Polson to participate in water assistance program

A break on water bills for some Polson residents may be on the way.

During its regular meeting Monday night, the Polson Commission voted to enter an agreement with the state to participate in a temporary low-income home water assistance program.

The program, run by the Department of Health and Human Services, officially launched Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2023. It is part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress earlier this year and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.

Residents may apply for assistance with municipal water, sewer and/or stormwater bills. The city will receive funds from the state, and city staff will apply a credit to utility bills for qualified residents.

Residents are accepted into the program for one year at a time and must reapply each year.

The city would not be compensated for any administrative costs related to the program, but Finance Officer Cindy Dooley told commissioners that those costs would be minimal.

“It sounds like it would not be a lot of work for us,” Dooley said. “It looks like a good program. It is temporary, but at least it will offer some assistance.”

The Commission agreed to enter the program on a unanimous vote, with all members present except Lou Marchello and Jan Howlett of Ward 1.

Visit dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance to learn more about the low-income water assistance program.