Wayne Select Board adopts 2025 general assistance maximums after brief hearing

The Town of Wayne Select Board opened a public hearing Oct. 7 on proposed 2025 general assistance ordinance maximums required under state law and, after no public comment, moved to adopt the appended maximum schedules.

The hearing was opened by the chair, who said Maine law requires annual updates to a town’s general assistance ordinance to reflect state income and maximum-assistance levels. After brief board discussion about whether to adopt the full revised ordinance or only the appendices with maximums, a board member moved to accept the 2025 maximums; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote, recorded as 5-0 in favor.

Board members pressed staff on how the state-recommended maximums align with local rental markets. ‘‘Exhibit C on page 8 says municipalities should adopt the suggested maximums only if they are consistent with local rents,’’ one member said, asking whether a local market survey was necessary. Shannon, the town treasurer/tax collector, replied that the packet contained the town’s 2024 ordinance and that the item before the board that evening was adoption of the appendices (the maximums), not a wholesale replacement of the ordinance.

The board’s discussion acknowledged that Maine Municipal Association guidance recommends adopting a full revised ordinance in some cases, but that adoption of the appendices alone is permitted when the board determines they reflect local conditions. Members asked staff to provide any available local rent data or a market-survey recommendation before future changes.

The motion to adopt the 2025 general assistance maximums passed 5-0. The Select Board chair closed the item and moved on to the next agenda entry.