Bennington County, VT

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will review a draft revenue expenditure policy for the local option tax, discuss a Downtown Vibrancy Fund grant application from Better Bennington Corporation, and consider a consolidated forgivable loan for South End waterline extensions. The board will also address Energy Committee vacancies and may vote on a police union memorandum of agreement in executive session.

• Downtown Vibrancy Fund grant application - Letter of Attestation (Better Bennington Corporation)
• Local Option Tax - Review of Draft Revenue Expenditure Policy
• South End Waterline Extensions - Consolidated Forgivable Loan
• Energy Committee Vacancies
• Possible Vote on Police Union Memorandum of Agreement

Select Board Listening Session

The Bennington Select Board is holding a listening session to hear public input on a proposed local option tax. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and public comment.

• Public listening session on proposed local option tax
• Meeting held at Bennington Fire Facility, 130 River Street
• Zoom webinar available (ID: 895 8796 9602)

The Select Board held a listening session to gather public input on a proposed 1% Local Options Tax (LOT) on sales, rooms and meals, and alcohol, which will appear on the November 2026 ballot. No decisions were made; the session was for public comment only. The board will discuss the draft policy for spending the revenue in upcoming meetings.

• Placed Local Options Tax on November 2026 ballot (prior action, noted at meeting)
• Held listening session for public input on LOT (no vote taken)

Select Board

The Select Board held a brief regular meeting with no substantive decisions. The only action was a unanimous motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel and union contract matters, with no action taken in open session.

• Entered executive session on personnel and union contract (unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board is holding a special meeting to discuss an alleged open meeting law violation. An executive session may follow if needed. The agenda contains only this one substantive item.

• Discussion of alleged Open Meeting Law violation
• Possible executive session

The Select Board voted to release an attorney-prepared document to the public and then voted to follow the attorney's advice to deny an alleged Open Meeting Law violation. The first motion carried with Jim Sullivan absent; the second motion carried with Nancy White opposed and Jim Sullivan absent. No executive session was held, and the meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.

• Released attorney document to the public (carried, Jim Sullivan absent)
• Denied alleged Open Meeting Law violation per attorney's advice (carried, Nancy White opposed, Jim Sullivan absent)

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a special meeting to discuss placing the assessment of local option taxes on the November 3, 2026 election ballot. The board will also consider authorizing the ballot to be mailed to all registered voters in Bennington.

• Assessment of local option taxes for the November 3, 2026 election ballot
• Authorization to mail ballots to all Bennington registered voters

The Bennington Select Board voted 6-1 to place a local option tax question on the November 3, 2026 ballot, authorizing a special town meeting and mailing of state-prepared ballots to all active voters. The ballot article asks voters to approve a 1% local option sales tax, a 1% meals and alcoholic beverages tax, and a 1% rooms tax. Nancy White voted no, raising concerns about public awareness and how the funds would be used. The board also discussed an Open Meeting Law complaint, which has been sent to counsel.

• Approved placing 1% local option sales, meals, and rooms tax on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot (6-1, White no)
• Authorized special town meeting warning and mailing of state-prepared ballots to all active voters
• Discussed Open Meeting Law complaint from July 16; referred to counsel

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will meet to establish municipal tax rates and consider a resolution to accept a $5 million forgivable loan. The board will also receive updates on a vacant property ordinance and a building license for the Franklin Lane right of way.

• Resolution to accept $5 million forgivable loan for South End Waterline Extensions
• Setting of municipal tax rates
• Update on Vacant Property Ordinance
• License for portion of building in Franklin Lane Right of Way

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will meet to establish municipal tax rates and review a resolution for a sewer bond vote. The board will also consider a forgivable loan for water infrastructure and provide an update on the Vacant Property Ordinance.

• Resolution to accept $5 million forgivable loan for South End Waterline Extensions
• Setting of municipal tax rates
• Review and adoption of Sewer Bond Warning/Resolution for November 3, 2026 vote
• Update on Vacant Property Ordinance
• License for portion of building in Franklin Lane Right of Way

The Bennington Select Board approved a resolution to accept a $5 million forgivable loan from the State of Vermont for the South End waterline extension project to address PFAS contamination. The board also set municipal tax rates for the coming year, approved a 30-year license for a building encroachment on Franklin Lane, and scheduled a special meeting to discuss placing a local option tax on the November ballot. All votes passed with Ed Woods and Sarah Perrin absent, and Nancy White opposed several items.

