Columbus City Council to Consider Utility Assistance Fund With The Columbus Foundation
The emergency legislation authorizes an initial $10,000 contribution split across four municipal utility operating funds to establish the charitable fund.
Columbus City Council is scheduled to hold its regular meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, in Council Chambers, according to the published meeting agenda.
The legislation authorizes the director of Columbus Water and Power to enter into an agreement with The Columbus Foundation to provide for the establishment and management of a charitable fund to be known as the Columbus Water and Power Assistance Fund.
Columbus City Hall and entrance marker at 90 West Broad Street in downtown Columbus.
Credit: General Ization / Wikimedia Commons Image source
The emergency legislation also authorizes an initial contribution to establish the fund and authorizes the expenditure of $10,000 split across four municipal utility operating funds, encompassing electricity, water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater. In addition, the measure authorizes the City Auditor to transfer $10,000 between object classes within the Columbus Water and Power director's office.
Under the partnership, The Columbus Foundation will manage the charitable fund, creating a vehicle capable of accepting tax-deductible philanthropic donations from private individuals, community groups, and corporate donors. The program aims to assist Columbus residents struggling with municipal utility bills and help prevent service disconnections for families facing financial hardship.
The new fund is designed to complement existing municipal discount programs rather than replace them. Columbus Water and Power already operates an income-qualified discount program that lowers usage charges for qualifying low-income residents, alongside a senior customer discount that waives monthly service charges for eligible older adults. While those established rate programs provide ongoing monthly savings, the foundation-managed fund will offer emergency assistance for customers facing immediate service shutoffs.
Columbus City Council published the docket on Thursday, Oct. 22, setting the legislation for action at Monday's session. Because the measure was filed as emergency legislation, it would take effect immediately upon approval, allowing the department and The Columbus Foundation to establish operating guidelines and prepare for rollout.
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Columbus City Council · 2026-10-26
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Columbus City Council is scheduled to hold its regular meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, in Council Chambers, according to the published meeting agenda.
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REGULAR MEETING NO. 47 OF COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL, MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
The legislation authorizes the director of Columbus Water and Power to enter into an agreement with The Columbus Foundation to provide for the establishment and management of a charitable fund to be known as the Columbus Water and Power Assistance Fund.
Read supporting passage
to authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to enter into an agreement with The Columbus Foundation to provide for the establishment and management of a charitable fund to be known as the Columbus Water and Power Assistance Fund;
The emergency legislation also authorizes an initial contribution to establish the fund and authorizes the expenditure of $10,000 split across four municipal utility operating funds, encompassing electricity, water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater.
Read supporting passage
to authorize an initial contribution to establish the fund; to authorize the expenditure of $10,000.00 split between the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds; and to declare an emergency.
In addition, the measure authorizes the City Auditor to transfer $10,000 between object classes within the Columbus Water and Power director's office.
Read supporting passage
To authorize the City Auditor to transfer $10,000.00 between object classes within Columbus Water & Power Director’s office;