The Snohomish County PUD Board of Commissioners has expanded the scope of the utility’s low-income and senior assistance programs in order to help people having difficulty paying their electricity bills. The modified programs are expected to provide assistance for more than 2,300 additional customers — with 12,337 customers expected to receive assistance over the next year. The PUD assistance programs are some of the most extensive such efforts in the region. More than $250,000 will be added to the programs for 2002-2003, bringing the total assistance level to $4.5 million. The new programs take effect Oct. 1. The program changes will shift discount rates to 20, 40 and 60 percent, from the current rate reductions of 23, 46 and 69 percent. The new senior discount program, for those 62 years of age and older, will be adjusted to partially cover changes in the cost of living. The threshold level for seniors will be raised from a combined household income of $18,000 per year to $21,000 annually. Low-income participants can receive help if their household income is below 125 percent of the federally established poverty level. Low-income customers will need to reapply to receive assistance under the program. Seniors need reapply only if their income levels have changed. Info: 425-783-1000.
County Clerk recognized for work
Snohomish County Clerk Pam Daniels was recently presented the “County Clerk of the Year” award by the Washington State Association of County Clerks. The WSACC presents this highly coveted award in the years they believe a county clerk has demonstrated a commitment to service that is “beyond the call of duty.”
In presenting the award, the organization noted that in her role as Legislative Chair for WSACC during the 2001-02 session, Daniels exhibited highly effective leadership in the passage of legislation authorizing youth courts and increasing the ability to collect restitution owed to crime victims. Gov. Locke signed both bills into law.
Daniels is involved in numerous state and local committees included Access to Justice, Washington State Bar Association’s Public Legal Education Council, Juvenile Court Integration, Public Trust and Confidence in the Courts and Equal Justice Coalition. Locally, Daniels is widely recognized for her active involvement in Snohomish County Programs focusing on alternatives for at-risk youth, working for victims of domestic violence as well as law and justice integration programs for service improvements and efficiencies.
Bus ride to the Evergreen State Fair
Those headed for the Evergreen State Fair who want to avoid traffic and parking hassles can board Route 720 and take the bus right to the fair entrance. Free parking is available at the Everett Station, at Smith and Pacific, and at the Snohomish Park and Ride, at Highway 9 and Bickford Ave. The bus also serves Sultan and Gold Bar.
Buses run hourly from before the fair opens until just after closing, and service is seven days a week, including Labor Day. The Evergreen State Fair runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2.
Fares are $1 for adults, 60 cents for children and 30 cents for seniors and disabled riders.
For detailed schedule information, visit www.communitytransit.org or call 425-353-RIDE, 800-562-1375 or TDD/425-778-2188.
Community Transit invites the public to help us “Stuff a Bus with Coats for Kids.” Bring a coat to a collection site and receive a coupon for $2 off fair admission. Visit www.communitytransit.org for more information. Donated costs will go to Snohomish County foster children through DSHS.
New commission appointments made
The Snohomish County Council confirmed the appointments August 21of nine citizens to the new Historic Preservation Commission. The citizens represent all five County Council districts. Loren Kraetz, Timothy Bond, Falken Forshaw, Gene Fosheim, Alex Alexander, Donna Walther, Marge Wood, Bethany Sugawara, and Windsor Vest will have their first public meeting in September.
Formation of the commission is the initial step in carrying out the mandates of the historic preservation ordinance, adopted in April. The commission’s first job will be to review and recommend historical sites and structures for a county register of historic places. All listings on the register will be with voluntary owner consent. Properties listed as historical sites are eligible for valuation tax incentive programs and the commission serves as the review board for these incentives. The commission will also advise owners of register sites and buildings regarding appropriate actions for the preservation of such register properties. The commission will create educational programs to enhance and encourage historic preservation.
Criteria for appointment to the commission included having background in local and American history, historic preservation, architecture, anthropology, archaeology, cultural geography, planning, law, and/or real estate.
For further information, contact Louise Lindgren of Snohomish County Planning and Development Services at 425-388-3311 ext. 2372 or e-mail l.lindgren@co.snohomish.wa.us.
Nominate ‘Real Heroes’ by Oct. 1
The Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for ordinary individuals who have demonstrated acts of heroism. The Red Cross wants to honor those who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character.
These heroes will be honored at the Seventh Annual Heroes Breakfast Awards Ceremony Dec. 5 at the Howard Johnson Everett Plaza Hotel.
Award categories include firefighter, police officer, medical, military, industrial, adult good samaritan, youth good samaritan, animal rescue, education and community award.
Nominees must be residents of Snohomish County and performed a heroic act between Oct. 1, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2002.
Request an application form to nominate a “Real Hero” by calling 425-252-4103 ext. 24.
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