• Approved $5M forgivable loan for South End waterline extension (unanimous, 2 absent)
• Set tax rates: General $1.0437, Highway $0.5890, Fire $0.1085 (4-1, 2 absent)
• Approved 30-year license for LaPorte Family LLC cab stand encroachment (unanimous, 2 absent)
• Approved sewer bond warning and ballot submission for Nov 3, 2026 (4-1, 2 absent)
• Scheduled special meeting July 29 to discuss local option tax ballot language (4-1, 2 absent)
• Approved TD Equipment Finance lease of $601,366.28 for equipment (unanimous, 2 absent)
• Approved street closures for UCS Superhero 5K and Union Street Block Party (unanimous, 2 absent)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants and minutes (unanimous, 2 absent)

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss an overview of the Sand Filter Update Project, including bond and loan applications. The meeting also includes a quarterly update from the Police Department and a manager's report.

• Sand Filter Update Project overview, bond, and loan applications
• Quarterly Police Department Update
• Executive Session regarding personnel and contracts

The Select Board unanimously approved two State Revolving Loan applications totaling $154,400 for the design phase of the wastewater treatment facility's phosphorus removal project. The board also approved a license for the Fraternal Order of Eagles to use a portion of the North Street parking lot for outdoor seating, and appointed the Bennington Fire Chief as the Town Fire Warden. The board received updates on the police department and discussed the town's emergency management response to a recent heat wave.

• Approved State Revolving Loan applications for $14,850 (feasibility) and $139,550 (final design) for wastewater phosphorus removal (unanimous)
• Approved Fraternal Order of Eagles license for outdoor seating in North Street parking lot through October 2026 (5-1, White opposed)
• Appointed Nathan Berres, Bennington Fire Chief, as Town Fire Warden (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including June 15 and June 22 minutes, warrants, and liquor licenses (with abstentions)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will discuss the Better Bennington Corporation's work plan and budget, and receive a presentation from the Economic Development Committee on the Local Option Tax. The board will also review options for a crosswalk north of the Depot Street Bridge and consider appointments to boards and commissions. Public comment is scheduled.

• Better Bennington Corporation work plan and budget
• Economic Development Committee presentation on Local Option Tax
• Review of crosswalk options north of Depot Street Bridge
• Appointments to boards and commissions

The Select Board accepted the Better Bennington Corporation's work plan and budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The board also approved the June 8, 2026 minutes and several town warrants.

• Approved Better Bennington Corporation Work Plan and Budget for 2026-2027
• Approved Minutes of June 8, 2026
• Approved Warrants including $20,187.43 for Brook Field Service (WW Generator Panel)
• Approved Warrants including $944.97 for Kathryn Cannistraci (Refund Credits 2023-2026)
• Approved Warrants including $2,132.39 for Morse Repair, Inc. (BFD Vehicle Repair)
• Amended Agenda to add Item #4A: Vacant Properties

Executive Session

The Bennington Select Board is meeting solely for an executive session to conduct interviews. No other business or public decisions are on the agenda.

• Executive session for interviews

The meeting was called to order and Jackie Matts was elected to chair in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair. The board then entered executive session for a personnel matter involving interviews of Boards and Commissions applicants, and later exited and adjourned. No substantive decisions were made.

• Elected Jackie Matts as Chair for the meeting (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for personnel matter - interviews of Boards and Commissions applicants (unanimous)
• Exited executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned (unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will review and possibly adopt a vacant property ordinance, and set water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2027. The board will also approve consent agenda items including minutes and warrants, hear public comment, and receive the manager's report.

• Review and possible adoption of a vacant property ordinance (public hearing)
• Set water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2027
• Consent agenda: approval of minutes from May 11 and May 18, 2026, and warrants
• Public comment period for residents
• Manager's report and discussion of upcoming agenda

The Bennington Select Board approved a combined 4.9% increase in water and sewer rates for FY27 (water +5.8%, sewer +4%). The board tabled a proposed Vacant Property Ordinance and formed a subcommittee to refine it. It also approved temporarily relocating the 9-11 Memorial to the Vermont Veterans Home for a September 11, 2026 ceremony, and approved a proclamation honoring Ron Alderman.

