DPW

Selectboard Meeting Notes – A Long Winter’s Eve and It’s A Wonderful Life

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard december 2

Despite the weather conditions, the Brattleboro Selectboard went forth with their first meeting of December.  Being a very long meeting, I decided to jump in somewhere around the time of the discussion of health care changes and voting on RTM, which appeared on the agenda for roughly 8:15, which was actually more like 9pm.

The board covered the DPW, Rec & Parks, Library and DID budget requests. Interestingly, they decided to hold public hearing to gather important feedback from the public about declaring an emergency and making it more difficult for social service and charitable use organizations to exist. This will be at a special meeting of the selectboard to be held December 22nd, overseen by Mr. Potter. 

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – December 2, 2025

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will continue work on the FY27 budget at their first regular meeting in December. From the way it is scheduled, this could be a VERY long meeting. The agenda-setters have the final item beginning AFTER 10 PM, and we all know how good they are at estimating agenda starting times.

In addition to hearing from Rec & Parks, the Library, the downtown organization, and Public Works about their budgets for FY27, the board will take up the bigger items of a change of health care providers, a discussion of options for voting to end Representative Town meeting, a new potential zoning change to start controlling “social assistance or charitable services” through conditional use permits, a monthly budget update, and anything else the public wants to bring up during public participation.

Selectboard Meeting Notes – FY27 Property Tax Guess 4.4%; PAYT Bag Costs Up

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard nov 3, 2025

It was a lot of numbers at the first regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard for November.  The first pass at a proposed FY27 budget gave us the number 4.4%, which is the amount property taxes might increase. It might go up more, though, warned the public.

There was a presentation about cost savings for the new solid waste plan. Those cost savings have a cost, however. PAYT bags are back and will be more expensive, plus the town will add  staff and equipment to the DPW to pick up compost.

The board heard a monthly finance report and got a quarterly update and EMS Policy Billing review by the fire department.

Also, Brattleboro has a new annual circus festival underway. Get in touch with NECCA for more info!

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Bridge Over Troubled Island, Charter Changes

by cgrotke | Town News
brattleboro selectboard july 8 2025

The Brattleboro Selectboard learned what the Brattleboro Charter Commission has been working on regarding the form of town governance and other possible changes to the Charter. The Commission has put over two years of work into this and the Chair seemed quite interested in being able to edit whatever they present, such as the form of town government, when it comes before the board again in September.

The next big discussion was about the old Hinsdale bridges. Hinsdale sent some semi-unanticipated reps to read Brattleboro the riot act. They seemed to take special glee in pointing out just how terrible Brattleboro’s problems are, and wanted to know if the town would agree that the bridges should be destroyed or sold.  A split vote at the end of the discussion means Brattleboro does not surrender in the battle

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – July 8, 2025

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard starts July with a big meeting on the 8th. They’ll spend almost a half million dollars on DPW vehicles, authorize tax collectors going after local businesses, pay for a new $476k retaining wall, and that’s just in the consent agenda. (They’ll also retroactively consider a parade permit – if it fails, do the participants need to march backwards?)

Once the meeting gets going in full, the board will hear from the Charter Revision Commission, receive an update on the old Hinsdale bridges, set a property tax rate of $1.5835 per $100, hear about increases to water and sewer rates, spend over $500k on space for police and bathrooms downtown, and more.

You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Selectboard Special Meeting Notes – Board Reacts To Revised FY26 Budget Up By $420,000

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard solid waste april 24 2025

The Brattleboro Selectboard held another in their month of many meetings to focus on decisions around solid waste and to hear the results of their budget decisions thus far.  Those results were not good. They also warned a special Representative Town meeting to vote on the revised FY26 budget, which will face further revision.

As with last week, I’m watching this second meeting of the week but not typing up every word. I’ll summarize again. 

Brattleboro Public Works Open House

by Not Signed In | Town News

Join us for the Brattleboro Public Works Open House on October 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm! This exciting event is your chance to learn more about the essential services that keep our community running smoothly. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, we invite you to come out and engage with your local public works team.

What to Expect at the Open House

Meet the Team
This is a unique opportunity to meet the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Our public works team is eager to share their experiences, answer your questions, and provide insight into their daily tasks.

Selectboard Meeting Notes – I See Those Rates and Raise Them , Too

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard may 7 2024

The Brattleboro Selectboard is contemplating just how much to raise Utility rates, specifically the cost of water. Rather than a 1% increase in FY25, they are thinking of raising it 5%, and 5% every year until 2030. But, it might go up even more because of the new expert study of utility rates they will commission for $75,000.

In good news, all the major roads of Brattleboro that the state has a hand in will be repaved in 2025-2026. And the Charter Commission is taking a deep dive into all sorts of issues related to Town Meeting and asking for your input.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – May 7, 2024

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hear an update from the Charter Review Commission at their next regular meeting. They’ll also hear from BDCC, and the DPW, and the ATM about the UFB. (“Matt Busby. Dig it, dig it, dig it….”)

