Brattleboro will end the year with a deficit according to a memo from the Town Finance Director. Most of it was expected and all of it was approved, but it isn’t especially good financial news. Especially given the fact that the Brattleboro Selectboard learned that the DPW would exceed the road maintenance budget for the year.
Perhaps someone would like to make a donation to cover the cost overruns. Such was the suggestion of Chris Chapman, who told the board of a plan to let people give money to the town because they like us and want to be charitable.
The Selectboard wasn’t interested in forming a new committee to investigate generating electricity and heat locally, but supported the idea of forming a sub-committee of the Energy Committee to take up the task.
A local PACE program continues to be researched by the town, but the research has turned up even more questions. The board heard from the Arts Committee, which wanted to hear from the Selectboard. The Police get a new police cruiser, the board reviewed staffing of the Police and Planning departments, and more. Read on for the details.
Preliminaries
John Allen was absent.
Chair David Gartenstein had a number of comments to begin the meeting.
First was that there had been a series of angry, vitriolic correspondence sent to town staff and Selectboard members over the last few weeks regarding property taxes and spending. Gartenstein said that all staff try to treat others with respect and listen to their concerns, and that while politics and government is a rough and tumble place, he urged people in town to communicate with respect. He promised that the board and town would continue to do so.
Gartenstein noted the tremendous traffic issues caused by the closure of I-91 over the weekend, and said he expected the state or the contractor to pay for any expenses incurred. He urged patience when things like this happen.
Austine School will be closing, he reported, noting the closing could be a new beginning, as it could make hundreds of acres available for other uses.
His final opening comment was a reminder that the special referendum on the town budget is Thursday and voters can vote 9am to 7pm in the Selectboard meeting room. “Come out and vote on the town budget.”
Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland warned that the DPW is over budget due to winter and spring weather events. “Our roads maintenance budget may be significantly over budget, so we’ll look for savings elsewhere.”
Moreland thanked residents on back roads for being patient with trash pickup. Everything is back on schedule, he said.
He also noted Pat Moulton Powden’s promotion to the state level, urged people to take note of the people risking their lives with town emergency services, and reiterated the call to vote on the budget on Thursday.
For Selectboard comments and committee reports, David Schoales reported that the Police Fire Facility Project committee is working on a list of possible reductions and savings. “They’re on it, but not ready to advise.” He said they had come up with good ways to save energy using heat pumps and natural gas.
Donna Macomber welcomed the arts committee assembled for a discussion later on the agenda, and reiterated that stressful times and disagreements over the budget are times we need to hang together. “This board is willing to hear any feedback, but it makes a difference when it is communicated with respect.”
There was no public for Public Participation.
Liquor Commissioners
Three local businesses were granted annual renewals for their liquor, tobacco, and/or entertainment licenses Tuesday night without incident.
A special event permit was granted to Go America Go Beverages to serve and sell WhistlePig brand whiskey at two events associated with the Strolling of the Heifers, one on April 26 and the other on June 6. There was some debate over whether the samples would be free, and David Schoales wondered if shots would be given out. Patrick Moreland said he thought the samples would be free, and that they would be small.
The Deficit Memo
Brattleboro Finance Director John O’Connor’s wasn’t at the meeting, but he did issue a special memo with some disappointing news for the Selectboard – a $914, 871.09 deficit projection for the General Fund ending FY2014.
Moreland said he asked for the report and explained that the deficit is the result of three transfers to the Capital Fund, all approved at Representative Town Meeting:
1. $765,000 was transferred for capital projects
2. $93,371.09 transferred for Elm Street repairs, and
3. $57,500 transferred to to pay for relocation of communications equipment from Wantastiquet.
Moreland said this is accounting that helps balance out the previous fiscal year surplus. “It’s the same money.”
The result is that Brattleboro’s Unassigned Fund Balance will be 9.6% of the budgeted expenditures in the coming year, lower than the 10% recommended level.
