About the Burton Water Community Fund Financial Assistance Program
The Burton Water Cooperative has created the Burton Water Community Fund (BWCF) to help Co-op members who experience financial challenges due to the increased monthly water costs associated with the new Co-op ownership. When we set up our financial plan and rate structure, we believed it would work for most members, but not for all. This program is designed to address that need.
The program is funded by community donations and seed money from the Co-op’s operating budget. It will provide a credit of $60 (the approximate increase from previous Burton Water Company rates) to each eligible member’s bi-monthly bill and is available to all Co-op members who have signed a Membership Agreement and who are year-round primary residents living at the service address. The program will initially operate from December 2024 through December 2025, as funding allows. The Board of the Co-op will evaluate how the assistance plan is working after 6 months, with intent to continue the program for the full year. The program will be reevaluated annually thereafter.
Please note that the program is primarily funded by Co-op member donations, and we can provide assistance only as funds are available.
How Can I Donate to the Burton Water Community Fund?
- You can add a recurring donation of $5 or $10 to your bi-monthly water bill. Recurring donations may be added or discontinued at any time by contacting the Co-op Treasurer.
- A one-time donation can also be made at any time.
- Donations do not qualify as a tax deductible charitable donation
How Does it Work?
Members needing assistance will evaluate their household’s eligibility based on self-assessment of the following guidelines. Any one of these guidelines may apply.
- Your total pre-tax household income is 60% or less of the King County Median Income. This is a commonly used metric for housing assistance in King County. For 2024, the maximum household income limits are:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
Maximum Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $63,240 | $5,270 |
| 2 | $72,300 | $6,025 |
| 3 | $81,360 | $6,780 |
| 4 | $90,420 | $7,535 |
| 5 | $97,680 | $8,140 |
| 6 | $104,940 | $8,745 |
| 7 | $112,080 | $9,340 |
| 8 | $119,340 | $9,945 |
- Your household receives benefits from one or more of the following programs:
- SNAP (food stamps) or WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants & Children
- Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Housing Assistance (Section 8 Vouchers, Section 515 or 521 Rural Rental Assistance)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- Federal Pell Grant
- Your household faces a temporary need for assistance due to unforeseen circumstances such as unemployment or an unexpected medical expense or other significant financial hardship.
Accounts must be paid up to date to be eligible for this assistance plan. If an account is overdue, a payment plan must be negotiated with the Co-op to continue to receive assistance.
How Do I Request Assistance?
As a Burton Water Co-op member, you can request assistance by completing the Application for Burton Water Community Fund Assistance. Please submit your request by clicking Apply and the Treasurer will send a prepared application form to you via Signwell (electronic signature service). Alternatively, you can write to the treasurer at Burton Water Cooperative, PO Box 1938, Vashon, WA 98070 and request an application by mail.
Upon receipt of your completed and signed application, your bi-monthly bills will include a credit of $60. An Application for Assistance must be completed annually in December, in order to receive a reduced water bill for the next calendar year. If you find that your situation changes and you need assistance at another time during the year, you can request assistance by contacting the Co-op Treasurer and completing the application. If your financial situation improves and you no longer require assistance, please let us know so we can allocate funds to another member in need.
Questions?
Please contact the Co-op Treasurer at treasurer@burtonwater.org.