(A) The maximum level of benefits to be provided for each item of assistance for each person or that person’s household shall be:
(1) Food (if food stamps have not been received). Valued at the level of guidelines for food stamps. Food vouchers and receipts must be returned to the Director;
(2) Rent and shelter. The reasonable rental value not to exceed $200 per month. Rent will only be paid for the current month, and shall not be paid to relatives. Rent payments are limited to once in a fiscal year. This may be exceeded for a person who is awaiting approval and receipt of benefits or if a medical statement from a physician is provided stating that the person is unable to work. A signed rental agreement is required. If said landlord has previously signed a rental agreement, a second agreement is not required. Higher rent may be paid for one month at the discretion of the General Relief Director;
(3) Clothing. The individual will be referred to other sources;
(4) Utilities (heat, lights and water). The amount needed to provide these services and supplies. Sewer and garbage costs will be included as long as the main utility (gas, water) is being utilized. The amount authorized will be the current month’s usage. The utility bill must be in the name of the applicant or landlord and the applicant must be residing full time in the residence for which the utility assistance is requested. Payment, if eligible, must ensure, utility service is not disconnected for the month. An applicant must show effort to have paid on any and all utility bills within the last months from the date of application. If no payments have been made, no assistance will be granted. In addition, if no payments are made during the period of moratorium (energy assistance time frame), no assistance will be granted. “Utilities” does not include telephone, cable or internet service;
(5) Medical services, dental services (emergency extraction only) and prescriptions. The reasonable value of these services actually needed on an emergency basis;
(6) Transportation expenses. Gas for a vehicle will be provided for transportation to a medical appointment or to seek employment; provided that, proof of application for benefits or employment, and medical appointment is provided to the Director;
(7) Burials. Burial expense is limited to a maximum of $2,000. Burial may be provided to deceased person, if deceased meets the eligibility burial guidelines. Burial must be applied for at the time of death, and before burial; and
(8) Maximum benefits. The maximum benefits for any one person per fiscal year, which runs July through June, shall be $1,000, excluding burial, and $1,500 per household living unit, excluding burial.
(B) (1) The total amount for all of the items of relief needed, at any one time, shall be determined, and there shall be deducted the amount of liquid assets the person or family unit have available and the remaining is the amount of relief benefits the needy person is to receive.
(2) If the needy or poor person, except for reasons not attributable to that person, fails to repay the value of the benefits received, if agreed, he or she shall be disqualified from receiving future benefits.
(3) The Board of Supervisors may, upon application, waive the repayment of all or some of the benefits.
(Ord. 37, passed - -)