The program will officially start once we get the legal go-ahead on the program (or council feels comfortable enough to move forward proactively) and the ordinances and applications are prepared and voted on. You can get the inspection from the city right now and apply for the grant/loan once the program is in place, but there is the slight risk of this not moving forward. 

This is still being worked out, but we are hoping to build in some sort of grace period for these circumstances. 

You may choose any licensed plumber to complete the work, or even complete the work on your own, provided you follow the laws and building codes. 

There is no specific 90 day timeline. But do remember, the timeframe in which the work is completed affects the benefits you are able to receive. 

City inspectors have the capacity to inspect, at best, 700 homes per year. At a minimum, 500-600 houses need to complete repairs (not just get inspected!) to satisfy the EPA orders and make enough of an impact to offset the cost of building tanks. So really it’s more of a minimum. The more houses that complete these repairs, the better. 

It’s a capacity issue. City inspectors can only inspect around 700 properties per year, and realistically, reviewing the inspection reports, grant/loan applications, and re-inspections will all take time. It’s not that there’s a cap, it’s just that resources are limited. 

There is no requirement to stay in the home for a specific amount of time.  

The inspections will be mandatory only for those applying for the program or wishing to receive a certificate showing they are in compliance. This may eventually change if enough peoole dont voluntarily sign up. 

Not yet – the details are still in progress. 

There will be restrictions on repairs in that the repairs must be fairly priced and specific to fixing illegal and illicit clean water connections. 

Lateral lining will be completed in order that each area is bid, similar to the way that current sewer main lining projects are being completed. 

Yes, you may choose your own licensed plumber. 

Yes, so long as all work is completed in accordance with building codes and laws. 

There is not a specific time limit for completion of work, but the more quickly it’s done, the better, as the available benefits will change depending on the time frame. 

Yes, to the extent that it is possible. The lateral will need to be inspected to see if clean water is making it into the system. 

Completing the inside of the house repairs first is recommended. You have access to better terms for the program and depending on the bid schedule of the private lateral lining, it could be a couple years before your neighborhood is completed. 

They will get as close as possible to the property as possible without undermining the foundation. 

No. It is recommended to address the inside-the-house work as soon as possible. 

There will be hardship provisions for those in unusual financial circumstances. The details are still being worked out. 

No. However, 2 quotes will be required to be reviewed by the city to prevent price gouging and unfair pricing. 

The loan payback terms will vary depending on the amount of the loan to be fair to everyone. For example, a $1500 loan amount will have a shorter term repayment than a $15,000 loan. A matrix is being prepared to give people a better idea of what loan repayment may look like.  

No. However, everyone will be subject to the income brackets. 

Similar to any loan, assessment or failure to pay taxes, if the loan is defaulted, then yes, this is something that could happen. 

Right now, potentially 75% of the city would be eligible to receive 100% grants. If the income brackets are drastically changed, there would have to be a limit or cap on the amount of each grant/loan, and people would have to pay more out of pocket. The way it’s designed now, no one, regardless of income, will need to pay out of pocket. 

The ratio is based on Adjusted Gross Income. 

Right now, we do not have a legal guarantee that this program, along with the lining of the private laterals, is an acceptable use of public funds. The city is pursuing all options available to get the legal green light, so to speak. A consent order/decree that includes this plan, or an order from a judge, would mean we are legally in the clear. 

New positions have already been hired to more aggressively handle this plan, and the city has ordered another camera truck to increase the capacity for inspections. 

That remains to be seen. Most likely, it will be by the day you’ve called in. 

These details are still being worked out, but most likely the application will be similar to other loan or grant applications. The other documentation will include the completed inspection from the city and 2 quotes for repair from licensed plumbers/contractors. 

The inspectors will be looking for illegal and illicit clean water connections, not all potential infractions. However, as a government representative, if they see something that is blatantly unsafe or illegal, they will have to report it. 

The income cap allows the funds to be able to cover all needed repairs, as opposed to having a limit. We’d be able to eliminate the income-based offerings if there were a limit of $5000 per grant, but then everyone would have to pay any repair costs over that completely out of pocket. This way, no matter what your income is, you’ll be at least eligible for a 0% interest loan. No one will have to pay out of pocket for repairs. 

We understand this can be frustrating. We would recommend completing the inside-the-house repairs as soon as possible, so you could use your certificate/the fact the repairs are complete as a positive selling point for your home. 

Income properties are included in this program. The only difference in the approach would be if a pass-through corporation/LLC with little to no income is the legal owner of the property. The income requirements will be based on the owner’s income or the members of the corporation/LLC’s income. 

The grants are for each property, and the income requirements will be based on the person who owns it.

They will be eligible for the same program as everyone else, and be subject to the same income requirements. 

Not exactly. But by relining all the private laterals, including those in the right-of-way/easement, repairs or maintenance will likely be unnecessary for several years to come.