Town of Castleton

The Special Select Board Meeting addressed several critical actions related to the upcoming Town Meeting Warning and budget approvals. The Board rescinded a previous motion to approve the budget from January 8, 2026, and subsequently approved an updated operating budget totaling $4,657,542.00, reflecting a 5.5% increase primarily due to a library appropriation change. Furthermore, the Board rescinded a prior motion to approve the Town Meeting Warning from January 26, 2026, and approved a new version correcting Article 31 and several spelling errors. During Select Board Comments, the Board confirmed its goal to put a local option tax before voters, with anticipated funding to cover reserves for departments including Fire, Police, Highway, Transfer Station, Town Office, Public Safety Building, Crystal Beach, and Castleton First Responders. There was also discussion regarding the highway department's paving budget and the need to fund three miles of road paving annually.

The board conducted an organizational meeting to appoint officers, adopt rules of procedure, and establish a conflict of interest policy. Discussions included a presentation on recreation center updates, a request for youth sports transitioning, and the status of the Sand Hill Road property development. The board handled several town official appointments and designations of town banks and newspapers. Highway department updates covered equipment repairs and road materials. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved a new traffic ordinance, multiple liquor and tobacco license applications, and discussed the tax-exempt status of the local health center. Proposals for the repair or replacement of commercial scales were evaluated, and a personnel performance award was approved.

The meeting focused on the development of an updated town plan to serve as a long-term guide for the town. Key discussion topics included gathering input from local business owners and residents regarding economic growth, infrastructure needs, and community improvements. Specific suggestions identified for the plan included the need for affordable housing, improved utility access such as three-phase power and public water, enhanced signage, and better street lighting. Additionally, participants explored strategies for marketing local businesses to travelers, promoting the town through digital and physical channels, and supporting economic development through grant acquisition and inter-organizational collaboration with local educational institutions.

The meeting commenced with the approval of a modified agenda that included the Pledge of Allegiance. A letter of appreciation for Nedra Boutwell was read and accepted. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the 2026-2027 Operating Budget, where members debated potential cuts, noting issues like prior year tax revenue shortfalls, the Health Officer budget, and the placement of the DPW/REC Roustabout position. The board also discussed a resident complaint regarding frozen public sand availability and affirmed the continuation of providing sand for driveways and walkways. The FY 26/27 Budget of $4,647,662.00, reflecting a 5.3% increase, was approved. During citizens' comments, the schedule for executive sessions was clarified, confirming only the personnel matter would be addressed that evening. Board comments touched upon the ongoing search for a minute-taker and the plan to issue an RFP for playground equipment for Dewey Field. The board entered and exited an executive session to discuss a personnel matter with no action taken, and subsequently appointed Janice Buxton as interim Town Clerk.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda, a moment of silence for departed residents, and detailed modifications to the previous meeting's minutes. Citizens raised concerns regarding the impact of the Town Clerk vacancy on property valuation appeals and language regarding the San Hill Road Petition. The Recreation Department update focused on eliminating cash payments, proposed fee increases for new learning-format programs (35% increase considered), maintenance needs such as blower motor repairs, and the need for more volunteers. The Highway Department reported on truck readiness (6500 Truck ready, Trackless functional) and discussed limiting night plowing hours to conserve salt reserves. A high invoice for the Salt Shed electrical work, totaling $14,635.73 after a refund, was approved for payment. The removal of a dead Ash tree at 493 Main Street was approved. Discussions on the South Street Trestle Project bids revealed that one bid required re-evaluation to include paving, which the town will not be undertaking this year. Planning for Independence Day 2026 involved tentatively holding a date with Northstar Fireworks, pending venue confirmation. The Board authorized Drake Road as a backup route for snowmobile use on a one-year trial basis, pending appropriate signage and police consultation. Additionally, the Board addressed the 2025 Equalization Study results showing a rating drop and approved placing articles on the upcoming ballot concerning making the Town Clerk position appointed rather than elected, and removing residency requirements for certain appointed Town Offices. Purchase orders and warrants for payment were also approved.