Town News

For stories pertaining to the town of Brattleboro at large and its government.

Brattleboro Property Taxes and Utility Bills Due Nov. 15, 2024

by Not Signed In | Town News

The second installment of the 2024 Brattleboro Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes will be due by 5 p.m. on November 15, 2024. Payments made after November 15, 2024 will have an additional 1% interest added to the unpaid balance.

The Town of Brattleboro utility bills are also due by 5 p.m. on November 15, 2024. Payments made after November 15, 2024 will have an additional 1% interest, as well as an 8% penalty added to the unpaid balance.

Selectboard Meeting Notes – What Services Would You Like To Cut?

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard nov 5 2024

The Brattleboro Selectboard discussed the “base budget” – a budget with no changes to services from current levels – at Tuesday’s Election Night meeting. As is, they said, it would be a 22% increase. Board members agreed it was a difficult budget, but none had any big ideas for getting the increase to a more manageable level.

Citizens attending had ideas – eliminate raises, cut Municipal Center hours to 32 hours a week for most employees, cut positions, and throw it all out and build up from what is truly necessary were suggested.  Personnel costs, they noted, were the big numbers.

In a flashback to the era of Barb Sondag we heard the Town Manager ask the board to simply tell him what services they’d like to cut from the people of Brattleboro…

Brattleboro Property Tax – Proposed Increase of 14%, Plus Maybe 5-8% More for Solid Waste

by cgrotke | Town News

Here are some excerpts from the Town Manager’s memo to the Brattleboro Selectboard regarding their enormous FY’26 budget. I’ve left out some of the tables mentioned to make it easier for me to format. Go view the full document to see them.

At the start, they anticipate a 14% increase in property taxes, but this does not yet include any solid waste disposal costs, which staff say may add another 5-8%.

Get yourself a drink so you can spit it out in amazement as you read the details.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – November 5, 2024

by cgrotke | Town News

While the rest of the world is concerned with election day and results, the Brattleboro Selectboard will be presenting the an overview of the draft budget for the FY26. They will also continue with their approval of liquor and entertainment licenses for a new business in the former River Garden public space.  You can bring up other items not on the agenda, during public participation.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Warnings

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Human Services Committee will meet in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room (230 Main Street) and over Zoom on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 6:00pm.

The Charter Revision Commission will meet in the Selectboard Meeting Room (230 Main Street) and over Zoom on Thursday, November 7, 2024  at 6:15pm.

The Tree Advisory Committee will meet in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room (230 Main Street) on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 4:15pm.

The RTM Finance Committee will meet in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room (230 Main Street) on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 5:45pm.  

Brattleboro Community Safety Fair & Forum

by Not Signed In | Town News

The public is invited to attend the second annual Community Safety Fair & Forum. This event will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the New England Youth Theatre, located at 100 Flat Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. This event is free and open to the public.

During this event, local organizations will share information and resources with the public, while providing an opportunity for continued dialogue and solution sharing. The evening will include an open house with tabling, a panel discussion, Selectboard office hours, and healing.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in the Selectboard Meeting Room.

The Brattleboro Board of Listers will meet on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 1:00pm in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room.

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Solid Waste and Substations: A Million Here, A Million There

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard oct 15 2024

It is the second Selectboard meeting of October, and more potential tax increases were considered. The cost of trash, recycling and compost will be going up substantially to cover the costs of the new automated robot arm collection system.  The Town says it isn’t that the new system is expensive, it is that the old system was way too cheap. Hints that the costs will skyrocket more after signing on were given.

The board discussed a million dollar plus plan to put a police substation, four public bathrooms, a community room, and new parking system offices at the Transportation Center.  They also heard from members of the public saying these costs were too much.

The board’s “Review of Debt Management Guidelines” was postponed to another meeting.

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.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – October 15, 2024

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will decide on a plan for trash, compost, and recycling at their next meeting. Two options will be presented. They will also be discussing a new downtown police station, the quarterly fire department report, human services and more. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 8:00am in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom.

The Brattleboro Human Services Review Committee will meet in the Wantastiquet Meeting Room on October 17, 2024 at 5:30pm.

Jessica Sticklor (she/her/hers)

Executive Assistant

Town of Brattleboro

Brattleboro Indigenous Peoples’ Day Closings

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, all Town offices will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Sunday and Monday, October 13 and 14, 2024. All other violations will be enforced.

Brattleboro Paving of Sawdust Alley

by Not Signed In | Town News

Beginning Monday, October 14, DMI Paving (a contractor of the town) will be paving Sawdust Alley, (Holden Street, Baker Street and lower Birge Street.) This work is expected to take most of the week to complete, weather permitting. Crews will be working between 7:00am and 7:00pm.  There will be no on-street parking during this project and motorists should expect delays in the area and seek alternate routes.  

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Human Services Committee will hold a Q and A session on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 4:30pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Municipal Center (230 Main Street) and over zoom.

The Brattleboro Charter Revision Commission will meet on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom.

Brattleboro RTM Human Services Committee Q & A Meeting

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro RTM Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 at 4:30pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room (and over Zoom) for their annual Q and A session with potential applicants. Anyone wishing to apply for Human Services funding this year is highly encouraged to attend. You can find the agenda for this meeting (which includes the Zoom link) posted on the Town website, Brattleboro.gov. Please contact Jessica Sticklor at jsticklor@brattleboro.gov if you have any questions.