• Approved FY27 water rate increase of 5.8% and sewer rate increase of 4% (combined 4.9%)
• Tabled Vacant Property Ordinance and fee schedule; formed subcommittee (Woods, Matts, Haley) to review
• Approved temporary relocation of 9-11 Memorial to Vermont Veterans Home for Sept. 11, 2026 ceremony (4-1, White opposed)
• Approved proclamation recognizing Ron Alderman's 45 years of service
• Approved consent agenda including warrants and minutes
• Scheduled board/commission interviews for June 15, 2026 at 5:00pm

Select Board

The Select Board will meet for a rescheduled regular meeting and a work session. The primary focus of the session is the FY27 Water/Sewer Budgets with DPW staff.

• FY27 Water/Sewer Budgets work session

The Bennington Select Board approved the FY2027 Water and Sewer Budget as presented, with rates to be set at the June 8, 2026 meeting. The budget includes a 6.4% increase in the water fund and a 6.5% increase in the sewer fund, resulting in a combined 4.9% rate increase. The board also approved warrants, including a $100,000 payment to Turning Point Recovery. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included a work session on water/sewer systems.

• Approved FY2027 Water and Sewer Budget (unanimous)
• Approved warrants as presented, including $100,000 to Turning Point Recovery (unanimous, Perrin absent)
• Tabled minutes of May 11, 2026 until next meeting

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone 1033 Willow Road from Rural Conservation to Rural Residential. They will also consider approving a tax stabilization agreement for the redevelopment of the Everett Estate (former SVC campus) and review an updated Local Emergency Management Plan. A proclamation for Period Poverty Awareness Week is also on the agenda. The consent agenda includes minutes, warrants, and licenses.

• Public hearing on rezoning 1033 Willow Rd (Parcel #29-50-31) from Rural Conservation to Rural Residential
• Request to approve Tax Stabilization Agreement for redevelopment of Everett Estate Property (former SVC Campus)
• Review/approve updated Local Emergency Management Plan
• Period Poverty Awareness Week Proclamation
• Consent agenda: minutes of April 27, 2026, warrants, and licenses

The Bennington Select Board approved a 10-year tax stabilization agreement with AWRE Vermont Resorts, LLC for the redevelopment of the former Southern Vermont College campus into The Orchards Resort, including a hotel, residential units, and spa. The board also adopted the updated Local Emergency Management Plan, approved equipment financing, and held a public hearing on a rezoning request for 1033 Willow Road, which was not decided. The consent agenda, including warrants and liquor licenses, was approved.

• Approved 10-year tax stabilization agreement with AWRE Vermont Resorts, LLC (motion carried, Sullivan recused, Adams absent)
• Authorized Town Manager to sign tax stabilization agreement (motion carried, Sullivan recused, Adams absent)
• Adopted updated Local Emergency Management Plan (motion carried, Adams absent)
• Approved equipment financing from TD Equipment Finance, Inc. for $482,243.50 over 9 years at 4.25% (motion carried, Adams absent)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants and liquor licenses (motion carried, Adams absent)
• Signed proclamation declaring May 11-17, 2026 as Period Poverty Awareness Week (motion carried, Adams absent)
• Closed public hearing on rezoning request for 1033 Willow Road; no decision made

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will consider a request for opioid settlement funds from Turning Point. The board is also reviewing resolutions regarding trail improvements and a planning grant for a housing merger.

• Turning Point request for Opioid Settlement Funds
• Resolution for Vermont Recreational Trails Program improvements near Sucker Pond
• Municipal Resolution to accept VCDP Planning Grant for the Shires Housing Merger

The Select Board approved Turning Point's request for $168,000 in opioid settlement funds to be paid over five years, with Clark Adams opposed and Nancy White abstaining. The board also approved a resolution supporting a trail improvement project around Sucker Pond, accepted a $60,000 VCDP planning grant for the Shires Housing merger, and approved street closures for the Food Truck Festival. All other agenda items were routine or informational.

• Approved Turning Point opioid settlement request for $168,000 over 5 years (5-1-1)
• Approved Vermont Recreational Trails Program resolution for Sucker Pond trail (unanimous)
• Approved VCDP Planning Grant resolution for Shires Housing merger (5-2)
• Approved street closures for Food Truck Festival on Aug 15, 2026 (unanimous, Perrin recused)
• Approved consent agenda minutes and warrants (unanimous, Perrin absent)
• Approved liquor licenses (unanimous, Haley recused)
• Scheduled May 18, 2026 meeting for FY27 Water/Wastewater Budget Work Session (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will reorganize and review an updated Animal Control Ordinance. The board will also consider re-adopting its Rules of Procedure and Public Comment Guidelines. No specific dollar amounts or contracts are listed.

