A rebate policy for low-income seniors and those with disabilities related to water and wastewater charges was approved at Belleville City Council’s meeting on Monday.
The policy allows eligible low-income seniors and persons with disabilities to receive an annual non-cash, non-refundable rebate (credit) of $420, subject to application and approval each year.
The credit would be applied directly to the applicant’s account and cover both water and wastewater charges.
For applicants who receive only water service from the city, the annual credit would be reduced to $200.
Councillor Garnet Thompson had been advocating for the policy.
He says this relief is a good follow-up to the property tax rebate for low income seniors.
“It may not be a lot, but in today’s day and age when we can combine with the tax rebate and the sewer and water, I think it makes some little bit of difference for the person on a low income,” Thompson told council discussing the motion.
A report to council states that the water/wastewater credit represents approximately 25% of average annual utility costs to residents billed by the city.
Based on an estimated 500 approved applications, the annual financial impact of the program is estimated at approximately $210,000 and has been included in the approved 2026 operating budget.
