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Sanford manager: housing now accounts for roughly 90% of general assistance spending
Summary
City Manager Steve Buck told the council that December GA spending was about $113,000 (roughly $103,000 for housing), year-to-date GA spending totaled $483,000 with approximately $437,000 for housing, and that state reimbursements cover 70% of qualified costs but are often delayed about 90 days.
City Manager Steve Buck told the Sanford City Council on Jan. 20 that the city’s general assistance (GA) program is spending far more on housing than in previous years and that the city is raising the issue with state legislators.
"December total had total expenditures of $113,000 and housing-related assistance out of that was $103,000," Buck said. He told the council the GA year-to-date total was $483,000 and that about $437,000 of that year-to-date spending was for housing.
Buck said those figures reflect a longer-term shift: "For the first time in my 30-plus year career ... we're seeing that 90% of all GA expenditures are focused on housing." He asked the council to share those numbers with state legislators as the city seeks more reliable support for housing assistance.
The manager also described the state's reimbursement policy: the state reimburses municipalities for 70% of audited, qualified GA costs, but he said reimbursement is typically about 90 days late, which leaves the city carrying short-term cash outlays.
Buck said the city produces a consolidated monthly report on GA and that December’s housing expenditures included permanent housing payments ($70,600 in December; $325,000 year-to-date), temporary housing (hotels and shelter stays) and sober-living placements.
The manager framed the issue as both a program and finance concern: rising caseloads, longer housing placements and administrative workload have expanded demand. He described staffing increases to administer GA (from half-time to multiple full-time roles) and noted the absence of a statewide client database forces extra local staff work to check applicant eligibility.
Mayor Bridal and council members asked clarifying questions about the state reimbursement percentage and timing; Buck reiterated the 70% reimbursement rate for qualified costs and the reimbursement delay that creates a three-month cash lag.
What’s next: Buck said the manager’s office will continue to track GA use through the winter months and bring the consolidated reports to the council while the city and state consider funding adjustments. The council asked staff to share information with the governor’s office and state legislative delegation.
