NOTE: ARTICLE ARCHIVED AS IS ON THE DAY OF ORIGINAL POSTING FROM CITYOFCAMAS.US.
This message promoting the extension of a vital program designed to provide relief for those most in need, DID NOT appear on the city's Home Page as of 5/4/20.
For full details, see https://bit.ly/35lgBpl
Originally posted on Twitter here
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LAST UPDATED: 3/31/20
Thanks for the reminder to shop at Camas businesses that are allowed to operate thru May 31, save receipts, and get up to $75 off the Camas utility bill. I hope that all businesses will be allowed to operate soon, and that the city will extend the program beyond May 31.
Camas' finance director has stated that this program is net zero. This is the easiest decision they can probably make in a moment like this. The news of the extension has still not been added to the city's homepage as of 5/5. It was mentioned at the meeting that utilization of the program was surprisingly low.
The city is currently paying a contract to a temporary PR consultant for over $50k, so the resources are there. This reads as if the program is either not a priority or the city's resource is not successfully marketing it.
A program like this benefits those most impacted immediately by this crisis. Making sure that all who are able and in need are taking advantage of the program could be the difference between a resident missing a mortgage payment or paying rent for struggling families and those on fixed incomes. It could be the small bit of regular help that allows them to weather this moment and stay in Camas.
The city should inform residents by sending the details of the program with utility bills, both emailed and mailed utility bills.
The City explains what efforts are being made to inform utility customers about the Support Local and Save Challenge,
"The information regarding this program has been on the City website along with our social media sites and a YouTube video by Mayor McDonnell. Also, there is information on the billing going out this week that directs residents to the website about the program.
The Downtown Camas Association has been actively promoting the program along with a story by KGW News and an article in the local newspaper. "
Here's the most basic thought I can gather, If you were behind on your utility bills, and the city wanted money from you, they'd know exactly where to find you and have a way to make sure you were communicated with with a first and second notice directly to you or I. Period.
If they haven't done that with this or other programs that would benefit those most in need, it's a half effort (at best) to satisfy the bare minimum (i.e. pointing out that it technically exists on web and social). Something to show they "care" with a net zero relief program that another town had to come up with while Camas was focused on spending $30m to non-essential projects during a global pandemic. To top it off, they publicly debate on whether to extend this net zero program for a month like it's some huge consideration and not just a straw man for Ellen Burton and Steve Hogan (both up for reelection by the way) to knock down with some "hard hitting" questions.
Camas deserves better.
The city itself is always saying how when they WANT to communicate something (like the pool bond or the north shore) to the majority of Camas, the web isn't their most effective route.