Annual Report of the Town Officers of

Arlington, Vermont

For the year ending

December 31, 2023

Arlington, Vermont

P.O. Box 268

3828 Vermont Route 7A

Arlington, VT 05250

Chartered- July 28, 1761

Area- 26,668 Acres

Population: 2,457

2024 Arlington Town Meeting

Town Meeting

Monday, March 4th 2024, 6:30 p.m.

At the Arlington Memorial High School Gymnasium

541 East Arlington Road, Arlington, VT 05250

Hours of Balloting:

Tuesday, March 5th, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

At the Arlington Memorial High School

541 East Arlington, VT 05250

If you would like and absentee ballot mailed to you, please call the Town Clerk at 802.375.2332

Table of Contents

WARNING ____________________ 5

TOWN OFFICERS- ELECTED ___________________9

TOWN OFFICERS- APPOINTED ___________________10

TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICERS __________________ 11

SECTION ONE: FINANCIAL REPORTS OF ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS

SCHEDULE OF WAGES____________________________________________________________12

TOWN TREASURER’S REPORT WITH CRF___ ____13

2023 TAX RATE SET- AUGUST 8, 2022 ________________ 18

AUDITOR’S REPORT_______________________________________________________________18

TOWN OF ARLINGTON BUDGET AND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES FOR 2022 AND 2023 24

BUDGET SUMMARY TABLE AND FLOOR VOTE FIGURES____________________________60

TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC FUNDS ___ 60

SECTION TWO: REPORTS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

ARLINGTON SELECT BOARD______________________________________________________61

ARLINGTON CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS ___ 62

TOWN OF ARLINGTON CAPITAL PLAN ___ 63

DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTOR’S 2022 REPORT ___ 66

LISTERS ANNUAL REPORT ___67

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT ___ 67

SECTION THREE: REPORTS OF APPOINTED OFFICIALS

ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 68

FIRE WARDEN’S REPORT 69

HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 69

LAND USE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 70

PLANNING COMMISION REPORT 71

WASTEWATER COMMITTEE______________________________________________________71

SECTION FOUR: ARLINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT

SELECT BOARD’S WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT 72

SECTION FIVE: ARLINGTON COMMUNITY AGENCY REPORTS

ARLINGTON AREA CHILDCARE 76

ARLINGTON COMMUNITY HOUSE 61

ARLINGTON COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE 78

ARLINGTON ENERGY COMMITTEE 79

ARLINGTON LIONS CLUB 80

ARLINGTON RESCUE SQUAD 83

MARTHA CANFIELD MEMORIAL FREE LIBRARY ___ 84

SECTION SIX: REPORTS OF COUNTY, REGIONAL AND STATE AGENCIES

BENNINGTON AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 85

BENNINGTON COUNTY COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS _ 86

BENNINGTON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT __________ 87

BENNINGTON REGIONAL COMMISSION 89

BENNINGTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE ALLIANCE 90

BENNINGTON PROJECT INDEPENDENCE 91

BROC COMMUNITY ACTION 92

CENTER FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 93

GREATER NORTHERN ACCESS TELEVISION (GNAT) 94

GREEN MOUNTAIN RSVP 95

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR _ 95

PROJECT AGAINST VIOLENT ENCOUNTERS (PAVE) 96

SOUTHWESTERN VERMONT COUNCIL ON AGING _ 97

STATE REPRESENTATIVES LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 98

SUNRISE FAMILY RESEARCH CENTER 99

THE TUTORIAL CENTER 101

VERMONT ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED 101

THE VERMONT CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING 102

SECTION SEVEN: 2023 STATISTICS

BIRTHS 2023 104

DEATH AND BURIAL PERMITS 2023 105

MARRIAGE LICENSES 2023 106

SECTION EIGHT: TOWN MEETING MINUTES AND BALLOT RESULTS

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 4, 2023 107

OFFICIAL BALLOT RESULTS 112

TOWN OF ARLINGTON DIRECTORY 116

WARNING

Warning

March 4, 2024

The inhabitants of the Town of Arlington, Vermont, qualified to vote in Town Meeting, are hereby warned and notified to meet in the Arlington Memorial High School – Gymnasium in said Arlington on Monday evening, March 4, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of acting upon and deciding the following Articles 1 through 5, specified below. After completion of these articles, the meeting will stand recessed until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024 to act upon Articles 6 through 40. The polls will be open at the Arlington Memorial High School – Gymnasium, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and will close at 7:00 p.m.

Article 1. To hear the reports of the town officers

Article 2. To see if the Town will vote a budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the Town.

