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Council adopts small increases to General Assistance maximums required by state formula
Summary
Council approved annual adjustments to the City of Ellsworth’s General Assistance maxima to align with state-mandated changes to housing, food and mileage limits; social services director outlined the process for residents to apply.
The City Council adopted the 2025 amendments to Chapter 36 of the City Code, updating maximum General Assistance allowances to conform with state-required annual adjustments.
Katrina Manatasai (listed in the record as Katina Manatasai), director of social services, explained the state formula sets yearly maxima for necessities; the 2025 update included modest increases in the overall household maximum, food maximums (monthly increases of roughly $1.39 per person) and the mileage rate. Manatasai noted the city is reimbursed approximately 70% by the state for General Assistance payments and described the application and eligibility process, including the requirement that applicants pursue employment or other benefits in many cases and that applicants may apply for assistance every 30 days when eligible.
Councilors thanked social services staff for the work; the council then voted unanimously to adopt the updated ordinance figures as required by state statute.