• Review of Updated Animal Control Ordinance
• Review and Re-Adopt Rules of Procedure
• Review of Energy Committee request to Appoint Youth Members
• Announce Boards and Commissions Openings
• Manager's Report

The Bennington Select Board adopted an amended Article 9 (Care and Control of Pets) ordinance, changing 'kill' to 'euthanize' and approving a fee schedule that halves penalties for running-at-large-only violations. The board also approved a $4 million Vermont Revolving Fund loan for the South End water project, re-adopted meeting rules and public comment guidelines, and allowed the Energy Committee to interview candidates for two new youth positions. All decisions were made with recorded votes, including some opposition and abstentions.

• Adopted amended Animal Control Ordinance (Article 9) with 'euthanize' replacing 'kill' (6-1, Perrin opposed)
• Approved fee schedule halving penalties for running-at-large-only violations (5-2, Perrin and White opposed)
• Approved $4M Vermont Revolving Fund loan for South End water mains (6-0-1, White abstaining)
• Re-adopted Select Board Rules of Procedure for Meetings (6-1, White opposed)
• Re-adopted Public Comment Guidelines (6-0-1, White abstaining)
• Allowed Energy Committee to interview candidates for two new youth positions (6-1, White opposed)
• Set Boards and Commissions application deadline to May 1, 2026
• Re-elected Tom Haley as Chair and Jim Sullivan as Vice Chair (both 6-1, White opposed)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will discuss a proposed traffic calming project on Monument Avenue, consider changes to remote access and participation for future meetings, and review the consent agenda including minutes, warrants, and licenses. An executive session is scheduled for contract discussions.

• Proposed traffic calming on Monument Avenue
• Discussion of remote access and participation for Select Board meetings
• Consent agenda: minutes of March 9, 2026, warrants, and licenses
• Executive session for contracts

The Select Board approved construction of a restroom facility at the Skate Park, funded by donations and town reserves at a cost of $25,000. It also approved purchasing and installing a radar feedback sign on Monument Avenue to address speeding, with a decision on speed humps deferred pending new data. The board voted to hold the next four meetings in a hybrid format allowing remote participation. Additionally, it approved an opioid settlement resolution, a street closure for a festival, and other routine items.

• Approved skate park bathroom construction (motion carried, Tom Haley absent)
• Approved radar feedback sign on Monument Avenue, deferring speed hump decision (motion carried, Tom Haley absent)
• Approved hybrid meetings for next four board meetings (Sarah Perrin opposed, Tom Haley absent)
• Approved opioid settlement resolution, town portion ~$6,900 (motion carried, Tom Haley absent)
• Approved closing Depot Street for HomeBrew Festival on May 2, 2026 (motion carried, Tom Haley absent)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $22,630 (motion carried, Tom Haley absent)
• Entered executive session on contracts, no action taken (motion carried, Tom Haley absent)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hear a presentation on NBOSS at the Downtown Riverwalk and ArtsFest, and review proposed updates to the Conflict of Interest and Public Property Sign Policies. The meeting also includes consent agenda approval of minutes and warrants, public comment, and the manager's report.

• Presentation on NBOSS at Downtown Riverwalk and ArtsFest
• Review of updated Conflict of Interest & Public Property Sign Policies
• Approval of minutes from February 23, 2026
• Approval of warrants
• Public comment period

The Bennington Select Board approved the Better Bennington Corporation's plan to expand the sculpture show and Arts Fest along the entire Riverwalk with a 12-month exhibition, despite one member's opposition. The board also approved updated Conflict of Interest and Public Property Sign policies, and authorized several street closures for community events. A motion to table the sculpture vote failed for lack of a second.

