Soldiers may get utility-bill relief

WEST JORDAN — Get called up for military duty, say goodbye to city utility bills.

It could happen here — as in several Utah cities — as officials consider waiving water, sewer, trash and street lighting costs for residents who have been activated for military reserve duty.

At $42 to $80 per month for the average utility bill in West Jordan, it's a move that could cost the city between $2,500 and $5,000 per month.

"It's not a lot of money," said Mayor Bryan Holladay.

He likes the idea, saying the city just wants to support the troops and that the plan will probably win the support of City Council in its next meeting Tuesday.

"I know the hardships they go through," said Councilwoman Carolyn Nelson. "I'm in full support of helping the military."

Nelson's son, a West Jordan resident, serves with the Army National Guard and could stand to benefit from such a program if he leaves — as planned — in February for active duty. He would get some military pay but not much for someone who is the main breadwinner in a household with four children.

If West Jordan goes through with the offer, as many as 56 families here could take advantage. One scenario for qualifying for a fee waiver might be that the main income provider in the house has to be activated by either the Air or Army national guards, regardless of location of service.

Other cities offering — or considering — such a utility fee waiver are Lehi, American Fork, Spanish Fork, Pleasant Grove, Orem, Provo, Lindon and Saratoga Springs.

Offers include a one-time 100 percent waiver for one billing period, waivers for up to $100 per month or waivers for the duration of service.

West Jordan assistant city manager, Tom Steele, could find no city in the Salt Lake Valley offering utility waivers for military families.

So far, no limitations have been set by staff on how to administer a waiver program. The City Council will have the final say.

"The only recommendation we're making," he said, "is that if they go through with it, that they pay back the utility funds out of the general fund." That's so the city can pay for outstanding water and sewer bonds.

Councilman Lyle Summers brought up the idea after a woman in his district contacted him.

"I told her I thought it was a great idea," he said. He thought the city shouldn't make things worse for people serving their country.

Summers has a son serving in Hawaii with the Marine Corps, but there would be no benefit to him if the city approves a waiver offer.

West Jordan also offers its city employees called into active service the difference in pay between the military and what the city pays while they are away on duty.

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E-MAIL: sspeckman@desnews.com