Gartenstein said that last year at town meeting representatives voted to take $765,000 in capitals fund surplus and apply it toward the deficit. The way it was worded, he said, the funds went in and out of the General Fund. “Last year’s surplus balances this year’s deficit.” He said there was additional money needed to be taken from the General Fund for Elm Street and Wantastiquet projects that will push the total higher, but the expenses were authorized by Town Meeting to be paid from the surplus.
Monthly Financial Report Without John O’Connor
Brattleboro Finance Director John O’Connor wasn’t present, but he provided the Selectboard with the numbers for March which were summarized by Patrick Moreland.
With 75% of the fiscal year is complete, the General Fund expenditures are at 78.4% of the annual budget The Utilities Fund expenditures are at 68.5% and the Parking Fund is at 75.9% of their annual budgets.
Brattleboro has spent $633,924 on the Police and Fire project thus far.
The town has loaned just over $4 million, and has about $450,000 remaining to loan out.
There are 38 active grants and 17 in the application process.
Staffing Level Review – Police and Planning Departments
As part of the Brattleboro Selectboard’s recent interest in town staffing and how it relates to town expenses, when positions open up they now get reviewed by the board. In tonight’s episode, a police officer and a planner depart.
Gartenstein said the board had an executive session regarding personnel issues prior to the public review.
Patrick Moreland provided the board with details of staffing.
Brattleboro’s Police Department has three overlapping 10 hour shifts per day, with seven on duty at a time – five patrol officers, one sergeant, and one lieutenant. Shifts are supported by three administrators, three detectives, a detective supervisor, the captain, and the chief. That’s 27 sworn officers plus the three administrative support staff.
Hiring a police officer is unlike hiring for other positions in the town, said Police Chief Wrinn. A new hire will go through a month-long screening process of interviews, psychological and physical exams, a multi-personal exam, financial and legal background checks, and a polygraph exam before being hired. Once hired, they prepare to go away training at the Vermont Police Academy. All testing must be completed four months before academy training begins, and the classes have admissions just two times per year, in August and in February. They go for 16 weeks of classes.
Chief Wrinn said the department is required by union contracts to have to have a minimum of three sworn on-duty officers. During the day, the number goes up.
Kate O’Connor asked where the recruits come from. Wrinn said applications come from all over, mostly out of state.
Because of the time involved and the scheduling of training, Moreland said he authorized the process to replace resigning officer David Godinho to begin, with hopes of having a new officer ready to attend the next August academy classes.
The Planning Services Department Clerk, Julia Perks, has also resigned.
Rod Francis is Planning Director, and is assisted by a planner, zoning officer, and clerk. He said that the unfilled position is pivotal, amounting to 25% of the labor in their office. He said it requires a person knowledgeable about town services, able to help with applications, with skills in diplomacy and psychology to relieve stressful situations.
He said that without the Clerk position, the office gets dysfunctional.
Moreland indicated he planned to advertise for the position immediately.
New Police Cruiser
The Brattleboro Police have been approved to use Capital Funds to purchase a $33,449 2014 AWD Ford police interceptor utility vehicle with a five year, 100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warrantee. It’s coming from Imperial Municipal Partners of Milford, MA. The price includes a discount of $2,750 for a trade-in.
The cost is $32 over what was approved in the Capital Improvement Plan, and the difference will come from the Police budget.
David Schoales initially asked to table the issue so they could investigate why two of the three bids were for a different model and therefore rejected.
Patrick Moreland said it could present a liability issue for the town by giving some vendors a second chance. He urged legal consultation.
“It’s about getting the best possible price,” said Schoales. “Why didn’t they give us the right bid?”
“It’s the lowest bid,” said Moreland.
“It’s the only bid,” Schoales pointed out.
“Lowest and only,” said Moreland, correcting himself.
Kate O’Connor asked if the town had reopened bids before. Moreland said the question was liability and suggested the board may wish to think about vendors being responsible for their bid documents. “If you can’t meet the spec, we move on. “
“We need to move forward,” said O’Connor. “The request was clear.”
Mike Buccossi agreed that reopening the bid process would create issues. “We’d be asking for trouble.”
