East Bay city revives water/garbage discount program for seniors, disabled

Low-income seniors and customers with permanent disabilities in Brentwood could save about $25 monthly on their water and garbage bills under a discount program the city has revived.

Under the new program, which the City Council unanimously approved last week, utility ratepayers could save $14.08 on their water service and $10.73 on garbage cart service. A 50% discount for the base water rate and a 33% discount for the smallest (32-gallon) garbage option would be offered to those who qualify, Director of Finance Kerry Breen said.

First offered in 1981, the city’s water/sewer discount program continued through 2013 when it was stopped, Breen said.

“So, the discount program would essentially reopen the program for new applicants,” he said.

Breen said the discounts can only be offered with non-rate-related monies such as late fees and service application fees, but he confirmed that there was enough money now to fund up to 950 households. Staff expects annual available revenue of about $125,000 in the solid waste fund and $225,000 in the water fund, which would fund for the discount program, according to the report.

Breen noted discounts would be given to those 62 and older or disabled whose income meets the “very low income” level for Contra Costa County as established by HUD.

Tracie Cacciatore, utility billing supervisor, said applicants will need to show proof of age and a proof of income, which could include a Social Security letter, or tax documents, for the entire household. And while the utility must be in the applicant’s name – except when the household includes a disabled child – Cacciatore said it’s easy to add a spouse or other adult to the bill.

Other cities have similar discount programs, including Pittsburg, Oakley and Concord, which offer 15 to 21% off garbage fees (for the smallest carts) and 25% to 50% off base water costs. Bay Point, meanwhile, offers an $18 monthly break on water for seniors and those permanently disabled.

To apply for discounts or for more information on the program, Brentwood residents can call 925- 516-5415 or go to www.brentwood.gov