Waterboro council adopts updated general assistance ordinance

The Waterboro Town Council held a public hearing and adopted an updated general assistance ordinance that raises maximum family benefits and increases food and heating fuel allowances. The council also appointed a new tax collector, named John Burroughs to a vacant seat, approved two junkyard permit renewals, and authorized spending tied to public works vehicles.

Key points

• The council adopted the updated general assistance ordinance after a public hearing; the changes raise overall family maximums and increase food and heating oil fuel maximums.
• Tally Trudeau was introduced as the town's new tax collector, on her second day in the role.
• John Burroughs was appointed to fill a vacant council seat, with members citing his years on the budget committee, library board of trustees, cemetery committee, and comprehensive plan work.
• The council approved applying $1,200 from the sale of an old maintenance van to the vehicle repair and maintenance line.
• The council authorized up to $79,000 (an extra $4,000 above the $75,000 target) for a 2014 Freightliner plow truck that staff will inspect.
• Two junkyard permit renewals were approved, with staff reporting both facilities were spotless and had no outstanding issues.

Next steps

• The council deferred accepting the minutes of the September 15 meeting until its next meeting.
• Staff will send a redrafted letter supporting extended producer responsibility to the Governor's office.
• Staff will continue work on the transfer station permit and await a response on the Dayton MOU.
• The council chair may need to sign off if the town moves forward on a wheeled loader purchase.
• An open house for the completed public works garage is planned once staff finish moving in.

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