“I just want to know why they didn’t bid on a 2014,” said Schoales. He said he just wanted to call and ask.
O‘Connor wondered if it would change a decision made that evening. “We can call them, but can we talk with them after we accept this bid?”
Chief Wrinn said he could notify them that they didn’t meet the bid specs.
“This bid meets the spec and is the lowest price,” said David Gartenstein. “I’m not sure why we prefer a 2014 over a 2015, but it is an essential new vehicle.”
Schoales made no motion to table the issue, and the car will be purchased.
The cruiser, by the way, will have a SYNC voice-activated system, rear view camera, side spot light, reverse sensing, all necessary Code 3 lights and siren, Hide a Blast Red and Blue light pairs, wire cargo barriers, gun rack, desk console arm rest cup holder, and more. The quote sheet from the dealership thanks us for our business and hopes we “Have an Imperial Day!”
Seatbelt Safety and DUI Grant Application
The Brattleboro Selectboard approved a request to apply for $27,120 in grant funds from the Governor’s Highway Safety Grant from the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (VDEMHS).
If awarded, the funds can be used for overtime pay for seatbelt, DUI, speeding, and traffic violation enforcement.
LSTA Resources Sharing Grant Application
Brooks Memorial Library was given permission to apply for a small grant to pay for costs associated with resource sharing and digital collection development. The $2,212 request is to the LSTA Resources Sharing Grant from the Vermont Department of Libraries.
New Fire Department Radios
Another piece of the new town emergency communications system will be coming online shortly. The Fire Department received just under $60,000 as a VDEMHS Communications Grant to purchase 32 Motorola XTS1500 portable radios, 3 Motorola XTS2500 portable radios, and 40 Minitor V pagers. Cases, chargers, and antennae are included.
Fire Chief Buccossi said they didn’t get the mayday encoder in this round of funding, but another round of funding will be coming up and they’ll apply for it again then. He said another grant for airpacks was looking good. “We’re still in the running.”
Town Forest Fire Warden
By law, the Brattleboro Selectboard must approve the appointments and reappointments of our Town Fire Warden.
Fire Chief Mike Buccossi is the current warden and, by law, he’s been reappointed to continue serving in that capacity until the term ends on June 30, 2019.
He said fire chiefs are typically appointed. “It’s just doing my job. It’s a no brainer.”
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Update
Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland provided the board and the public with an update on the much-previously-discussed PACE district.
He said concerns remain about financial and legal issues, but that they had hit upon a new approach that they will propose to VEIC regarding special assessments if there are loan repayment delinquencies, effectively giving property owners and the town more time before a tax sale would be triggered.
Moreland said he asked the League of Cities and Towns that have signed on to the PACE program to respond to some questions and only six responded. Interestingly, each had different answers and widespread differing views. Some towns make an assessment on the unpaid portion of the PACE funds; others base it on late payments for the property. “We’re still working toward a way to do this.
David Schoales said there was a lot of concern in the community over why this is taking so long, but seeing such varying responses indicated more work would need to be done. He hoped Brattleboro could create a template that made it easier for others.
David Gartenstein said that only one town did a legal review of the PACE program, none did an accounting review, and none had made any loans under the program thus far. “It’s prudent to keep working before signing up for the program.”
Arts Committee Discussion
The Town Arts Committee (TAC) came to see the Brattleboro Selectboard Tuesday evening to talk about their future direction. In preparation for the meeting with the Selectboard, members submitted statements about the committee and their views on its charge.
Kate Anderson said the committee wanted to hear from the Selectboard. “We’re hear to listen to you and ask you what your visions and ideas are for the town arts committee.”
She said that their packet of individual statements speaks to how the arts function. “Each is invested and on different courses. Speaking with one voice isn’t always possible.”
Anderson said the Town Plan includes the arts and advocates for a comprehensive information sharing network, and that there are any number of ideas and possibilities.
Doug Cox said that in addition to being in the town plan, the arts are one of the reasons Brattleboro is a hub for Windham County, which generates $35-40 million a year in economic activity. He said Brattleboro has a real opportunity to take advantage of being the hub. “Your guidance would be appreciated.”
