Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Poverty Exemption Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
East Grand Rapids amends poverty-exemption policy, removes detailed documentation list
Summary
The East Grand Rapids City Commission approved an amended poverty-exemption policy that raises income/asset thresholds and replaces a bulleted list of required supporting documents with language requiring applicants to provide documentation 'required by the state.' The change was adopted after commissioners voiced privacy and burden concerns.
The East Grand Rapids City Commission approved an amended poverty-exemption policy after commissioners agreed to remove a detailed bulleted list of documents and instead require applicants to "produce all documentation required by the state to assist the board of review." The amended resolution, adopted by voice vote, raises income eligibility to twice the federal poverty guideline and sets a $40,000 cap for a home's total asset value, aligning the local policy with recently updated state guidance.
City staff and the assessor presented the revision, noting the Michigan tax authority eliminated one of two previously required forms so applicants now file form 57-37 and provide supporting documentation such as tax returns and other records. The staff presentation said the revisions reflect state guidance and that the commission was being asked to adopt the changes so they could be effective in time for the Dec. 9 filing period.
During deliberations commissioners expressed concern that a list included in the draft resolution — which asked for utility bills, medical bills and prescription costs, insurance premiums and food-assistance documentation — could be burdensome and stigmatizing. "I frankly just don't think it's the board of review's business what people's medical bills or prescriptions are," Commissioner Skaggs said during discussion. Several commissioners asked staff to confirm with state agencies whether each item was required.
Commissioner Graf Blasek moved to amend the resolution by removing the bulleted list and replacing it with a requirement that applicants provide the documentation required by the state; that amendment carried by voice vote, and the commission then approved the amended policy by voice vote. The motion on the record was moved and seconded; the official vote was by voice and no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.
Resident public comment included a supportive statement from Catherine Creekbaum, who said the policy "will provide meaningful change for non veterans with disabilities and senior citizens on fixed incomes." City staff said they would return to the Dec. 1 meeting with any additional clarifications received from state agencies and, if necessary, bring an amended resolution for further action.
The commission’s action updates both the local policy and its implementing resolution to reflect current state forms and sets local income and asset thresholds; the board directed staff to obtain state guidance on supporting documentation and to present any clarifications at the December 1 meeting.
