Winnebago supervisors approve revised general-assistance guidelines with limits on rent assistance

Winnebago County supervisors voted June 23 to approve revised guidelines for the county general-assistance program after a lengthy discussion about eligibility, documentation requirements and fiscal limits.

Julie (surname not stated), the county official who administers general assistance, walked the board through proposed changes she had highlighted in a draft: simplifying shelter assistance language, clarifying that the county pays landlords/property owners directly, requiring a complete application with supporting documents (leases, two months of bank statements or pay stubs), and capping rental assistance at a maximum of $550 per month with a maximum of two months per fiscal year per household. She told supervisors utilities assistance is capped (the transcript references a $500 utilities cap) and that the program excludes payment of taxes, penalties, late fees and reconnection charges.

Supervisors discussed whether to continue covering security deposits and agreed to remove deposits from eligible payments. They also emphasized the requirement that the recipient’s name be on the lease, documentation of current income and assets, and the right to appeal denials to the auditor’s office. The board approved the guidelines as amended; a county representative said the revised forms and the resource guide will be posted online and the updated document will be printed for signature next week.

Board members noted general assistance is a last-resort program and expressed concern about yearly budget overruns for rent payments; they said a budget amendment would be needed if spending continues to outpace appropriations.