Agenda 06/13/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Martinsville Meeting Date: Item No: J~e13,2005 5. Department: Issue: City Manager Discussion of proposed uilllty bills assistance program (Good Neighbor Fund) and consider adoption, on first reading, of Ordinance No. 2005-6 adding Sections 2-25 and 2-26 to the City Code Summary: ~he City Council of the City of Martinsvtlle has established a special fund designed to assist those in our city that may need occasional help with paying their utility bills. Many cities and private utility companies offer sLmllar pmgran~. The program is initially being formed to assist with the recent rote increase. However. the need for the program is greater than the immediate needs and will continue as long as there are sufficient donations. To offer immediate assistance the City will contribute $30,000, to be used for rote increase assistance, and to provide startup funding for the program. How the Good Neighbor Fund (GNF) Works: Customers may contribute additional dollars to GNF when paying their bill. There is no limit to the amount that the customer may contribute. You may choose to have the amount for GNF added to you monthly bill automatically. All donations are tax deductible. Each contributor will receive an annual statement for tax purposes. All donations, large or ,st~l! are accepted. You can start, or stop. your donations at any time during the year. AU money collected will be used to aid City residents that qualify for assistance. o Qualifying Factors: · Household Income (200% of Poverty Level) · Age (Senior Citizens) · Disabled · Emergency Situations. Martinsville Salvation Army will be the Program Administrator, The City of Martinsville will contribute $30,000 to establish the program. Attachments: Ordinance 2005-6 Recommendations: Motion to approve ordinance on first reading. Motion Mayor Cobbe. Roop. Clark Second. V-Mayor Reynolds Fen-gl.