VTDigger is posting regular updates on the coronavirus in Vermont on this page. You can also subscribe here for regular email updates on the coronavirus. If you have any questions, thoughts or updates on how Vermont is responding to COVID-19, contact us at coronavirus@vtdigger.org
BRATTLEBORO — Local leaders have postponed Saturday’s one-of-a-kind representative town meeting, leaving them to wonder when they can reschedule a vote on a municipal spending plan before the July 1 start of the fiscal year.
Most Vermont communities hold town meetings on or around the first Tuesday in March. Brattleboro, the state’s seventh most populous locality with about 12,000 people, attempts to keep its crowd size manageable by electing 140 representatives who wait and debate an annual budget on the third Saturday of this month.
The Brattleboro Selectboard, sitting 6 feet apart Tuesday night, postponed this year’s town meeting until the current coronavirus crisis is no longer a threat.
“Aside from the fact it’s common sense, it would violate the governor’s order that no public gatherings exceed 50 people,” Town Manager Peter Elwell said.
Local leaders are hoping to reschedule the meeting to May 9 to give them enough time to legally publicize a new agenda and leave room for a subsequent session if someone petitions for a revote.
“We will need to hold one as soon as we are able,” Elwell said.
But with health experts questioning if the crisis could last months rather than weeks, Brattleboro might find itself challenged, as its municipal charter requires budget approval by meeting representatives who may not be able to gather before the 2020-21 spending plan is needed July 1.
The question comes as all Brattleboro municipal offices, Brooks Memorial Library and the Recreation and Parks Department are closed, although employees are continuing to answer phones and email.
“The public won’t be able to come into town facilities, but town government will go on,” Elwell said.
Brattleboro is offering free parking and has stopped issuing fines for most infractions, although police will continue to patrol lots and receive fees for previously issued tickets by mail or on its website.
The Selectboard will be the only municipal body that will continue to meet, with all other Brattleboro committees and commission pausing until further notice.
