A. 
The City administers a program of general assistance available to all persons who are eligible to receive assistance in accordance with the standards of eligibility as provided herein and in 22 M.R.S.A. § 4301 et seq.
B. 
Every effort will be made to recognize the dignity of the applicant and to encourage self-reliance. The program will help each person achieve self-maintenance and will encourage the work incentive. When possible, it will seek to alleviate needs other than financial through rehabilitative, preventive and protective services. General assistance will promote strengthening the family, especially with regard to the care and protection of children.
C. 
The general assistance program will place no restrictions on the personal rights of the applicant or recipient, nor will there be any unlawful discrimination based on sex, age, race, religion, disability or political affiliation. The applicant or recipient will be informed of his/her rights and responsibilities under the general assistance program.
D. 
The General Assistance Administrator will act promptly on all applications for assistance and requests for fair hearings. Within 24 hours of receiving an application, the Administrator will give the applicant a written decision, whether or not assistance is granted, that will state the specific reasons for the decision. The Administrator will also give the applicant written notice that the applicant may appeal to the City of Augusta Fair Hearing Authority if dissatisfied with the decision. When an applicant is determined to be eligible, assistance appropriate to the need will be furnished within 24 hours after the completed application is submitted except when the Administrator issues nonemergency assistance conditionally on the successful completion of a workfare assignment (see § 157-22 of this chapter).
E. 
The Administrator will maintain complete and accurate records pertaining to each applicant and recipient. These records are confidential.
F. 
The Administrator will post notice stating the day(s) and hours the services will be available. The Administrator, or other designated person, will be available to take applications in the event of an emergency at all other times. A copy of Ordinance No. 659 (this chapter) and the state general assistance statute will be readily available to any member of the public upon request to read in the City Health and Welfare Offices. Notice to this effect will be posted. Copies of Ordinance No. 659 will be furnished at the expense of the person who requests the copy.