HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 7273: SENIOR CITIZENS WATER BILL DISCOUNT City Of
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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: August 15, 2024
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ronald Burton, City Manager
From: Calvin Matthews, P.E., Water Utilities Director
RE: Proposed Ordinance No. 7273 —Senior Citizens Water Bill Discount
Introduction:
This proposed ordinance is intended to give senior citizens(age 65 and older)a discount on their
residential water bills. Any senior citizen residing in the city limits of the City of Port Arthur,
upon submission of the application every four years with the valid proof on a residential account
held in the name of the senior citizen for real property for which such individual has a current
homestead exemption or a current lease held in his/her name. Only one Senior Citizen Water
Discount can be applied for per person and per account.
The discount will be a flat amount of six dollars and twenty-five cents ($6.25)per month. Upon
approval of the application by Utility Manager, the senior citizen's discount rate shall be
applicable for the next billing cycle. The senior citizen water bill discount program is effective
on October 1, 2024. Only one Senior Citizen Water Discount can be applied for per person and
account.
The updated discount language and application form will be posted on the City's website,
http://www.portarthurtx.gov/.
Budget Impact:
The estimated Revenue impact of the discount is a reduction less than$100,000 per year, and it
will take effect October 1, 2024.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Council approve Proposed Ordinance No.7273,authorizing the water
rate discount for senior citizens, as described/outlined above.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
PO No. 7273
8/15/2024 JL
Page 1 of 3
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 110 (UTILITIES),
ARTICLE II (WATER), DIVISION 3 (SERVICE CHARGES AND
BILLING),SECTIONS 110-91(RATE SCHEDULE)OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,AS IT PERTAINS
TO DISCOUNT BENEFITING SENIOR CITIZENS RESIDENTIAL
CUSTOMERS (REQUESTED BY COUNCILMEMBER LEWIS)
WHEREAS,the City Council deems it in the public interest of the City to amend Chapter
110(Utilities),Article II(Water),Division 3 (Service Charges and Billing), Sections 110-91 (Rate
Schedule) of the Code of Ordinances as it pertains to rates for residential customers.
NOW THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2. That Chapter 110(Utilities),Article II(Water),Division 3 (Service Charges
and Billing),Sections 110-91 (Rate Schedule)of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Port Arthur,
Texas, is hereby amended as delineated in Exhibit"A".
Section 3. All Ordinances and parts of Ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are
hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict.
Section 4. That this being an Ordinance which requires publication, its caption shall
be published at least one (1) time within ten (10) days after final passage hereof in the official
newspaper of the City of Port Arthur, and this Ordinance shall take effect October 1, 2024, which
is after the date of publication.
Section 6. That a copy of the caption of the Ordinance be spread upon the Minutes of
the City Council.
PO No. 7273
8/15/2024 JL
Page 2 of 3
READ,ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of , A.D., 2024,
at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote:
AYES:
Mayor: ,
Councilmembers: ,
NOES: .
Thurman Bill Bartie
Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard
City Secretary
PO No. 7273
8/15/2024 JL
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED AS TO.FORA-,
Roxann Pais Cotroneo
City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ronald Burton, C' Calvin Matthews, P.E.
City Manage Director of Water Utilities
4
EXHIBIT "A"
Section 110-91.—Rate Schedule
Insert in Section (1) In the city:the following Subsection d.
d. Senior citizen customers residing inside city limits and in a single-family residence
who are of the age of sixty- five(65)years old or greater will receive a flat discount on the Water Bill of
six dollars and twenty-five cents($6.25)per month. To obtain the senior citizen's discount, persons
eligible must apply every four years with valid proof of a residential account held in the name of the
senior for real property for which such individual has a current homestead exemption or a current lease
held in his/her name. Upon application approval by the Utility Manager,the senior citizen's
discount rate shall be applicable for the next billing cycle. The senior citizen water bill discount
program is effective on October 1, 2024. Only one Senior Citizen Water Discount can be applied
for per person and account.