PF ends 'welfare program' for utility bills

Post Falls Mayor Randy Westlund announced Monday the city has ended a program to help people pay utility bills.

"We've shut it down because wealth transfer is not the proper role of government," Westlund wrote in a post on the city's Facebook page.

He said there were 30 accounts enrolled for a total of $20,000 a year in subsidies, plus staff time spent verifying incomes and processing applications.

"This was a small dollar amount, but we're committed to doing things the right way," Westlund wrote. "If you want to know how well your government is run, look at the little things." 

He wrote that some of those on the program reached out to him and were understandably upset. The city connected them with local organizations that are dedicated to providing such assistance. 

Under the city's program, a family of four earning no more than $4,810 per month could quality for help with water and sewer bills. Applicants had to provide a paycheck stub, tax return, bank statements and Social Security notices.

"I believe local churches and nonprofits are the best way to help people in need, not government programs," Westlund wrote. "It's a good reminder that we all have a moral obligation to help our neighbors and I ask everyone to make sure you're doing that in whatever way you can."