CHESTERVILLE — The Chesterville Select Board voted unanimously Oct. 16 to adopt the 2025-26 General Assistance ordinance and appendices following a public hearing.

Erin Norton, General Assistance administrator and town treasurer, reported a sharp rise in requests this year.

“The General Assistance program is a vital safety net for our communities,” she said. “It helps residents who, sometimes through no fault of their own, find themselves facing challenges that would be insurmountable without support.”

So far in 2025, Chesterville has received 12 applications, up from eight during the same period in 2024.

“Requests for electricity are the most common right now,” Norton said. “That’s probably because we’re just outside the heating season.”

Norton said many of those seeking assistance face sudden and difficult circumstances.

“I’ve had grandparents who are unexpectedly caring for grandchildren, a person diagnosed with terminal cancer and unable to work due to treatment, domestic violence victims and people who lost a loved one that was the sole financial provider,” she said. “Many of my applicants are hardworking individuals who never imagined they’d need assistance. Programs like this remind us that community means taking care of one another when times get tough.”

Norton said the increase reflects growing financial strain across the area.

“People are struggling to keep up,” she said. “Almost all Salvation Army vouchers are for heat and electricity because people can utilize local food banks for food.”

Norton also serves as the service unit coordinator for the Salvation Army voucher system covering five towns.

Year-to-date General Assistance expenses total $3,623.11, compared to $957.90 for all of 2024, she said.

Norton said she submits reimbursement requests to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services monthly.

“We received $1,296.12 in reimbursements so far this year, plus an additional $138.50 in September distributed to each municipality. It was unusual to get that extra payment.”

Norton said she expects the town will need to adjust its General Assistance budget at the next town meeting due to the rising number of applications.

Last year, the General Assistance adoption process for state-mandated updates was contentious. Then-Chair Eric Hilton and Selectman Jason Ward opposed adopting them, citing concerns about small towns managing potential increases in demand. Both men are no longer on the board.