Suzanne Watson (Western Iowa Service Collaborative) and Jamie Lorenz (General Assistance caseworker) led a study session for the Board of Supervisors on the county’s General Assistance (GA) program and related community services.

Speakers described current GA programs: a one‑time assistance benefit (up to $500 for rent or utilities) available once per calendar year; and an interim assistance reimbursement (IAR) program that covers up to $700 per month while applicants pursue Social Security disability — the county recoups payments when applicants are later approved for benefits. Presenters said GA’s administrative budget is roughly $300,000 (covering program operations and staff time) and that revenue recoveries and partner contributions offset part of that outlay; staff reported they have underspent the line items this year despite increased demand.

Staff described operational friction among local nonprofits — Interfaith Response, Together Inc., Salvation Army and others — and said frequently clients are referred back and forth among agencies with duplicate intake burden. Watson and Lorenz said they are pursuing a shared application model (citing Story County’s example) and improved coordination so that one application could be routed to multiple agencies. Board members asked about eligibility thresholds, whether income guidelines should be updated above the federal poverty threshold, and the program’s ability to scale if the board sought to expand benefits. Staff said they will return with options and formal budget requests if the board wants to increase caps or change eligibility rules.

Speakers also highlighted success stories where coordination (including county staff proactively contacting treasurer’s office and Together Inc.) prevented a tax sale and preserved homeownership. The session closed with the board offering general support and direction to return with budget proposals and policy options in time for the January budget process.