AUGUSTA – A proposed bill to make it easier for up to three neighboring townships to become an organized town could affect areas of Oxford and Franklin counties.

The bill sponsored by Christopher Barstow, D-Gorham, was heard in the State and Local Government committee of the Legislature on Monday. Under the bill, the townships must have a combined minimum of 200 full-time residents.

Doreen L. Sheive, fiscal administrator of the unorganized territories, pinpointed the areas qualified to organize under the bill. They include Mason and Albany townships in Oxford County, together with a population of 500 and a valuation of $73,578,981; and Madrid, Salem and Freeman townships in Franklin County with a combined population of 700 and a valuation of $62,508,558.

By organizing, these territories could provide more services to residents and ease the county budget, she said.

“If a location is well-enough populated, then it really should be running itself,” she added.

Albany Township has a population of more than 400, so it would be one of the areas greatly affected by this bill, said Oxford County Commissioner Steven Merrill of Norway.

Ten years ago when the county wanted to put in a high stakes bingo hall there, residents discussed organization so they could have a stronger voice.

During the hearing, a representative from the Maine Municipal Association opposed Barstow’s bill, stating that townships with less than 200 residents would be excluded from organizing, and since the bill doesn’t mandate organization it wouldn’t change anything.