Building a Better Community: Voluntary Contribution Programs

Compassionate people lead to compassionate communities

For some reason, the YouTube algorythms offered up this video to me lately. While the video is dated (it’s from 2023), it depicts a man pleading with the City of Piqua for a mere 24-hour extension to pay the final $42 of his $184 utility bill. His desperate request was met with cold bureaucracy – a redirection to other agencies and the looming threat of service disconnection coupled with hefty reconnection fees. This scene, while shocking to some, is unfortunately not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of a widespread issue affecting countless households across our county and beyond.

As the head of one of the county's largest human service nonprofit agencies, I've had a front-row seat to the scale and impact of this crisis. The numbers from our agency's work in 2024 paint a sobering picture: we provided over $40,000 in financial assistance for rent or utilities to more than 1,100 county residents. To put this into perspective, that's roughly 1% of Miami County's population of 110,000 seeking help for what most would consider basic necessities. These figures are not just statistics; they represent real families, individuals, and stories of struggle within our community.

The Complex Utility Landscape

To understand the full scope of the issue, it's crucial to examine the utility landscape in our area. Municipal utilities in cities like Piqua and Tipp City are unique in that they encompass not only water and sewer services but also electricity. These publicly-owned systems operate differently from investor-owned utilities such as CenterPoint Energy and AES Ohio, which have established voluntary contribution funds to assist customers facing financial hardships. It also means that water and electricity are lumped together on one bill with one due date; it can cause a real cash flow crunch for families with both utilities on one bill.

The distinction between public and private utilities becomes particularly significant when we consider the resources available to help struggling customers. Investor-owned utilities have more flexibility in creating and implementing assistance programs, often due to less restrictive regulatory environments and the ability to allocate funds from their profit margins.

Voluntary Contribution Programs: A Beacon of Hope

Voluntary Contribution Programs represent a potential solution to bridge the gap for municipal utilities. These programs, typically funded by small donations from customers who choose to round up their bills or contribute a set amount, create a pool of resources to assist those in need. The beauty of these programs lies in their voluntary nature and the community spirit they embody – neighbors helping neighbors through small, collective actions.

However, the implementation of such programs faces significant legal barriers in Ohio, particularly for statutory communities like Troy. These communities are bound by the powers expressly granted to them in the Ohio Revised Code, which currently does not provide for the creation of Voluntary Contribution Programs by publicly owned utilities.

The situation is somewhat more nuanced for charter communities like Piqua. While these communities generally have more autonomy in local governance, the legal landscape regarding the establishment of Voluntary Contribution Programs remains unclear. This ambiguity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for local leaders and community advocates to explore the boundaries of what's possible within the current legal framework.

Learning from Success Stories

While our hometowns grapple with these challenges, we can look to other states for inspiration and guidance. Washington State stands out as a prime example of proactive legislation in this area. Thirty years ago, they passed a statute that explicitly allows public utility systems to create Voluntary Contribution Programs. This forward-thinking approach has enabled communities across Washington to implement effective assistance programs for their residents.

The City of Washougal, with a population of just 16,000, serves as a shining example of what's possible when communities are empowered to help their own. Their Voluntary Contribution Program offers up to $250 in one-time annual assistance to qualifying residents. The program's success demonstrates that even smaller communities can make a significant impact when given the right tools and legal framework.

A Call to Action: Building a More Compassionate Community

The implementation of Voluntary Contribution Programs could be transformative, preventing distressing scenarios like the one captured in the YouTube video. These programs not only provide financial relief but also foster a sense of community solidarity, reminding us that we're all in this together.

The generosity of our county's residents is not in question. Through my work at our nonprofit organization, I witness daily the incredible capacity for compassion and support that exists within our community. What's needed now is a concerted effort to channel this generosity into sustainable, systemic solutions.

While local governments may currently lack the direct tools to institute Voluntary Contribution Programs, they are not powerless. Municipal leaders can play a crucial role by advocating for change at the state level. By raising awareness, engaging with state legislators, and building coalitions with other communities facing similar challenges, we can work towards creating the legal framework necessary to implement these programs locally.

Moreover, this issue presents an opportunity for broader community engagement. Local businesses, civic organizations, and individual citizens can all contribute to the conversation and support efforts to create more robust safety nets for those struggling with utility payments. Public forums, community meetings, and grassroots campaigns can help build momentum and demonstrate to state-level decision-makers the urgency and widespread support for these initiatives.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

Imagine a future where no resident of our county has to choose between keeping their lights on and putting food on the table. A future where a small contribution from many creates a significant safety net for the few in dire need. This vision is not just idealistic; it's achievable with the right combination of community will, legislative action, and innovative thinking.

By championing efforts to implement Voluntary Contribution Programs and other creative solutions, we can create a more compassionate and supportive community for all residents struggling with utility payments. It's a challenge that requires persistence, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our neighbors. But if we succeed, the rewards – in terms of community resilience, social cohesion, and individual dignity – will far outweigh the efforts invested.

The path forward may not be easy, but it is clear. It's time for our community to come together, advocate for change, and build a system that reflects our values of compassion, support, and collective responsibility. Together, we can turn the tide on utility payment struggles and create a model of community care that others will seek to emulate.

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