• Approved BBC plan to expand sculpture show and Arts Fest to entire Riverwalk with 12-month exhibition (6-1, White opposed)
• Approved updated Conflict of Interest and Public Property Sign policies (6-1, White opposed)
• Approved street closures for Bennington Pride 2026 parade and block party (unanimous)
• Approved street closures for Mayfest, Harvest Fest, and Hemmings Cruise-Ins (unanimous)
• Appointed Town Manager and Assistant DPW Director as authorized representatives for $185,000 PFAS planning loan (unanimous)
• Authorized setting public hearing date for rezoning request at 1033 Willow Road (unanimous)
• Approved illuminating Town Office red for Multiple Myeloma Action Month (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants and liquor licenses (unanimous)

SW Tech & Annual Town Meeting

The 2026 Annual Town Meeting was held on March 2, 2026, with the Select Board compensation set at $1,400 per member for FY2027. The meeting adjourned to the March 3 ballot, where voters will decide on a $19,190,400 general fund budget and 14 separate funding articles for local agencies. The meeting also included a resolution honoring the late Town Manager Stuart Hurd and a proclamation for Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month.

• Set Select Board compensation at $1,400 per member for FY2027 (unanimous)
• Waived reading of Articles 2-14 (unanimous)
• Adjourned to March 3 ballot for voting on budget and agency funding articles
• Presented $19,190,400 FY2027 budget for voter approval
• Presented 14 agency funding articles totaling $162,850 for voter approval

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hold a presentation on a proposed Vacant Property Ordinance by Jonah Spivak and Paul Dansereau. They will also review results of a community survey and interest forms for the CHIP program. Other agenda items include a consent agenda for minutes, warrants, and licenses, public comment, and an executive session for personnel.

• Vacant Property Ordinance presentation by Jonah Spivak and Paul Dansereau
• Community Survey Results presentation by Jonah Spivak
• Review of CHIP Interest Forms by Shannon Barsotti
• Consent agenda: minutes of February 9, 2026, warrants, and licenses
• Executive session for personnel matters

The Select Board reached consensus to have staff draft a vacant property ordinance for the downtown district, with escalating registration fees and fines, and to present it within 90 days. The board also approved the Select Board chair signing CHIP interest forms for two housing projects (Monument Place and Putnam Phase II), with one member opposed. Additionally, the board authorized the town manager to purchase properties at tax sale under certain conditions and approved a road closure for a march on March 28, 2026.

• Consensus to draft vacant property ordinance for downtown, with fees from $100 to $16,000+ and fines up to $200/day
• Approved Select Board chair signing CHIP interest forms for Monument Place and Putnam Phase II (6-1, White opposed)
• Authorized town manager to purchase properties at tax sale if minimum bid not made (6-1, White opposed)
• Approved rolling road closure of River, Depot, and North Streets on March 28, 2026, 12:00-1:30pm (6-1, White opposed)
• Approved consent agenda with amended minutes, warrants, and liquor licenses (Sullivan abstained on minutes)

Select Board

The Select Board will hear the FY2025 audit presentation from RHR Smith & Company, discuss a Tier 1B Act 250 exemption with the BCRC, consider a policy for a standing Economic Development Committee, and vote on a PFAS litigation resolution. They will also review a contract concerning Morgan Springs. Consent agenda and public comment are also scheduled.

• FY2025 Audit Presentation by RHR Smith & Company
• Tier 1B, Act 250 Exemption Discussion with BCRC
• Policy for Standing Economic Development Committee
• PFAS Litigation Resolution (vote)
• Morgan Springs Contract

The Bennington Select Board adopted a resolution to pursue Tier 1B Act 250 exemption status, which allows up to 50 housing units on up to 10 acres in designated areas, increasing local control over development. The board also approved a water supply agreement with Premium Waters, Inc., a PFAS litigation resolution, and a $185,000 forgivable loan for PFAS planning. All decisions were made with Jim Sullivan absent; Nancy White opposed the Tier 1B resolution and the Economic Development Committee policy.

• Adopted Municipal Resolution for Tier 1B Act 250 Exemption (5-1, White opposed, Sullivan absent)
• Approved Water Supply Agreement with Premium Waters, Inc. (unanimous, Sullivan absent)
• Authorized signing of PFAS litigation resolution (unanimous, Sullivan absent)
• Approved $185,000 Vermont Revolving Fund Forgivable Loan Agreement (unanimous, Sullivan absent)
• Adopted Economic Development Committee Policy (5-1, White opposed, Sullivan absent)
• Approved Consent Agenda with amendments to January 26 minutes and warrants (unanimous, Perrin and Sullivan absent)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to approve the Annual Town Meeting Warning. The agenda includes presentations on the Local Emergency Management Plan and Cold Weather Annex, as well as a report from the Economic Development Committee.

