City News

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE—At their February 16, 2021 meeting, the City Council updated the income thresholds the city uses to determine eligibility for discounts on water, sewer and stormwater bills for low-income senior and disabled residents. The City Council had previously reviewed the issue at study sessions in late October and early December and provided direction to draft an ordinance for their consideration.

The action was prompted when a resident noted the city’s income levels were not in alignment with those of neighboring cities. After reviewing information from other jurisdictions, the city found the income levels used by the state to determine low-income property tax exemptions under RCW 84.36.383 to be an appropriate measure of need. The city had been using income levels identified in federal programs.

The Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code Chapter 13.05.375 was amended so that Mountlake Terrace property owners over the age of 62 living on the property in a household with an aggregate income as shown in the table below are eligible to qualify for a 30 percent discount on water, sewer and stormwater charges. This discount also applies to Mountlake Terrace low-income property owners who have a disabled family member living with them. (See table)

To qualify for this discount, applicants must complete an application form provided by the city and submit proof of income to the City Manager or designee. The discount will be effective with the next regular billing following approval of an application. 

To access the application, visit www.cityofmlt.com/165, email utilitybilling@mltwa.gov or call the Utility Billing Department at (425) 744-6214.

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