Third Quarter Brattleboro Tax and Utilities Due February 18

The third installment of the 2013 Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes will be due on February 18th, 2014. Payments made after February 18th, 2014 will have an additional 1% interest added to the unpaid balance.

The utility billing is also due on February 18th, 2014. Payments made after February 18th, 2014 will have an additional 1% interest, as well as an 8% penalty added to the unpaid balance.


Brattleboro President’s Day Closures

In observance of President’s Day, all Town offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2014, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Sunday and Monday, February 16 and February 17. All other violations, including extended parking will be enforced.

Brooks Memorial Library will be closed on Sunday, February 16 and Monday, February 17, 2014.


New Head of Chamber Guest at West Brattleboro Association Monthly Meeting

On Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 pm, the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) will hold its monthly meeting at The New England House, 254 Marlboro Road. Michael Bosworth, president of the Association, will share discussion by the trustees at a meeting in January as to plans for the WBA this year. There will also be a report of the treasury.

The group will have a quick review of the various projects undertaken by the WBA including traffic safety, the Neighborhoods Project, signage, police/fire facilities, and the status of Brattleboro West Arts and West Brattleboro Partners efforts.


I-91 Reopened

Interstate 91 Southbound between Exits 2 and 3 and the Exit 3 on ramps have been reopened.

Cindy Cook
Public Relations Officer
Brattleboro Bridge Replacement Project


Selectboard Meeting Notes: Brattleboro Threatens Local Businesses With Court Dates; Police Fire Plans Debut

Plans for the new police and fire facilities were presented to the Brattleboro Selectboard at their first Tuesday meeting in February. The plans were detailed and raised few comments from the board or the public.

Brattleboro businesses face new fines and possible court dates. That’s the word from the Selectboard regarding those who fail to pay for a Brattleboro business license.

The Selectboard held a discussion of evaluating the necessity of positions if staff retire, provoking minor protest from department heads who felt the budget process allows the board an opportunity for just that. The board disagreed.

Read on for all the details, plus FY13 audit information, grants, liquor licenses, meetings and appointments.


Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast Invitation – Selectboard Candidates Forum

The next “Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast” will take place on Friday, February 21,  2014 at the Gibson Aiken Center, downstairs, hosted by Senior Meals. Doors open at 7:30am. 

This year three incumbent members of the Brattleboro Selectboard are all  standing for re-election. John Allen, Donna Macomber and David Schoales all plan to be in attendance at this forum.  There are no declared opposition candidates.

This presents a unique opportunity for a conversation about the  issues facing the Town.


Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – February 4, 2014

The Brattleboro Selectbaord will see three plans and proposed budget for new Police Fire facilities during their Tuesday meeting at the Municipal Center. 

There will be a discussion of the FY13 audit, they will set a special meeting to discuss the Utility budget and rates, and will hear about adding late fees and fining businsses for not having a Brattleboro  business license.

Four new Police recruits will be sworn in, and the board will contemplate a hiring pause for the Town. 

If there’s something that isn’t on the agenda, you can bring it up during Public Participation.  Attend in person or watch it on BCTV, then read about it here the next day.


Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing Celebrates Byron Stookey with Scholarship Award

BRATTLEBORO 1/31/2013 – After nearly 20 years of service and dedication to Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing (BAAH), Byron Stookey (the Board’s founder), retired from the organization’s volunteer board in November 2013.

Stookey – described by his colleagues as steadfast, tenacious, unyielding, determined, inspirational, resolute, and meticulous – led BAAH from its infancy in 1995 to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving greater-Brattleboro with a number of initiatives, including three current programs.

1 The Save Our Homes loan program makes no-interest loans to people facing housing emergencies.
2. The Apartments-in-Homes program helps homeowners who have under-utilized space in their homes create a modest and affordable apartment for rental.


Town of Brattleboro – Notice of Availability of Auditors’ Reports

NOTICE is hereby given that the Brattleboro Town Auditors’ Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, is available upon request and may be picked up at the Brattleboro Town Clerk’s office, 230 Main Street, Brattleboro, Vermont.

The Auditors’ Reports will also be available as part of the Town and Town School District Annual Report which will be available at the Town Clerk’s office no later than February 21, 2014.


Brattleboro Ballot Issues 2014 – Climate Change, and Adding More Sales Tax

Despite the few candidates on the ballot, there are two issues for voters this year when they get to the polls.

The first is non-binding consideration of adding a 1% sales tax to help property owners save money:

“ARTICLE II

Should the Town of Brattleboro provide property tax relief and help defray the cost of Police- Fire facilities renovations by adopting a 1% local option sales tax?

YES
NO”