MINOT — Local officials on Monday approved annual updates to the Maine Municipal Association’s model ordinance for general assistance, which the town has adopted.

The MMA annually updates caps on assistance for various expenses and revises limits on maximum income for general assistance recipients.

The annual changes are based on several economic factors based on means testing, according to Town Administrator Danielle Loring.

There was no public comment on the proposed changes that were later approved by the board, Loring said Tuesday.

The changes will go into effect Oct. 1.

Selectmen voted to grant the town’s annual sand pile contract to Peter Hemond Excavation at $10 per cubic yard for the 4,000 yards that are projected to be needed for sanding town roads this winter. The board rejected a higher bid of $12 per cubic yard, Loring said.

The sand is expected to be delivered in October.

Town officials also approved its ongoing agreement to have Androscoggin County 911 provide emergency dispatch services for the town for another year.

Officials discussed their goal of seeking to keep spending flat in the upcoming fiscal year’s municipal operating budget or reduce it from this fiscal year, which ends in December.

They agreed that if the overall budget increased due to inflation, that increase in municipal spending would not be more than 9% over the current fiscal year, Loring said.

Applications for absentee ballot are available at the Town Office. The clerk has received 66 applications so far for November elections, Loring said.

Riverside Cemetery is being closed to vehicular traffic early this year, Loring said, due to individuals driving into the cemetery after hours and damaging the road.

The cemetery is normally closed to vehicles Nov. 15 for the season. Anyone who needs vehicular access for burials and other cemetery business may make arrangements by calling the Town Office in advance, Loring said

Officials also approved use of Minot Fields and Trails for Poland Recreation’s cross-country meet, Loring said.