County discusses raising general relief thresholds and adding stabilization criteria

Representatives from the Rachel Ray Foundation and other social-service stakeholders briefed the board on proposed changes to Mills County’s general relief rules. The presenters said current income and asset thresholds are too low for many applicants, making access difficult. They proposed moving eligibility toward 30% of area median income—citing an illustrative $1,779 threshold for a single adult—and adding a stabilization clause so the program helps households reach a sustainable outcome rather than serving as repeated temporary assistance.

Presenters said recipients should be required to apply for available federal and state benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.) before receiving county general relief, and recommended clarifying asset tests (the current $1,500 limit was discussed). Board members expressed concern about opening the program too widely and exhausting funds before the fiscal year ends; staff and the presenters agreed to prepare draft policy language and a companion resolution to return to the board with budget estimates and proposed asset/income limits.

Supervisors asked staff to bring back specific figures, an estimate of budget impact (current general-relief fund balance reported around $35,000), and draft wording that preserves general relief as a last-resort stabilization tool. No policy change was adopted at this meeting.