BUCKFIELD – The Board of Selectmen recommended changes to the general assistance ordinance after a public hearing Tuesday night.

The increases in welfare benefits range from $50 to $118, depending on the number of people in a household. The changes are based on Maine Municipal Association’s guidelines.

Judy Berg, chairman of the Planning Board, presented the board a timetable for completion of the Comprehensive Plan. She explained that the public forums in January are to enlist some 20 residents to work with the board on the 13 plan areas.

“We feel like we have a handle on the plan,” Berg said. She said they did not want a repeat of 1993, when the board finished a plan but it was defeated before being brought to a town vote. She estimated the Planning Board would need $3,000 to $5,000 for the task. This request would have to be brought before a town meeting.

In other business, selectmen voted to put off an action of replacing the “No Parking” signs on the odd side of Route 117 in the village.

Jim Bennett Jr. was appointed to the Appeals Board.

The board approved utility pole sites on Whitman School Road, accepted tax abatements, and scheduled a public hearing to discuss the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan for 7 p.m. Dec. 21. If accepted, the town would be able to participate in disaster aid grants.