Shapleigh Select Board signs referendum warrant, adopts state general assistance rates

The Shapleigh Select Board signed the November referendum warrant after a petition sponsor did not rescind it, approved a new rescue EMT hire and enrollment in a state surplus equipment program, and adopted the state's updated General Assistance maximums after a public hearing. The board also heard updates on drought-related fire planning, a deputy's proposed vacant-property check program, and rising heating fuel costs.

Key points

• The board voted 3-0 to sign the November referendum warrant on the municipal tax levy ordinance after the petitioner did not submit a written request to rescind by the deadline; a public hearing is set for October 20.
• The board voted 3-0 to hire a rescue applicant who is an EMT, filling the last EMT roster slot; the chief said the department will now focus on paramedic-level staffing, with three to four positions to fill.
• The board voted 3-0 to enroll in the state surplus equipment bid program, which requires one town official's signature to accept surplus state property.
• The board voted 3-0 to approve a special event liquor license for an event at Babbling Brook Farms on October 3, 2026, catered by Popping Bottles.
• The board voted 3-0 to send a letter to Governor Mills supporting expedited funding for the Extended Producer Responsibility recycling program, which has been delayed.
• After a public hearing, the board voted 3-0 to adopt the state's updated General Assistance appendices, including a 10 percent increase in the maximum for a single person and housing and food increases; the town administrator noted heating oil is up 73 percent over last year.

Next steps

• The town administrator will look for the town hall septic tank and, with board support, schedule pumping and set a regular schedule.
• The board will hold a public hearing on the General Assistance ordinance and the municipal tax levy ordinance on October 20.
• Officials will coordinate with Deputy Kummer on a proposed vacant-property check program and consider logging contact information with 911 dispatch.
• The fire department will send a crew this week to evaluate fire ponds and activate a tanker task force due to drought conditions.
• The rescue chief will work with the transfer station attendant to install AED housing units at the community center and town hall.

Read the full transcript