Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: PHSS - Public Health & Social Services

Directors' Update: TBD

Business Meeting: Jan. 24, 2023

Summary:

Starting January 1, 2023 the following Veteran benefits will be increased / expanded: 

• Utility and gas voucher assistance to $500.
• Rental Assistance to $1,000 or 10% of the rent, whichever is lower.
• Eligibility for assistance to include "General Under Honorable Conditions" as long as the Veteran falls under the definition of a Veteran. 

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Tailor Arrington, Heidi Palmer, Kendra Garrison, Jill Nielson, Sherri Dokken, Grace Jimenez, Michelle Sauter

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County provides qualifying Veterans assistance with rent, food and utilities; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed Resolution 20-142 in April 2020, to establish temporary increases to the assistance provided. The temporary increases ended December 31, 2020, and the rates returned to the following amounts thereafter: 

• Utilities assistance: $450
• Rental assistance: $750

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has reviewed the attached memo listing recommendations from the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB) to increase and expand Veteran benefits; and

WHEREAS, the VAB has recommended the following Veterans benefits be increased / expanded effective January 1, 2023:

• Utility and gas voucher assistance increased to $500.
• Rental assistance increased to $1,000 or 10% of the rent, whichever is lower.
• Eligibility for assistance to include "General Under Honorable Conditions" as long as the Veteran falls under the definition of a Veteran

WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to increase / expand benefits for Lewis County qualifying Veterans.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the following Veterans benefits shall be increased / expanded effective January 1, 2023: 

• Utility and gas voucher assistance increased to $500.
• Rental assistance increased to $1,000 or 10% of the rent, whichever is lower.
• Eligibility for assistance expanded to include "General Under Honorable Conditions" as long as the Veteran falls under the definition of a Veteran

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 24th day of January, 2023.