HARTFORD — Selectmen set a property tax rate of $16.30 per $1,000 of assessment on Thursday night.

The town needs to raise $82,000 for county tax, $774,000 for the town expenses approved at the annual town meeting and more than $1 million for schools.

After deducting almost $300,000 in other anticipated revenue, and adding $14,000 for unanticipated expenses, the $16.30 rate was established to raise $1,628,774.29 in taxes. The total town valuation is nearly $100 million.

Selectmen approved state recommended changes to the General Assistance Ordinance. Chairman Lee Holman said the town follows state guidelines in providing assistance.

General Assistance is primarily used when families encounter emergencies. Holman said she assists families in finding other sources of help for which they qualify. Traditionally the town gets requests for help with home heating during the winter months.

The changes reset the maximum income guidelines to qualify for assistance. The number of persons in the family followed by the monthly income are:

* 1, $491

* 2, $563

* 3, $753

* 4, $1,002

* 5, $1,250

* for each additional person, add $75 per month.

In other business, the town has hired a new grader operator. Some graveled town roads were not graded at all this year.

Holman brought up the case of a local resident whose dogs escaped and encountered a porcupine. The town animal control officer took the injured dogs to a veterinarian who removed quills. The owner picked up the dogs but did not pay the veterinarian’s bill. The town had to pay the bill, however, the owner promised to repay the town, but has not done so.

Holman said some towns put a lien on a resident’s property if they do not pay money owed to the town. She was hesitant to recommend initiating this legal action without knowing the will of the town. She recommended that the issue be addressed in the animal control ordinance now being prepared.

Margaret (Peggy) Matthews, a general practice physician who practices in Auburn, was appointed to the Planning Board. As a relatively new resident, she indicated that she is interested in serving the community and becoming involved in local affairs.

On Oct. 26, Hartford will host a meeting of the Oxford County Municipal Officers Association in the Town Hall at 6 p.m. The Hartford Heritage Society will provide the meal at a cost of $8 per person.

All municipal officers and guests are invited to come hear the local legislative delegation discuss recent and upcoming state legislation and to address concerns of those in attendance.