Julie Sorensen, Winnebago County public health administrator, reported increased demand for general relief and social services since taking the role in July. "I've had over a 100 plus people come through the door," she said, and added she has "helped, about 25 people with rent and 20 people with utilities, 2 for burial." Sorensen described staff time spent assisting with applications, arranging referrals to SNAP and Medicaid, coordinating with local food banks, and using community partners where possible.

She described the start of a regional behavioral-health navigator that will serve four counties and said the county is working to integrate that support with local casework. Sorensen said her department's general relief budget is currently about $39,000 with roughly $1,000 remaining and warned the existing appropriation will not cover continuing demand this fiscal year. Board members explored options including a $20,000 amendment, doubling the line, or a larger figure; after discussion the board settled on preparing a $35,000 budget amendment and directed county staff to assemble and publish the formal amendment for a future meeting.

Board members stressed the county's role as payer of last resort and discussed referral pathways to regional partners including North Iowa Community Action, Salvation Army and local churches. The board asked staff to present a proposed amendment with an accounting of current commitments and an explanation of how any additional money would be distributed. No final amendment was signed at the meeting; staff will prepare the formal amendment notice for the board's next action.