Nick Biddle. a recent transplant to Brattleboro and co-owner of Artrageous suggested that the arts and education could come together in a central location by taking advantage of the colleges moving to the Brooks House. “An arts and education collaboration in central Brattleboro would help with the Town Plan goals.”
Hugh Keelan said it was his view that the committee was under-serving the town, noting that “necessary” committees are included more closely in town projects and planning. “The Selectboard has a flow with other committees. We may not know how to do that. I’d like to have it. We can be at service in fulfilling visions for the town of Brattleboro. I’d love to leave tonight with a picture grounded in reality that could meet that objective.”
John Wilmerding noted that while there is a business side to the arts, there are intangible benefits as well. He said he counted 25% of the business licenses in Brattleboro relating to the arts in some way.
Donna Macomber, the board liaison to the committee, said the personal statements were useful and it may take some time for the Selectboard to return to them with a clear request. “My mind swims with the possibilities,” she said. “It could be more front and center in our thinking.”
“We have too much capacity,” David Schoales said, “with artists not being used to their potential. It is an opportunity for growth.” He added that he was stumped as to how to turn that opportunity into growth.
“We need more concrete ideas from you,” said Kate O’Connor. “You asked for them from us, but you know more.” She agreed it might take some time before giving the committee direction.
Schoales suggested they help build political momentum for a discussion about being a regional hub. He thought economic development funds might be made available to projects that are ready to go. “Take over the Austine School – think in terms like that. The best proposals will be funded.”
“Economic growth, when it exists, is not an end in itself,” said Keelan. “It provides opportunities, new conditions and new openings.” He suggested the committee could help show what was possible with growth. “An atmosphere where things are possible. It’s a huge thing.”
David Gartenstein noted that over the last three decades the arts have become more mainstream, and more galleries are found downtown. He suggested the committee review it’s initial charge to communicate, council, advocate and so on. He said he’d like to see the Arts Committee work with the Planning Department on an integrated vision to facilitate the growth of the arts, possibly with an arts campus
Anderson said that the committee had dozens of concrete ideas. “We wanted to listen to people other than ourselves.”
Funding Municipal Services Through Donations
Former Selectperson Chris Chapman joined Eli Gould to present the Brattleboro Selectboard with two ideas for generating income. Chapman submitted a “Proposal for Augmenting Municipal Resources,” to the town for consideration, and Gould seemed to tag along to add an idea about a voluntary 1% tax program.
“We have needs that can’t be met by asking more of its taxpayers,” said Chapman. “I suggest we raise money through contributions, as charitable organizations do.” He said the town could “tap the deep well of community spirit, and use its reputation to foster and solicit donations as other non-profits do.”
He explained that the town has a long history of benefiting from sizable charitable gifts, such as the Brooks Memorial Library endowment fund and scholarships at the high school. He gave examples of generous citizens including Fred Harris, Nelson Withington, and Bob Gannett.
Chapman’s suggestion is for the Town to solicit donations of cash and appreciated securities, just as other non-profits organizations in town do.
A person like Warren Buffet or Bill Gates, on a smaller, local scale, who is able to leave their wealth to a charitable cause is the type of person the effort would be aimed at, he explained in his proposal. “I strongly suspect that there is a sufficiently large population of generous people in our midst – of modest as well as handsome means – that such an appeal could be successful over time,” he wrote.
He said donors could donate for specific line items in the budget as well as for general purposes, and the Selectboard could accept gifts as it does grants. He said requests for donations could be sent with property tax bills, or sent home from schools for parents.
Chapman says a brochure should be printed that explains the opportunities and explains the income tax deductions for charitable giving.
The town, he said, can set up brokerage accounts to accept securities, and would do well to appoint and unpaid, part time development director.
“It needs town leadership and support,” Chapman told the board. “I’d be happy to be involved. The possibilities are quite strong out there.”
