CHESTERVILLE — The Chesterville Select Board recently voted against adopting the state’s new general assistance [GA] standards, citing concerns over the program’s alignment with the Office of New Americans [ONA] and its potential impact on local resources. After voting for, and then rescinding the vote, the board opted not to accept the revised guidelines and is now researching and planning to create a GA Ordinance specific to the town’s needs.
In a recent interview, Chair Eric Hilton explained that while Chesterville remains committed to helping residents in need, the town’s ordinance will prioritize local considerations and financial limitations.
“Our town will not be accepting the new standard for GA because of the recent changes,” Hilton said. “We are in a place now to research creating our own GA to focus on helping our townspeople.”
The board’s decision comes amid rising costs in Chesterville, where many residents are already feeling the pressure of increased property taxes. “This has affected all municipalities, a lot of people’s taxes were definitely impacted,” Hilton noted. “It really caught me off guard because I thought this was just a simple thing; general assistance. We help people that need it. Very simple. But when we came into this…[the] change in Department of Health and Human Services requirements really made us look at this differently.”
Hilton acknowledged challenges faced by other Maine towns, including Sanford, Lewiston, and Portland, which have experienced increased demands on their resources due to incoming populations. “They were not prepared,” he said about Sanford. “It was a surprise to them…You also have Lewiston and Portland.”
In discussing the Maine Municipal Association’s guidance on the GA changes, Hilton pointed to a line that shifted his perspective. “If you believe because we are in Maine your municipality is too isolated to receive clients from other national, cultural and racial backgrounds, think again,” he quoted, explaining how this underscored the potential for increased obligations under the new standards.
Hilton emphasized that Chesterville’s stance is not based on discrimination but rather on the town’s limited resources. “We’re not racist, that’s not our thing,” he explained. “But…are we allowed to be discriminatory when it comes to certain things like town politics and protecting our town?” Hilton noted that the town’s primary responsibility is to its own residents. “For our people, it is a no-brainer. We are not capable [of supporting additional individuals]. It is a disservice to people who came here, especially if they are experiencing trauma.”
Looking forward, Hilton stated that until a town-specific GA Ordinance is developed, Chesterville will continue to uphold the existing state standards without adopting the new additions. “Right now, we are in a process of discovery,” he said, adding that Chesterville’s GA spending has consistently remained within its $2,000 annual budget.
In addition to addressing local concerns, the Chesterville community will come together in the coming weeks for two traditional events. The Chesterville Heritage Society will host a hunter’s breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 2, beginning at 5:30 a.m. at the David Archer Town Hall. The annual gathering offers residents a hearty start to the day as hunting season gets underway.
The following week, Monday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. Chesterville will hold its Veterans Day ceremony, also at the town hall. Organized by local residents, the event provides an opportunity for the community to honor and express gratitude to veterans who have served.
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