HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 1, 1996 (87)AGENDA TITLE: Authorize program to allow City utility customers to donate funds to the Lodi Electric
Assistance Program (LEAP)
MEETING DATE: May 1, 1996
PREPARED BY: Finance Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the Finance Department to begin a pilot program to allow
City utility customers to donate $1 and up in even dollar amounts per
month to "LEAP", Lodi's "Reach" program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Pacific Gas & Electric provides its' utility customers with the
opportunity to donate to "Reach". This is a program managed by the
Salvation Army to provide one time assistance to utility customers in
paying their utility bill. In the past, the Lodi branch of the Salvation Army has used donations made by
PG&E to assist Lodi's Electric Utility customers.
The Reach Program has benefited both the City and the City's utility customers. The customer receives
assistance on a one time basis in paying their utility bill when they can not pay their electric bill due to
economic hardship and their utilities are scheduled to be turned off for non-payment. The customer is
also provided with financial counseling and may be referred to other agencies for additional help. The
City benefits by receiving payment for delinquent bills and has a resource to refer people for counseling
and assistance. Without this resource, City staff would have to spend a significant amount of time
assisting a few people.
PG&E has been very helpful in assisting the Finance Department with a Lodi version of the Reach
Program, but has requested we do not use the "Reach" name. Under the pilot program, the City would
allow utility customers to donate from $1 and up in even dollar amounts on their utility bill to "LEAP",
Lodi's Reach type program. The funds collected would be forwarded to the Lodi Branch of the Salvation
Army to provide financial assistance to City utility customers under the same rules and conditions of the
Reach Program sponsored by PG&E, except the LEAP program would also provide financial assistance
to pay water, sewer and garbage bills.
If this recommendation is approved by the City Council, staff would begin discussions with the Salvation
Army to establish an agreement as to the use of the donations and procedures to be implemented for
fund transfers. The program would be advertised in the June City newsletter, and implemented July 1,
1996.
FUNDING: None
Vicky McA hie
Finance Director
APPROVED'
H. Dixon Olynn - City M nager