As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:
“Eligible persons” means residents who qualify as low income responsible for the direct payment of their water, sewer, and garbage bills to the city.
“Low income” means an individual or family whose total income is at a level of fifty percent or less of the median family income.
“Median family income” means an annual median income for Cowlitz County as provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Ord. 1207 § 2 (part), 2007: Ord. 1169 § 2 (part), 2005).

To qualify for a low-income utility rate, an applicant must satisfy all of the following:
A. Total income of the applicant including that of his or her spouse or co-tenant, does not exceed fifty percent of the median family income based upon the number of residents in the household;
B. The applicant is the owner or tenant of a residential dwelling responsible for payment of the utility bill;
C. An application is submitted to the city attesting to the above information and agreeing to repay the amount of any discount allowed if a violation is determined, plus a penalty of twenty percent in excess of the amount owing and agreeing to notify the city in the event of a change in any circumstances applicable to this criteria. (Ord. 1207 § 2 (part), 2007: Ord. 1169 § 2 (part), 2005).

Eligible persons residing inside the city limits occupying residential dwellings shall be eligible for a reduction of five dollars and fifty cents for water and twelve dollars for sewer per month, provided they apply and are qualified as low income. For eligible persons residing outside the city limits, the discount will be calculated in the same manner as the water and sewer services are calculated. (Ord. 1207 § 2 (part), 2007: Ord. 1169 § 2 (part), 2005).