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CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> there. After reviewing some of those myself, I'm not completely comfortable with it. All the <br /> information we need is there but subsequent with that, we were also having dialogue about using <br /> GIS and, honestly, I think it will be easier for us to use GIS rather than pulling those cards. So, <br /> that is the direction we are headed while we move toward those pervious and impervious rates <br /> long-term. I do appreciate you bringing that up because it does look like most of the information <br /> they are tracking, particularly on the commercial and not so much the residential, they are. The <br /> other issue was the lifeline rates. We have started a group and Dr. Boyles is leading that effort for <br /> us. We will have a regular cadence of meetings. We've had some initial discussion with our <br /> financial advisor but also with some service providers in the area. It looks like REAL Services is <br /> already doing a lot of the legwork in terms of income verifications for some of their energy <br /> assistance programs. They do that for more than just the senior care stuff. They do it for a broad <br /> spectrum of folks, so, it made sense to us to try and work in that direction where we are trying to <br /> almost have a one(1)-stop-shop for services where people can come in and they can assess multiple <br /> breaks and have a place where if they come in for help, we can look at other services they qualify <br /> for. That will be a venue in which we can get them signed up for assistance on a waste water rate <br /> as well. <br /> Committeemember Regina Williams-Preston arrived at the meeting at 4:25 p.m. <br /> Mr. Horvath continued, So, that is the direction we are going right now. It looks like we were <br /> looking at something that is related to poverty and they're doing something similar. I think they <br /> do sixty percent (60%) or seventy percent (70%) of household income until it gets to a certain <br /> point and then they do one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of poverty level, which, those two <br /> (2) numbers are actually really close to each other when you actually look at them. <br /> Councilmember John Voorde interjected, That's why I thought the Auditor's Office might have a <br /> piece of the puzzle or some of the information that might be needed because some of those <br /> exemptions are income-based rated. <br /> Mr. Horvath replied, Ok, could you explain that to me? <br /> Councilmember Voorde followed up,You can get an old age exemption, for example,but not just <br /> for age but for income as well. It came to mind at the last meeting that maybe that would be a <br /> resource for you and that information is kept in the Auditor's Office. <br /> Mr. Horvath replied, Ok. I did have a conversation with John Murphy, but I hadn't talked about <br /> that with him, specifically, so I will follow up with him about that. <br /> Mr. Horvath continued, So we figured that it made sense, as we go down that track,to try and find <br /> a way to have multiple programs that people can come in and apply for. Then,the benefit becomes <br /> much greater. So,instead of them getting, say,twenty dollars($20)off one(1)bill,they get twenty <br /> dollars ($20) off multiple bills and it actually becomes something that is more meaningful. So, I <br /> think those were the outstanding issues that I was aware of,but I'm happy to answer any questions <br /> or go over anything that was in the presentation before. <br /> Committee Chair Teshka then opened the floor to questions from Committee and Council <br /> Members. <br /> EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 17D574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov <br /> 2 <br />