• Approval of Annual Town Meeting Warning
• Local Emergency Management Plan and Cold Weather Annex presentation
• Economic Development Committee presentation
• Executive session regarding contracts

The Select Board accepted the Cold Weather Annex to the Local Emergency Management Plan, with Nancy White abstaining. They also voted to rename the Community Development Department to the Department of Housing, Community, and Economic Development, with Nancy White opposed. A motion to make the new department a permanent sub-committee was tabled until the next meeting. The board approved the Annual Town Meeting Warning, with Nancy White opposed.

• Accepted Cold Weather Annex to Local Emergency Management Plan (6-0-1)
• Renamed Community Development Department to Department of Housing, Community, and Economic Development (6-1)
• Tabled motion to make new department a permanent sub-committee (unanimous)
• Approved Annual Town Meeting Warning (6-1)
• Approved Consent Agenda including warrants and liquor licenses (unanimous)
• Accepted Certificate of Highway Mileage (unanimous)
• Approved dedicating Annual Report to Stuart Hurd (consensus)
• Entered executive session on contracts (unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will meet to approve grant conditions for the SVMC Cancer Center addition, authorize bids for the Walloomsac Valley Path project, and vote on final design and bond funding for the Sand Filter Upgrade Project. The board will also discuss hazard mitigation planning and review an application for the Energizer Sky Bridge license.

• Approval of SVMC Cancer Center addition grant conditions
• Authorization to bid on Walloomsac Valley Path (Ninja Path) project
• Final design and bond vote for Sand Filter Upgrade Project
• Review of Energizer Sky Bridge license application
• Discussion of Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Bennington Select Board approved the FY27 budget with net changes of $365,630, including a $25,000 increase for the Bennington Rescue Squad, over one opposition vote. The board also authorized bidding for the Ninja Path Stage 2 construction, adopted the Hazard Mitigation Plan, and approved a license agreement with Energizer for the Skybridge. The Sand Filter Upgrade Project bond vote was delayed to November 2026.

• Approved FY27 budget with $365,630 in net changes (6-1, White opposed)
• Authorized bidding for Ninja Path Stage 2 construction (6-1, White opposed)
• Adopted Bennington Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Manager to sign Notice of Federal Interest for SVMC Cancer Center grant (6-0, Perrin absent)
• Authorized Town Manager to execute Energizer Skybridge License and Indemnity Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Option B for Sand Filter Upgrade Project, delaying bond vote to November 2026 (unanimous)

Special Meeting - Budget Work Session

The Bennington Select Board is meeting to conduct a work session for the FY2027 budget. The board will review funding requests from specific organizations and finalize the General Fund Budget.

• Budget review for Bennington Free Library
• Budget review for John G. McCullough Free Library
• Budget review for North Bennington Recreation
• Budget review for Bennington Rescue Squad
• General Fund Budget finalization

The Bennington Select Board held a work session to review FY2027 budget requests. They approved funding requests from the Bennington Free Library, John G. McCullough Free Library, and North Bennington Recreation, and denied support for Shires Media Partnership (WBTN AM). The Bennington Rescue Squad request was tabled for further discussion. The board also agreed to include $320,000 for road paving in the budget.

• Approved Bennington Free Library request of $546,815 (3% increase) (Nancy White opposed)
• Approved John G. McCullough Free Library request of $51,188 (5% increase)
• Approved North Bennington Recreation request at level funding of $6,000
• Denied funding for Shires Media Partnership (WBTN AM)
• Tabled Bennington Rescue Squad request of $289,610 for further discussion
• Consensus to include $320,000 for road paving in FY27 budget

Special Meeting - Budget Work Session

The Bennington Select Board is meeting for a budget work session to discuss the FY2027 budgets for the Fire, Police, and Highway departments, along with other budget questions. This is a working session, not a final decision meeting.

• Bennington Fire Department budget discussion
• Bennington Police Department budget discussion
• Bennington Highway Department budget discussion
• Other budget questions

The Bennington Select Board held a budget work session for FY2026, reviewing proposed budgets from the Fire, Police, and Highway departments. No formal votes were taken; the board discussed and reached consensus on several items, including adding $320,000 for paving to the budget and moving CPARB training costs to the Select Board budget. The board also rescheduled remaining budget questions to a January 10, 2026 meeting.

• Consensus to add $320,000 to FY27 paving budget, bringing total to $670,000
• Consensus to move $3,500 CPARB training cost from Police budget to Select Board budget
• Rescheduled remaining budget questions to January 10, 2026 meeting (unanimous)