased significantly in recent years, and the proposed budget for 2023 includes another increase. As the water/sewer, storm water and solid waste rates that make up residents’ utility bills went up over the years, commissioners more than once suggested expanding the city’s very limited utility assistance program. Some changes eventually occurred last year, when the city created an additional utility assistance program. However, that program, rather than using city funds, is funded by donations from other utility customers, and has provided assistance to only eight people so far. Exactly how the existing programs might expand is yet to be discussed, but city commissioners seem to agree that the city should help more people, especially as rates continue to rise.
Source: LJWorld
