Select Board Chairman Eric Hilton notes that the board is in the “exploratory phase” of drafting a new general benefits ordinance in Chesterville tailored to the town’s needs. Sent photo

CHESTERVILLE — The Chesterville Board of Elections recently voted against adopting the state’s new general aid (GA) standards, citing concerns about the program’s compliance with the Office of New Americans (ONA) and its potential impact on local resources. After voting and then rescinding the vote, the board chose not to adopt the revised guidelines and is currently researching and planning to create a GA Ordinance specific to the town’s needs.

In a recent interview, Mayor Eric Hilton explained that Chesterville is committed to helping residents in need, but that the town’s ordinance will prioritize local considerations and financial limitations.

“Our town will not adopt the new GA standard due to recent changes,” Hilton said. “We are currently in a place where we will be exploring forming our own GA to focus on helping our townspeople.”

The board’s decision comes at a time of rising costs in Chesterville, where many residents are already feeling the pressure of rising property taxes. “This has affected all municipalities, and a lot of people’s taxes have definitely been affected,” Hilton said. “It really caught me off guard because I thought it was just something simple; general help. We help people in need. It’s very simple. But when we got to it… the change in Department of Health and Human Services requirements really made us look at this differently.”

Hilton acknowledged the challenges faced by other Maine towns, including Sanford, Lewiston and Portland, where demand on their resources has increased due to incoming populations. “They weren’t prepared,” he said of Sanford. “To their surprise, there is also Lewiston and Portland.”

While discussing the Maine Municipal Association’s guidance on GA changes, Hilton pointed to a line that changed his perspective. “If you believe that because we are in Maine, your municipality is too isolated to accept clients from other national, cultural and racial backgrounds, think again,” he said, explaining how that underscores the potential for increased liability under the new standards.

Hilton emphasized that Chesterville’s stance is based on the town’s limited resources, not discrimination. “We’re not racist, it’s not our job,” he explained. “But…are we allowed to be discriminatory when it comes to town politics and protecting our town?” Hilton stated that the town’s primary responsibility is to its own residents. “This is a no-brainer for our people. We don’t have the ability (to support additional individuals). It’s a disservice to the people who come here, especially if they’re traumatized.”

Looking forward, Hilton stated that Chesterville will continue to maintain existing state standards without adopting new additions until a city-specific GA Ordinance is developed. “We’re in an exploratory process right now,” he said, adding that Chesterville’s GA spending has consistently stayed within its $2,000 annual budget.

In addition to addressing local concerns, the Chesterville community will come together for two annual events in the coming weeks. The Chesterville Heritage Society will host a hunter’s breakfast at the David Archer City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 2, starting at 5:30 a.m. The annual meeting offers residents a satisfying start to the day as hunting season begins.

The following week, on Monday, November 11, at 10 a.m., Chesterville will hold its Veterans Day ceremony, also at city hall. Organized by local residents, the event provides an opportunity to honor and express gratitude to veterans who have served the community.

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