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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 2013 Page 18 in support of a means-tested program; opining that the recent economic downturn may find many people qualifying. However, Councilmember McGehee opined that this should not be a lifetime means-testing, but with many people in a wide variety of circumstances that may change frequently or periodically, it could be an important program for many residents, and should be made available, but not in its current form. Councilmember McGehee suggested coming up with a better program for full implementation by January 1, 2015, allowing for education and communication and thorough research of the best, and most effective means- tested program. Councilmember Laliberte sought information from Mr. Miller on estimates of the size and scope of the demographic that may qualify for a means-tested program, if the age component was removed, but open to any age; and if that information was known. Mr. Miller offered his very anecdotal calculations, based on his review of 2010 census data and current criteria for a discount based only on single-family homes, owner-occupied (no rentals or commercial properties). If that was the City Coun- cil's direction, Mr. Miller noted that the potential candidate pool shrunk consider- ably; and roughly estimated no more than 100 homes would probably meet that threshold, depending on where the City Council set their threshold. Councilmember Laliberte questioned if there was already means-test data availa- ble in Ramsey County that the City could use so residents would not be asked to provide their personal information to the City. Mr. Miller opined that he thought there may be, if the City applied the same threshold locally as eligibility requirements for the State or County; which would lower the administrative cost and burden for the City; and recommended that the City Council look in that direction first before attempting to go it alone. Councilmember Etten spoke in support of this shift and phasing out the current discount program over a 2-5 year range, and capping any new entries in the short- term future. While there may be some concern in residents sharing data with oth- er levels of government, Councilmember Etten suggested that the City become part of the process (e.g. one application process for discounts) and not simply calling Ramsey County for a list of people; expressing concern that they may be violating some law in sharing that information. Councilmember Etten spoke in support of coupling with the County in the data process and sharing of infor- mation. Mayor Roe concurred with the potential for data sharing; and suggested the possi- bility of tying into the Ramsey County Administration's Property Tax Discount Program for income-qualified homeowners; and if they could demonstrate that