You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Brattleboro Department of Public Works – Gravel Roads Warning

by Not Signed In | Town News

With warmer temperatures forecasted for the next few days, the Department of Public Works is expecting areas where deterioration will occur on some of our gravel roads.  Crews are conducting daily checks of the gravel roads and have completed work in preparation for this temperature swing.  Motorists who travel on the gravel roads should expect for areas of deterioration through the weekend.  We urge limited travel on these roads by vehicles, especially larger, heavier trucks which will allow residents safe access and the Town’s crews to keep these roads passable.  

Selectboard Meeting Notes – McNeills, Budgets, and Park Planning

by cgrotke | Town News
new tm john potter signs contract

A long night of budget talk, with nods to McNeill’s. Plus, Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland admits he  forgot to add in repayment of a bond in the preliminary budget.

Should we fill more potholes? Should we build a year-round pool? Will homes get re-assessed soon? Is it called global warming?  These are the issues of the day.

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting Agenda and Notes – December 6, 2022

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will continue their journey through the FY24 budget planning season at their next regular meeting. In this installment, they will hear from the DPW, Assessors, and Rec & Parks departments with a special mention of the Living Memorial Park project financing.

The board will approve the contract with new Town Manager John Potter and will discuss ARPA funds, Fossil Free Facility Funds, and more. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation. Another reminder: you can run for office to become a member of the Selectboard. Contact the Town Clerk for details.

Walnut and Terrace Street Sewer Work

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

Beginning Monday, December 5, a Town sewer line will be replaced from the intersection of Walnut and Terrace Streets easterly to the bottom of the embankment near the railroad tracks. The replacement of this eight-inch sewer main will not impede the use of water or sewer during the project. The street is expected to be closed at the intersection of Walnut and Terrace from 07:00am on Monday December 5, through Friday December 9 at 5:00pm while Zaluzny Excavation performs the work.

Brattleboro Water Department Annual Consumer Confidence Report/Water Quality Report for 2021

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro Water Department’s annual Consumer Confidence Report/Water Quality Report for 2021 is now available. This report can be viewed on-line at https://www.brattleboro.org/ccreport.  Printed copies are available at The Department of Public Works, Tri-Park CO-OP Office, Guilford Country Store, Town Clerk’s office and Treasurer’s office (both located in the Brattleboro Municipal Center) and at the I-91 Welcome Center in Guilford. 

Williams Street Traffic Restriction

by Not Signed In | Town News

Due to a washout and erosion concerns, the western leg of Williams ST near the Vermont Country Deli will be open to eastbound traffic only.  Vehicles may enter from Western Avenue onto Williams Street via that section of Williams ST.  

Motorists should plan to use alternate routes while repairs are being planned and completed.

Royal Road Sidewalk – Public Meeting

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

The Brattleboro Department of Public Works will hold a public meeting regarding a project which will connect the sidewalk between Royal Road and Downtown. ASL interpreters will be available for deaf and hard of hearing community members.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda November 9, 2021

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 6:15pm over Zoom. The Municipal Center (230 Main Street) will be open to the public with limited seating spaced six feet apart and face coverings will be required. The public is encouraged to participate in the meeting over Zoom. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.”  ASL interpreters will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.

Brattleboro Fall Paving Update

by Not Signed In | Town News

D.M.I. Paving (a contractor of the town) will be paving in various locations in the coming days. 

Wednesday, October 20th, paving will take place at Moore Court.

Thursday, October 21st, paving will take place at the intersection of Park Place and Linden Street Work is expected to happen between 10 am and 12 pm. Southbound traffic on VT Route 30 will be detoured to Cedar St. for the duration of the work. Please plan your trip accordingly. 

Bullock Street Closure

by Not Signed In | Town News

On Wednesday, October 13, Utilities Crews will be working to repair a sink hole on Bullock ST.  The work will begin at 7:00 am and will continue through approximately noon.  

Motorists should plan to use alternate routes during this time period.

If you have questions or concerns please contact the Department of Public Works at (802) 254-4255.   

Brattleboro DPW Fall Flushing Schedule

by Not Signed In | Town News

Utilities Division crews will start Fall Flushing of the Town water mains on Thursday September 23, 2021, at 10:00 p.m. and continue through Saturday October 9, 2021.

Some users have recently noticed discoloration of their water. Unprecedented rainfall has added color from dissolved organics in the source water. Additional organics accumulated in the distribution system is the cause of the discoloration. The water is safe to drink. Public Works tests the water throughout the distribution system daily. Flushing the water mains will improve the situation. Brattleboro is currently constructing a new water treatment facility which will improve our ability to treat the water supply during unusual conditions in the future.