Overview: As per a recent review of spending records by OpenTheBooks, it has come to light that the city of Portland, Maine’s largest monetary contributor in the past year was a Motel 6. This motel has since been shut down due to a severe cockroach infestation.

Digging Deeper into the Infested Motel’s Financial Connections with the City

Key Points:

  • The motel has been used by Portland since 2019 as a shelter for homeless families and asylum seekers.
  • In March, the state health department revoked the motel’s lodging license due to multiple violations, including a rodent and insect infestation. The facility had only two microwaves available for use by 120 families.
  • A mother expressed her fears to Maine Public, stating she discovered cockroaches in her baby daughter’s crib, raising concerns they might crawl into her ears or nose.

In 2023, Portland expended nearly $11 million at this motel, which equates to 7% of the city’s $158 million checkbook as revealed by OpenTheBooks through an open records request. This expenditure surpassed what was allocated to the city’s parks and recreation department and library system, making the motel the highest private recipient of city funds.

Additional Information: The city manager, Danielle West, disclosed that the motel charged Portland $225 per night for each family. This rate is significantly higher than other motels contracted by the city, which only charged $90 per night as reported by News Center Maine. However, Portland’s choices were limited due to most motels not accepting the state’s General Assistance Voucher program. This program reimburses cities for 70% of eligible expenses. In 2023 alone, Maine cities spent $43 million on these vouchers. Astonishingly, up to 25% of all voucher spending went to this infested Motel 6.

Final Thoughts: It is crucial for Portland to ensure that its expenditure on free housing is directed towards facilities that provide sanitary conditions for families.

Source: Steadfast Nation