Joel Roberts

The informational meeting for the Town of Poultney focused primarily on discussing ballot items ahead of the upcoming Town elections. Key discussions included the election of various Town Officers (Moderator, Selectboard members, Library Trustee, and School District Director). Citizens inquired about the Independent Auditor's Report, specifically concerning the collection of delinquent taxes, the process for tax sales, and the allocation of employee benefits expenses in the budget. Further questions addressed increases in auditing salaries, the determination of public safety contract services with the Rutland County Sheriff's Department, and details regarding proposed capital expenditures like the public safety vehicle fund and IT upgrades. The proposed General Fund and Highway Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 were reviewed, including inquiries about highway overtime expenditures resulting from a shift to a five-day work week. Support for the Child First Advocacy Center was also discussed, detailing their services for child abuse investigation and victim support. Budget discussions also touched upon the minor portion of the local budget derived from Federal sources.

The Special Budget Meeting focused primarily on budget discussions and other lawful business. Key budgetary items included discussions regarding insurance compliance for short-term daycare use in the firehouse, an additional $45,000 request for the Equipment Replacement Fund, and staffing issues at the Rescue Squad leading to a $21,000 request. The board voted to adjust the Library's allocation from the requested $226,030.00 to $221,000.00. The General Government budget ($1,995,858) and the Highway budget ($1,294,642) were approved. Other business included the approval of a second-class liquor license and tobacco license for Hop Station, discussions regarding fireworks scheduling for July 3, 2026, signing the Highway Milage Certificate, and approving Board Orders.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions centered on budget reviews, specifically the third drafts of the General Government Budget and the Highway budget. The board resolved to present the funding increases requested by the Fire Department for equipment replacement and the Poultney Rescue Squad as separate articles on the Warning. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for January 28, 2026, for which the Library and Rescue Squad were requested to attend.

The meeting focused on budget discussions with the Library, Fire Department, and the Poultney Rescue Squad regarding their proposed budgets. The agenda was formally adopted, and no other lawful Selectboard business was transacted. The next budget meeting was scheduled for January 22, 2026.

The meeting agenda was adopted with the addition of Zoning Fee Schedule discussion. Key discussions included the Road Report, noting low salt supply and ongoing garbage dumping on Evergreen Road, and confirming the South Street bridge targeted reopening. The board accepted a Municipal Planning Grant for Capital Planning requiring a $3,000.00 match. In Town Manager reports, updates were given on a no-match grant received for sidewalk replacement/improvement on Allen Avenue near Poultney Elementary School, and a revision to the Zoning Fee Schedule to eliminate town-imposed Septic Permit fees and clarify recording fees. Bids were opened for a Chevy highway truck. The filing deadline for Selectboard seat petitions was noted, and discussion occurred regarding the funding and necessity of the Constable position. The Rutland Regional Planning Commission's work on Future Land Use Maps and the CHIP initiative was also noted.