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Attachment D lei q L=j J V Memo To: Roseville City Council From: Chris Miller, Finance Director Date: November 18, 2013 Re: Recommendations from the Public Works, Environment, and Transportation Commission Background At their October 22, 2013 meeting, the Public Works, Environment, and Transportation Commission reviewed the information and reports included in the Staff Report and Attachments B & C. At the conclusion of their discussion, the Commission issued the following recommendations: •'* Maintain the current 2 -tier water conservation rates •'* Eliminate the Senior -based Discount Program in favor of a Financial Affordability Discount Program The Commission's recommendation to maintain the current 2 -tier water conservation rates was made with the recognition of the challenge in fostering water conservation without penalizing larger- occupant households. Especially considering that larger households can conceivably have superior water conservation measures compared to smaller households. In making their recommendation, the Commission noted that there should be further study before any changes to the conservation rates are made. With regard to their recommendation to eliminate the Senior Discount Program, the Commission noted that simply being retired and on a fixed income does not necessarily mean that a household is at a financial disadvantage. They further noted that many young families in Roseville are dealing with greater financial struggles than retirees, and therefore should not be asked to subsidize their water and sewer services. The Commission recommended that the senior - eligibility portion of the Program be eliminated, while the affordability portion expanded based on further analysis of the potential number of eligible homes and the impacts on rates.