News & Information

News and information sections, from near to far

A Fraudster Defeated

by RDavis | Business

We hear a lot of stories about people who were cheated out of their life savings or were scammed by so-called home improvement companies that collected money and never did the work. They all seem to have a sad ending. Well, I want to tell you a story with a happy ending.

My wife and I agreed to have our house painted and we found a person who had advertised himself on social media. He came to our house and he seemed very charming. From the start, my wife didn’t trust him. She kept saying she had a bad feeling about this guy, partly because he did not have any of the credentials of a businessman.

Brattleboro Fire Chief Leonard Howard to Retire on Dec. 31

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

The Town of Brattleboro is announcing the retirement of Fire Chief Leonard Howard III, whose dedication to the Brattleboro Fire Department and the community it serves extends back to the 1980s. Chief Howard’s retirement becomes effective on Dec. 31, 2024.

“I’m proud to be in the fire service. It’s been the best job in the world,” said Chief Howard. “I’ve enjoyed helping people, and seeing my staff progress and be successful. I think they’re in a good place, and they have a good future ahead of them.”

Chief Howard joined the Brattleboro Fire Department in 1987 as a member of its call staff, a role in which he served for a decade. When he joined, Howard was among about 30 volunteers who helped support career firefighters during major events. Starting in 1988, days after graduating high school, Howard took a job at the Brattleboro Public Works’ Utilities Division.

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 DRB Revised 10-16-2024 Agenda

by bbannon@brattleboro.org | Town Plan

Call to Order
Review and Approve Minutes of previous meeting.
Review of Cases/Public Hearings to be reviewed under the Brattleboro Land Use Regulations as warned on October 12, 2015.
2024-84                BEEC & Earth Bridge Community Land Trust; Rural District; request for Site Plan & Local Act 250 Approval to construct a parking lot at 1219 Bonnyvale Road; Tax Map Parcel #100248.000 Request to continue to the meeting of November 20, 2024