Michael DeCubellis

The annual town meeting commenced with procedural announcements regarding speaking limits and voting methods. Key discussions included presenting awards and acknowledgements, notably dedicating the 2025 town report to Joyce Scribner and presenting the 2026 unsung hero award to Thomas Craigs. Legislative delegation provided updates on state-level issues concerning healthcare, housing, school district proposals, and taxation. Article 2 addressed the appropriation of $8,248,285 for operating and capital expenses, which involved detailed discussion on the inclusion of the Manchester Community Library funding within the operating budget and projections for property tax rates. The meeting also addressed the maximum interest and penalty rates for overdue property taxes (Article 3). Articles 4 and 5 involved voting on property tax exemptions for the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, Inc. and Adoniram Lodge No. 42 Free and Accepted Masons, respectively. Articles 6 through 14 were voted upon to appropriate general funds to various social service agencies. Article 15 allowed for discussion on the Town Plan update and featured comments regarding the dedication of time to state versus town business. Subsequent articles (16 through 19) involved voting on appropriations for social service agencies by Australian ballot, followed by the election of Town Officers (Article 20). The town meeting then recessed to vote by Australian ballot on March 3, 2026, and separate regional school district votes were conducted for the Southwest Vermont Regional Technical School District and the Taconic and Green Regional School District.

The Town Plan 2025 for Manchester, Vermont, focuses on preserving its New England character, promoting economic development, housing, energy efficiency, and protecting natural resources. It aims to create a vibrant economic environment, develop diverse housing options, conserve energy, and protect scenic ridgelines and the Batten Kill. The plan also emphasizes efficient municipal services, multimodal transportation, and support for arts and culture to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract visitors.

The annual meeting will cover the election of a moderator, school district clerk, and treasurer. Also to be discussed is the determination of the date and time for the 2026 annual meeting. The reports of the School District Directors and Officers will be heard and acted upon. Voters will decide on authorizing the School Board to borrow money, approving the school board to expend a determined amount for the ensuing fiscal year, and approving payment of the tuition rate of Burr and Burton Academy. Additionally, voters will decide on appropriating sums for the Building and Grounds Reserve Fund, the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund, and the Technology Equipment Reserve Fund. Lastly, the election of officer and school director positions will be addressed.

The annual town meeting included votes on various articles, including appropriations for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, Northshire Day School, and the Manchester Community Library. Additionally, elections were held for positions such as Moderator, Selectboard members (both 2-year and 3-year terms), Town Clerk, and Trustee of Public Funds. A recount was conducted for the Selectboard 2-year term race.

The annual Town Meeting included discussions on budget appropriations for the upcoming year, with a focus on property taxes and non-property tax revenues. There were presentations and updates from the legislative delegation, covering topics such as the state budget, childcare bill, affordable housing, and local school budgets. The meeting addressed the establishment of a Police Vehicle & Equipment Fund and the allocation of funds for a second Police Dispatch Console Center. Additionally, there were discussions and votes on appropriations for various social service agencies, including the Tutorial Center, Bennington County Habitat for Humanity, and Greater Northshire Access Television, among others. Other business included concerns about speeding on East Manchester Road and a petition regarding speed concerns on Three Maple Drive.