County Discusses New General Relief Ordinances

Supervisors Greg Gordy (left) and Mike Vander Molen (right) at Monday’s meeting.

by Amy Langdon

The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing Monday about the new General Relief ordinance, which outlines how the county can provide assistance to residents “in emergency situations with meeting basic needs such as medical, shelter, food, and utilities.”

No public comments were made. Connie Kitzman of Mahaska County’s General Assistance Department said not much changed in this document, but they just wanted to make sure it was updated since it hadn’t been changed since 1998.

The new ordinance did increase how much the county can pay landlords to keep county residents in their homes from $150 to $200.

The supervisors approved the first reading of the new ordinances. Final approval will require two additional readings and public hearings.

In other county business, Mahaska County will continue to be a part of Area 15 Regional Planning Commission. Membership will cost the county $4,585. Area 15 provides planning, technical, and administrative assistance to its 6-member county governments.

Also at the meeting, Pella Visitors Bureau requested permission from the Mahaska County Supervisors to put a public sign on Highway 163 near Leighton.

Supervisor Mike Vander Molen said the request was only Pella “being good neighbors” and the county’s permission is not required for Pella to put the sign up.

Gordy said he had a problem “starting down the path” of endorsing signs and billboards and did not second Vander Molen’s motion for approval.