Vermonters are gearing up for this year’s Town Meeting season, where they will have the opportunity to vote on local spending and leadership. From the bustling city of Burlington to the charming town of Granville, residents across the state will come together to make crucial decisions that will shape their communities for years to come.
In Granville, a small Addison County outpost with a population of just 301, Town Clerk Cheryl Sargeant paints a vivid picture of the local scene. Amidst the serene backdrop of Vermont’s countryside, Granville is far from quiet. Sargeant describes a community where fireworks go off at all hours, drivers perform daring stunts, and residents push the boundaries of noise levels by blowing up propane tanks for fun. Yet, amidst the chaos, the town faces a pressing issue: the adoption of a noise ordinance. Sargeant anticipates a lively debate that may rival the cacophony of everyday life in Granville.
As Vermonters from Alburgh to Vernon prepare to gather for Town Meeting season, they will be tasked with a multitude of decisions. From school spending to charter changes, from all-terrain vehicles to global conflicts, voters will have their say on a wide range of issues. The state’s larger municipalities are seeking nearly $275 million in capital projects, with a focus on water and sewer plans. Smaller communities, like Canaan and Tinmouth, have their own unique spending proposals, ranging from cemetery fences to speed monitors and lawn mowers.
The challenges facing municipal budgets are diverse, from inflation to rising health care costs to ongoing cleanup efforts from past storms. In the face of these obstacles, communities are proposing a slew of one-time requests to address pressing needs. A survey of special ballot items reveals that a significant portion of new spending in Vermont’s largest municipalities is earmarked for water and sewer improvements, reflecting the urgency of upgrading aging systems to meet modern demands.
Burlington, the state’s largest city, is seeking approval for two major projects totaling $172 million to enhance its wastewater and stormwater systems, as well as improve its drinking water infrastructure. Middlebury, St. Albans City, Rutland City, and St. Johnsbury are among the other communities with substantial capital requests to upgrade their water and sewer systems. Vermont’s smaller towns also have ambitious plans, with Killington, Proctor, Chester, and West Rutland seeking millions of dollars for critical infrastructure improvements.
Beyond water and sewer projects, municipalities are proposing a variety of other initiatives, some with price tags exceeding $1 million. From new fire trucks to municipal buildings to town office renovations, Vermont communities are investing in the future of their towns. Local option taxes, mayoral elections, and charter changes are also on the table, reflecting a diverse array of issues that will shape the state’s local governance landscape.
As Vermonters prepare to head to the polls for Town Meeting season, they will confront a wide range of ballot questions that touch on everything from public safety to environmental protection to social justice. Advisory articles on topics such as all-terrain vehicles, cannabis sales, and safe injection sites will give voters the opportunity to weigh in on critical community issues. Whether it’s deciding on a new fire truck or expanding a school building, residents across the state will have a voice in shaping the future of their communities.
While the challenges facing Vermont’s municipalities are significant, the spirit of civic engagement that defines Town Meeting season is alive and well. From the smallest town to the largest city, residents are coming together to make their voices heard and shape the future of their communities. As Vermonters prepare to cast their ballots and participate in the democratic process, they are reminded of the power of local government to effect change and build vibrant, resilient communities.
