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OPTION #1 - EXPAND SISTER CARMEN'S EXISTING UTILITY ASSISTANCE <br />PROGRAM AND ELIMINIATE EXISTING CITY ADMINISTERED SENIOR WATER <br />REBATE PROGRAM: <br />Feedback provided by Finance Committee at their May 16t" meeting was to provide an <br />assistance program with no age eligibility restrictions. The City of Louisville currently <br />partners with Sister Carmen for Utility Assistance through the City's Non -Profit Grant <br />Program. A portion of the City's annual funding awarded to Sister Carmen (roughly a <br />third) at $5,000, is earmarked for the Utility Assistance Program. These funds are <br />distributed to Louisville residents based on need, there are no age or income <br />requirements. Sister Carmen staff have mentioned to the fill the gap in need it would <br />require approximately an additional $5,000 - $10,000 in funding support. <br />Staff met with Sister Carmen staff on May 22nd to discuss the Sister Carmen <br />administered Utility Assistance Program. Discussion around potentially expanding the <br />program was well received, especially with recent utility rate increases. Sister Carmen <br />administers their Utility Assistance program year-round, provides assistance based on <br />need, not age. During the meeting, Sister Carmen staff noted the following; <br />• 73% of Louisville Heads of Households who received Utility Assistance the past <br />two years were under 60 years of age. <br />• 91 % of All Households assisted by Sister Carmen were at or below 30% of Area <br />Medium Income. <br />• The amount of water utility assistance ranged between $200 and $400 per <br />instance. <br />By expanding Sister Carmen's current no age restriction, need based, Utility Assistance <br />Program, the following would be accomplished; <br />• The Assistance Program would be based on need, not age or household income. <br />• The Assistance Program would be available year-round. <br />• Sister Carmen would be able to connect persons in need to other available <br />resources. <br />• Sister Carmen would be able to assist persons currently enrolled in the City's <br />program. <br />OPTION #2 — MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO EXISTING CITY ADMININSTERED <br />PROGRAM FOR INFLATION: <br />The Annual Rebate amount ($100) and the maximum household income have not been <br />modified since 2007. <br />• Increasing annual amount by $50, from $100 to $150. <br />FINANCE COMMITTEE COMMUNICATION <br />7/46 <br />