After last week’s anticipation of the seven significant items on local town ballots in Vermont, the moment of truth arrived on Tuesday with the voters’ final say. Let’s dive into the outcomes of these crucial community decisions that will ultimately shape the future of these towns.
Brattleboro’s Downtown Behavior Ordinance
In Brattleboro, the residents made their voices heard with a vote of 1,368 to 1,013 in favor of a measure advising the selectboard to establish clear boundaries for acceptable behavior and conduct in the downtown area. While this advisory motion passed, the decision to enact an ordinance is still pending. Town Manager John Potter noted the impact of this vote on the selectboard’s composition, stating, “They’ll take this advice and decide whether they want to move forward.”
Roxbury Village School’s Fate
The fate of Roxbury Village School was a focal point of discussion in Roxbury. Following the closure of the beloved school last year by the Montpelier Roxbury School District, voters decided to buy back the building for $1. Additionally, they opted to lease most of the former school to tenants and continue offering an after-school program on the premises. This decision reflects the community’s commitment to preserving a vital educational institution.
Across Vermont, voters supported various local wastewater-treatment upgrades, including substantial initiatives in Burlington, Middlebury, and West Rutland. These investments underscore the importance of environmental stewardship and infrastructure development in communities statewide.
Thetford residents voted to create a social services coordinator position to assist struggling residents in accessing essential financial support. The unanimous support for this measure highlights the community’s dedication to caring for its vulnerable members. Selectboard member Steve Tofel emphasized the positive reception of this initiative, noting the compelling examples shared by residents in need.
Bennington’s Police Oversight Charter Change
In Bennington, voters approved a charter change allowing the Community Police Review Advisory Board to investigate complaints involving the police department, including reviewing critical evidence such as bodycam footage. This decision represents a significant step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices within the community.
Plainfield, grappling with recent flooding disasters, embraced a measure to expand the village by approving a zoning change and establishing a reserve fund. These actions aim to expedite a project that will create 30 to 40 buildable lots on approximately 11 acres of land near Main Street and East Hill Road. The community’s resilience in the face of adversity is evident in their forward-looking approach to rebuilding and growth.
In Windham, 81-year-old amateur cartographer Frank Seawright celebrated a victory as voters approved an inventory of all public and private culverts in the town. Seawright, who had petitioned for this initiative, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. However, an amendment excluding private roads not connected to public ones was added, prompting Seawright to advocate for its removal. With determination and conviction, Seawright aims to address this amendment to ensure the comprehensive implementation of the culvert inventory.
As the dust settles from Town Meeting Day, the impact of these decisions reverberates through the communities of Vermont. From education and infrastructure to social services and governance, the collective voice of the voters shapes the path forward for these towns. Each ballot item reflects the values, priorities, and aspirations of the residents who call these communities home, underscoring the power of local democracy in action.