He says existing non-profits would not be adversely affected. “Rather, I believe that the aquifer of potential contributions is deeper than has ever been tapped.”
Gould’s plan was to issue a credit or debit “hub town hero” card that would add a voluntary 1% to purchase made in Brattleboro. He said retailers would know the customer was a loyal shopper in town and might consider giving a 1% discount for using the card. He thought local pride in achieving fundraising goals for projects would be a benefit, and that the whole idea would avoid the 30% overhead charged by the state for a local option tax. He came asking for lawyers and bankers to consider his proposal and make something of it, if possible.
David Schoales liked the ideas. Donna Macomber asked Chapman how he would participate.
Chapman said a brochure advocating for Brattleboro, listing achievements and details of giving, would get the word out widely if popped into property tax bills. “We have big lives here, and should do something with the message.”
Kate O’Connor said she wasn’t convinced the town should be in the business of fundraising, as it is harder than one thinks. She also mentioned that the town was already fundraising through Friends of the Library, the West River Park, and police and fire auxiliaries. “It’s more complicated than it appears to be, and we’re already doing it.”
Schoales disagreed. “I’m ready to say we should move forward with this in as many ways as we can, and to continue to work on it. We can’t afford to turn away from new and creative approaches to additional funds.”
John Wilmerding agreed that it was a good proposal from good gentlemen with good ideas. He suggested the town consider doing gift campaigns, annual appeals, endowment campaigns, and planned giving efforts. Overall, however, he felt a community foundation might be the best way to handle donations of this sort.
“I agree that we need to look at and consider all potential revenue streams,” said David Gartenstein. “I’d like to know about any precedents for an ongoing charitable giving campaign for a municipality.”
Gould added in conclusion that John O’Connor had seen no problem with earmarking funds.
Local Electric Generation Committee
George Harvey also came to the Selectboard with a different idea for the town. He suggested that Brattleboro form a committee to investigate the technical, economic, environmental, and other details to generate electricity for all rate-payers in Brattleboro, possibly also providing heat if appropriate.
The reasons, he said, are fivefold, to:
1. Stop the outflow of an estimated $24 million spent on electricity each year, and collect it locally.
2. Increase town income to make it possible to decrease taxes.
3. Reduce electric rates for rate-payers.
4. Make the town resilient to fluctuations in the electric grid.
5. To reduce the Town’s carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.
Harvey said he sees trends as a watcher of energy news. “There is a confluence of forces developing right now. We have to see that these are things that are going to cost money, or be an opportunity.”
He said that the town’s current projects need to be coordinated. “I suggest a committee to look into these questions of creating a utility or public good corporation, as a way to generate our own power, and keep profits local. It can be money-making for the town.”
David Schoales asked if he had considered creating a subcommittee of the Energy Committee. Harvey said he had, but this project requires business-creating knowledge that goes beyond the Energy Committee’s scope. He thought the Finance Committee should get involved.
David Gartenstein said he wasn’t in favor of a new committee for this purpose, and that it was way beyond the scope of what Brattleboro is equipped to do at this time. He pointed out that the town is making strides in the direction of reducing energy demands.
Schoales disagreed. “The Town Plan calls for something similar. It’s not totally off the charts. He’s asking to look into the aspects of doing this.”
Harvey said an official committee would get further when requesting information.
John Wilmerding urged the Selectboard to listen to Harvey’s request. “We’re participating in projects with an option to purchase, and we might want to have a mechanism in place to manage and operate them,” he explained. “It’s practical and urgent to look at these things. Don’t kick it down the road. I’d serve with George on a committee to bring proposals to the town.”
Michael Bosworth said he thought it was worth exploring. “Others have done things like this. We could look at how they started, and if they’ve helped their towns. It’s worth exploring. If there is merit, it would take a while to happen. You could also know that it is not appropriate for the town, if that’s the result. I’d like to see it start.”
“The previous selectboard chair said it could be a new enterprise fund,” added Wilmerding.
“A wind turbine in Holland was crowd-funded within 24 hours,” said Harvey. “If we had a similar mechanism, we could cover our costs. I’ve spoken with Green Mountain Power and they’d like to be part of the conversation. They are helping other communities with projects.”
