If approved at the next council meeting these programs will go into effect by April 2008. This has been on the back burner since the new rates went into effect. The Council wanted to make sure they had sufficient funds to pay the annual bond payments on the current utility upgrade. The program favored by the Council will include; 1) a utility donation pool, 2) a senior citizen discount, and 3) an additional discount for seniors who meet income guidelines. The utility donation pool will be mirrored after the Ameren Utility Pool. Citizens will be allowed to donate $1.00 or more to help the less fortunate. The funds will be placed into a savings account by the City and will be turned over to DAEOC twice a year. DAEOC will distribute the funds pursuant to criteria established by the New Madrid City Council. The second approach will be to lower the minimum charges for electric by $4.00, water by $2.00, and sewer by $4.00 for a combined monthly discount of $10.00. Any senior over 62 is eligible for the discount but must sign up for it. The third phase will allow an addition monthly discount of $5.00 to any senior over 62 who meet income guidelines. Together this would amount to a total benefit of $15.00. Seniors will be required to make application through DAEOC who will then provide the City with an eligibility list. These programs will be reviewed annually to insure adequate funding is available.