The East Grand Rapids City Commission on Tuesday approved an amended city poverty exemption policy that raises eligibility thresholds and revises documentation language to align with state guidance.

City staff told commissioners the state recently consolidated required paperwork, eliminating one of two forms and leaving applicants to file form 57-37 with supporting documentation. The revised policy increases the income eligibility to twice the federal poverty guideline and sets a home's asset cap at $40,000, staff said. The commission voted to adopt a resolution implementing the updated policy and instruction packet.

Several commissioners and residents questioned a bulleted list in the draft resolution that would have required applicants to submit a full year of utility bills, medical bills and prescription receipts, and proof of food assistance (Bridge Card). Commissioner Skaggs said those items could stigmatize applicants and may be unnecessary; staff said the list mirrored items on the application form and that the city had asked the state for clarification.

To address those concerns, commissioners amended the resolution by voice vote to remove the detailed bulleted list and replace it with a requirement that applicants "produce all documentation required by the state to assist the Board of Review in acting on a poverty exemption application." After the amendment passed, the commission approved the amended policy as a single motion.

The commission and staff agreed to revisit the matter at the next meeting (Dec. 1) if state officials clarify whether the city may limit or change the documentary requirements. Staff said paperwork for exemptions will need to be available to the board by Dec. 8 under administrative timelines.

"I think we're moving this in the right direction," one commissioner said during debate, noting the change should make the process more workable for applicants while meeting state rules.

The motion to adopt the amended policy passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public record for that vote. The city manager and assessor said the update was needed to meet upcoming deadlines and to conform to the state tax commission's updated guidance.