BURBANK : Utility Rate Cuts May Require Proof

The Burbank City Council voted Tuesday to give city administrators authority to require that applicants for Lifeline--a program offering reduced utility rates to needy residents and seniors--provide city officials with proof of income.

Under the new policy approved by the council, the city may now ask all applicants to provide copies of their state and federal income tax returns when applying for Lifeline exemptions. The policy would affect about 2,300 households. The old rules only required applicants to submit a signed statement that they were eligible.

The Lifeline program allows Burbank residents who are disabled, 62 years of age or older, or who qualify as low income under federal guidelines to receive city utilities for minimal rates. Lifeline participants are also exempt from the city’s utility tax.