Donna Macomber thought a subcommittee of the Energy Committee would be a good place to begin, “to explore without committing to any particular action. We could hear the possibilities. It’s a good idea.”
“I’d prefer it to be a joint subcommittee of Energy and Finance,” said Harvey. “It is outside the Energy Committee in considering business plans.”
Schoales noted that it was a committee of Representative Town Meeting, but “you could invite them.”
No motion was made.
Excellent
Excellent coverage, as always. This is what iBrattleboro really does best, and why, in my opinion it is worth all the electricity required to make it exist.
In short, your reporting rocks.
Arts
Great notes on this meeting of diverse and sometimes complex issues.
With regard to the section on the Arts I want to make one small but, I believe important, correction.
“Speaking with one voice isn’t always simple.” Is actually what I said. It is “possible” to speak with one voice, but I wonder if that discussion can be further mined. What do we mean by one voice? The point I tried to make was this, the arts here are active and in some cases thriving. We function as a plethora of mainly nonprofits and individual artists. We are innovators, interpreters, curators, spectators, supporters, advocates, old, young, international, local, professional, amateur. We are not connected through a department with a director. We are connected through a web of interconnectivity.
So, it is not simple to speak with one voice.
Some have asked why Brattleboro, this noted arts town, doesn’t have an arts /creativity department. I believe the arts would benefit greatly from a comprehensive information-sharing network as described in the Town Plan. In my view it would allow for a horizontal platform, allowing fledgling and mature artists and organizations alike, as well as those new to the area or to the arts, to find resources, each other, exchange ideas. It would serve as a hub for Brattleboro, and ultimately for the nearby region. In a way, it would serve as a virtual department.
As is the case with the Library, a Friends of the Arts fundraising mechanism could serve to supply needed resources.
This already fertile soil offers us the chance to take root and grow. How is that better facilitated ? What tools are there for the arts and creative industries? There are tools, I think communication can remain siloed. Better communication and resource identification, more Public art (which enables more access), goals and policies already in the Town Plan.
Thanks for the correction
Words are important. Thanks for the clarification.
I think, to some degree, the Arts Committee can be what the members make of it. That is, it can become “necessary” by using some creative energy. Mostly, that implies injecting oneself into the loop of municipal projects, and initiating projects that others must pay attention to.
The Energy Committee is pretty good at this, though not always successful. They keep trying. They bring proposals to the Selectboard for consideration and also keep an eye on town projects where their input could be valuable. Early on, for sure, they weren’t always invited to be a part of these things. After years of work, energy is starting to become a standard consideration in town projects.
Look at the Police and Fire Departments, too. They make list of things they want and need, write grants, and keep getting stuff. They initiate it, and benefit from it.
I think the Arts Committee can be its own town department to a degree. I still think an arts clubhouse (not strictly office) downtown for everyone to use would go a long way toward being a communications center. Doubtful that this Selectboard would add a department and associated costs at this juncture.
The Arts Committee should give itself permission to be a bigger voice in the community. Go ahead and start a Friends of the Arts program, and maybe host an annual and quirky arts and crafts festival to raise additional funds to have a signature, attention-gathering, regional event.
Gartenstein gave some clues by pointing back to the broad mission of the committee. Interpret it, do things, and watch as arts start to grow.
We’ve struggled with arts communication for a decade at least, and artists do want to both remain completely independent and also stay connected at the same time. Our arts section here is underused by artists. Maybe it is the wrong problem to address at this time.
In any case, nice seeing all of you and reading all the statements. We do have great leadership on that committee, and great ideas.
Arts
Chris, great comments, good ideas.
I’m not an advocate of a Department. In fact, I’m not at all sure that would serve such a diverse sector in any truly meaningful way. It’ may be worth a discussion, but my own view is, it’s not a useful idea. Nonetheless, because of my affiliation with TAC, I get asked that question on a regular basis.
