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South Berwick to contract Fair Tide/Mainspring to administer town general assistance
Summary
Council voted to waive formal bidding and authorize a contract with Fair Tide (Mainspring) to administer the town's state-required general assistance program, citing the group's one-stop model for housing, legal aid and case management.
The South Berwick Town Council on June 18 approved a contract with Fair Tide Mainspring to administer the town's general assistance program and waived the formal bidding process.
Staff described Fair Tide Mainspring as a regional one-stop provider that coordinates services such as housing assistance, case management, legal aid and veteran services. Staff noted neighboring towns already use Fair Tide and that town counsel had reviewed the contract.
Supporters said outsourcing administration to a specialist increases access to wraparound services while the town continues to appropriate funds each year for the financial assistance paid to residents. "We're really just talking about transferring the administration of the process to a different organization that can help much more than we can," a staff presenter said.
Councilors who asked procedural questions were told the town will continue to budget the general assistance dollars; Fair Tide will handle administration and client intake while following state rules for general assistance eligibility and reimbursement.
The motion to authorize the town manager to sign the contract carried. Staff said the contract is consistent with FY27 appropriations approved at the annual town meeting.
