Needy FPUD ratepayers should be helped

I have witnessed the rejection of a female FPUD ratepayer’s request for special water rates for all needy senior Fallbrook citizens. FPUD is also aware of several other ratepayers who cannot pay their water bills in full. No human, animal, or plant can live without water.

A search of California’s Public Utilities Code, Section 12811.2 states specifically:

a) Not withstanding any other provision of law, a district may establish a temporary relief program for assistance to needy customers of the district who are financially unable to pay in full their bills for services furnished by the district within the normal period for payment thereof, and may expend funds, enter into contracts, and cooperate with and accept cooperation from any state or local public agency or private nonprofit organization in the implementation of such a program.

b) As used in this section, “needy” means either of the following:

1) A household with an income which does not exceed the greater of either (A) an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty level of this state, as determined pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 16367.5 of the Government Code, or (B) an amount equal to 60 percent of the state median income.

2) A household with an income which meets guidelines for existing public assistance programs funded by the federal government.”

FPUD appears to ignore California State laws. Does FPUD willingly forget they are a California Public Utility District and not a private business?

Archie McPhee