Select Board approves amended General Assistance Ordinance.
Residents can watch recording of the full hearing.
On September 21, the Select Board voted to amend the General Assistance (GA) Ordinance, Appendices A-H. The revised maximums are set by Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). North Yarmouth is categorized as part of the Portland metro area. Grouping is determined by income rather than population, and based on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data compiled by Maine Municipal Association (MMA).
In the absence of the Interim Town Manager, Chairperson Brian Sites, opened the Public Hearing with an overview of the program. To participate in the program, towns must approve reimbursement schedules annually. New rates set by the state are effective October 1, when the state’s fiscal year begins.
DHHS uses data provided by MMA. Municipalities are permitted to set their own reimbursement amounts for housing allowances based on a market survey presented to DHHS. Selectperson, David Reed, thought this process would be beneficial, as he believes rental costs in North Yarmouth “might be on the higher end.” However, data from any study might be incomplete due to limited rental property in North Yarmouth, according to Sites.
The program requires municipalities to appoint a GA Administrator. This has typically been a role of the Town Manager. Additionally, North Yarmouth will contract with Opportunity Alliance to run the program at a cost of $2688, plus $600 for an interpreter.
In FY21, the town added $5000 to the budget for needs not covered by the GA Ordinance, but for FY22 reduced the amount to $1400. The Select Board could not confirm number of residents seeking or qualifying for GA, nor amount paid during FY21.
The total needed is assumed to be small. Bob Wood noted that in previous years, only a few residents have used the service. Wood recalled two residents receiving funds for two months and in another year, one resident was given a lot of assistance for heating oil. Wood added, the individual subsequently volunteered for the town. Wood summarized the amount of assistance normally paid by the town is “usually a miniscule item.”
The impact of Covid-19 on resident financial stability remains a concern. In recent years, there has been no public comment during the GA Ordinance Public Hearing. The expiration of extended unemployment benefits and evictions moratorium could affect a larger number of residents than typically seek financial assistance. Mike Mallory asked if the town could support resulting increased need.
The town has “wide latitude in number of folks we can serve,” said Sites. Any qualified assistance paid to residents will be reimbursed to the town by the state, at a rate of 100% up to the maximum allowance, said Sites.
The cost of the program is limited to the fees to Opportunity Alliance and any assistance the town provides for incidentals not listed on the GA Appendices.
North Yarmouth provides a number of assistance programs for residents. Programs offered through the town or locally are listed on the town website. Residents facing financial need can access information and applications online or contact the town office with questions, 207-829-3705.