FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 15, 2019
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Jay Duncan, M.P.A., Public Works Customer Services Manager, Public Works Department (805) 385-8387, [email protected]
OXNARD, CA – The City of Oxnard has set two January sign-up opportunities for the utility rate assistance program “Project Assist” on Jan. 16 & 17 and is determined to reach income-qualified customers. The program offers low-income residents a $10 monthly discount toward residents’ trash, sewer, and water utility bills. This fiscal year (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019), the City will also accept qualified multi-family dwelling residents who receive their own City of Oxnard Utility Bill.
Qualifications are a streamlined three step process. A prospective participant completes the one page application. Secondly, Oxnard residents must be participants in Southern California Edison or Southern California Gas Company’s CARE program or one of several other social assistance options. Oxnard residents will be notified on the spot of approval as they file completed applications to city public works staff. Funds are limited and acceptance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Oxnard City Council approved the “Project Assist” Program for a second year (Fiscal Year 2018-2019) at their July 10, 2018, meeting. Finally, the applicant turns in a recent City Utility Bill copy that is in their name or a copy of a valid driver license.
Applications and bilingual sign-up flyers will also be available online at the City’s Website front page scroll. “Project Assist” drew 392 applicants during the first year of implementation. Oxnard’s sign-up sessions have now attracted and accepted a cumulative 384 participants to date. At this second year program sign up pace, staff expects to see an increase in the neighborhood of 40% due to striking early with utility bill inserts promoting the city’s rate assistance program, increasing the number of sign-up sessions, and word of mouth. The application process is annual. If residents participated in the program the first year and remain eligible, then they are still required to fill out an application for the second year of eligibility.
Schedule of Sign-Up Events Added:
- Jan. 16, 3 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Oxnard Public Library, Room B, 251 S. A Street.
- Jan. 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Oxnard Public Library, Room B, 251 S. A Street.
For more information, visit Oxnard.org/project-assist or contact the Public Works Customer Services Manager, Jay Duncan at 805-385-8387.