The Marysville City Council recently lowered the income threshold for residents with disabilities to receive a 30 percent discount on their utility bills, meaning more residents now qualify for this substantial discount. 

The new criteria specify that people whose incomes do not exceed the "very low income" level set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the greater Seattle/Bellevue region and who meet disability requirements are now eligible for substantially lower utility bills. For a single person with disabilities, that annual income limit is $37,450; for a family of four, it is $53,500. This HUD threshold is also used by the majority of neighboring communities. 

The city also offers a 30 percent utility bill discount to seniors who are at least 62 years old and whose total household annual income is $40,000 or less. The city has offered reduced utility rates to low-income residents since 2004 in accordance with state law. 

For more information and to apply for either discount, visit https://www.marysvillewa.gov/340/Utility-Billing or call 360-363-8001. You're also welcome to stop by Marysville City Hall, 1049 State Ave., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.