District 7 / Municipal budget, meetings & OTM ramp-up (Brattleboro)
Key Questions
What was the 'Brattleboro Experiment' and why is it ending?
The Brattleboro Experiment was an alternative to traditional Town Meeting, billed as its future, but it is ending after voter rejection. Brattleboro is returning to the traditional One Town Meeting (OTM) format on April 11 at BUHS.
When and where is Brattleboro's Annual Town Meeting?
The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, at Brattleboro Union High School (BUHS). An informational forum was held to prepare residents.
Are there reimbursements for dependent care during the Town Meeting?
Yes, dependent care reimbursement forms are available through the Town Manager’s Office at 230 Main Street, Brattleboro. Contact (802) 251-8151 for details.
What topics were covered in the April 1-2 City Council meetings?
The meetings and caucus discussed academy issues, child abuse, Lansing, and Public Works bids. Videos of the sessions are available on YouTube.
What is on the agenda for the April 7 Selectboard meeting?
The Selectboard, Planning, and COW meeting covers contracts, wall, trucks, VTrans, Simmons, Election Bylaw, DEI, Safer, and infrastructure. It starts at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room.
What is H.541, the election threats bill?
H.541 addresses election interference following threats to clerks, spotlighting Brattleboro Clerk Francis. Vermont lawmakers are pushing the bill in response to incidents like those reported by Lincoln town clerk Sally Ober.
How are unpaid taxes affecting Brattleboro's budget?
Unpaid taxes are stressing local budgets due to high property taxes that low to moderate-income residents struggle to pay. This leads to delinquencies impacting municipal finances.
What are the updates on US5 paving and library access?
US5 paving construction between Brattleboro-Putney has traffic impacts as of April 3. The back entrance of Brooks Memorial Library closes starting April 13.
Brattleboro 'Experiment' RTM ends after voter rejection, returns to traditional OTM Apr11 BUHS with dependent care reimbursements available. Apr1-2 Council meetings on academy/child abuse/Lansing/PW bids; Apr7 Selectboard/Planning/COW on contracts/wall/trucks/VTrans/Simmons/Election Bylaw/DEI/Safer/infra; H.541 election threats bill spotlights Bratt Clerk Francis. KGPC Apr15 construction tips; PW hiring; US5 paving; vacancies/library closes; unpaid taxes stress budgets.