What you write, keep putting ideas before the different departments has been our way of functioning. It’s worked well, there are any number of results…the Bus Shelter at Union Station, Paint the Pavement, Angels Watching and Gratitude Walls, Murals, the Transportation Center, Photography exhibitions, charrettes and town arts meetings, Town Plan input, and I’m on the CoreArts team. We’ve suggested rfps for street furniture crafted by the artisans at ie Cotton Mill, bike racks, etc. Bennington arts advocates spent a day here examining the input to the Town Plan chapter on Arts and Cultural Resources,
I think you make an important point Chris, communication is a never ending challenge . Calendars come and go, a comprehensive calendar means everyone uses it! If they do, it’s comprehensive, if they don’t, it’s just another one.
As to the arts “clubhouse” idea. The Artrageous 1 Gallery has donated space, about 25% of their store to ACWC. It is already functioning and is meant to serve as a Hub. Once the Brooks House opens it will be situated in a well- used area. It could prove to be a good meeting point.
Expanding an idea
I really like the idea of charitable giving as a way for the town to raise money. And expanding that idea could make it possible for someone (like me) who isn’t able to give much more than change.
I’ve been asked different times when checking out at a register if I’d like to “round up”.. meaning, instead of taking change, I allow the cashier to add it back in, bringing my total to whole dollars, with the difference being designated for one charity or another. Would this be something our area businesses would be willing to do for the town, by naming the town as their charity? I observe while in the checkout lines, that almost every person who is asked will make the donation of their change. Some will even round up and include whole dollars. (ie 18.59 becomes 20.00)
I think it’s worth exploring, if anyone is so inclined. It may not amount to 1%, but on the other hand, there’s a potential that it could amount to higher percentages more often than not on smaller purchases, and at the end of the day the town has a kinder version of a local option funding source. Maybe less, but better than none at all.
it is worth..
exploring , but it is really looking for nickels and dimes.
What about going after some of the non profits in town? In my town, we have a college with a huge endowment that pays a paltry donation to the town, maybe 200K vs a potential taxable of 2 million. Providence RI has a similar problem with Brown University as does New Haven CT with Yale.
Businesses I am sure would get behind this, but I think they pay a lot already as homeowners and folks like yourself do already.
Finally, how about the ida of growing the grand list and encouraging commericial development. I know the pundits will shout me down on this, but the town needs to attract new commericial and business interests to town. Brattleboro needs to reverse the perception that it is not friendly towards business.
Soliciting Funds Not a Municipal Functions, says NY
I did a bit of internet searching for municipalities and fundraising.
In 2001, neighboring New York State had a commission study the question. They and their Attorney General feel that while municipalities can collect donations and gifts from the public, they should NOT be in the business of soliciting for those gifts. New York says it is not a municipal function to solicit for gifts and fundraising.
“Since a municipality cannot solicit funds, neither can it authorize its committees to solicit funds.”
Instead, they suggest that private individuals or an outside entity do the work of solicitation. So, Chris Chapman could and should form a group , raise some money for their overhead, and produce brochures and materials to send out.
The NY report suggests that funds be deposited in a Capital Fund, or a Trust and Agency Account to keep track of them.
We are not alone..
The link you provided made it clear – all we need to do is opt of of being a municipality and form the town into a non-profit community 🙂 I mean, towns aren’t run on a for-profit basis, or are they? What is it that says we must be a municipality? Because we have services and a specific form of government?
Except for one gone bust, pretty much every local non-profit I’m aware of has remained very healthy with some actually growing and expanding. Maybe it has as much to do with management method as it does with funding method. Maybe if we did well, we could start buying other towns and make them part of our non-profit too, eventually owning the entire state of Vermont.
Imaginations aside – running the town isn’t that much different than running any big business, which is why I am always surprised to see so many towns forging ahead with spending when there’s no money to spend. It just seems borderline insane. I have no idea how to solve the problem but to explore ways to expand the tax base and at the same time bring new business to the area seems to be up against it. The core isn’t local; the core is global. That, I think, is a bigger reason for what ails much of the country.