Article 3. To see if the voters authorize the Selectboard to apply any surplus funds from the previous fiscal year to reduce taxes in the current fiscal year unless otherwise approved by balloted item

Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to have all taxes paid to the Town Treasurer, as provided by law, tax bills to be issued by September 4, 2024, and payment to be in the hands of the Treasurer or postmarked, on or before November 4, 2024.

Article 5. To transact any further business found necessary and proper when met. After any further business under Article 5, said meeting will recess until Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Article 6. To elect the following Town Officers:

Moderator 1 year term

Selectman 2 year term

Selectman 3 year term

Lister 3 year term

Delinquent Tax Collector 1 year term

Cemetery Commissioner 3 year term

Trustee of Public Funds 3 year term

Article 7. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the Selectboard to appoint a town treasurer as provided in 17 V.S.A. § 2651f?

Article 8. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the elimination of the office of Town Lister and hire a professional assessor as provided in 17 V.S.A. § 2651c?

Article 9. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $65,000.00 from 2023 highway surplus into the Capital Reserve Fund for resurfacing of Town roads.

Article 10. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $35,000 from 2023 highway surplus into the Capital Reserve Fund for the replacement and/or repairs of the Town of Arlington highway trucks.

Articles 11 through 19 to vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the funding for the following Capital Reserve Funds.

Article 11 To authorize the sum of $100,000.00 for the replacement, repairs or refurbishing of the Town of Arlington fire trucks.

Article 12 To authorize the sum of $50,000.00 for the replacement, repairs or refurbishing of the Town of Arlington highway trucks.

Article 13 To authorize the sum of $15,000.00 for the replacement, repairs or refurbishing of the Town of Arlington backhoe, excavator, and loader.

Article 14 To authorize the sum of $6,000.00 for the purchase and or repair of sidewalk maintenance equipment.

Article 15 To authorize the sum of $5,000.00 for the maintenance/ removal of diseased and hazardous trees.

Article 16 To authorize the sum of $20,000.00 for the resurfacing of Town roads.

Article 17 To authorize the sum of $30,000.00 for the Town bridges and culverts.

Article 18 To authorize the sum of $3,000.00 for the maintenance of Town owned buildings.

Article 19 To authorize the sum of $2,500.00 for the maintenance of park equipment.

Articles 20 through 40 under the provisions of 24 V.S.A. 2691. Shall the Town vote by ballot to appropriate general funds toward the support of social service agencies.

Article 20 To appropriate the sum of $61,500.00 to the Arlington Rescue Squad Inc.

Article 21 To appropriate the sum of $2,250.00 to the Arlington Area Childcare Inc.

Article 22 To appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 to the Arlington Community House.

Article 23 To appropriate the sum of $4,000.00 to the Arlington Community Health Nursing Service.

Article 24 To appropriate the sum of $21,500.00 to the Martha Canfield Memorial Library Inc.

Article 25 To appropriate the sum of $500.00 to the Bennington Coalition for the Homeless.

Article 26 To appropriate the sum of $360.00 to the Bennington County Conservation District.

Article 27 To appropriate the sum of $1,800.00 to the Bennington Project Independence Adult Daycare.

Article 28 To appropriate the sum of $1,200 to BROC-Community Action in Southwestern Vermont.

Article 29 To appropriate the sum of $540.00 to the Center for Restorative Justice.

Article 30 To appropriate the sum of $450.00 to the Project Against Violent Encounters Inc.- P.A.V.E.

Article 31 To appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program- R.S.V.P.

Article 32 To appropriate the sum of $500.00 to the Sunrise Family Resource Center.

Article 33 To appropriate the sum of $1,530.00 to the Southwestern VT Council on Aging.

Article 34 To appropriate the sum of $450.00 to the Tutorial Center.

Article 35 To appropriate the sum of $500.00 to the VT Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired.

Article 36 To appropriate the sum of $295.00 to the Vermont Center for Independent Living.

Article 37 To appropriate the sum of $750.00 to Neighbor to Neighbor home based care giving program.

Article 38 To appropriate the sum of $779.00 to Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity.

Article 39 To appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 to Greater Northshire Access Television- GNAT to help support & defray costs related to the videotaping and television broadcast of the Arlington Select Board, School Board and other public and municipal meetings.

Article 40. To vote by ballot to see if the Town voters vote to exempt the property of the Arlington Rescue Squad from property taxes for the next five years.

TOWN OFFICERS- ELECTED

Town Officers – Elected

(Term Expires in Year Shown)

Moderator	1 year	3/2024	John L. Whalen II
Town Clerk	3 year	3/2025	Robin S. Wilcox
Town Treasurer	3 year	3/2025	Tiffany Mays
Selectman	2 year	3/2024	Cynthia Browning
	3 year	3/2024	Glenn Sherman Jr.
	3 year	3/2025	James Paustian
	2 year	3/2025	Daniel Harvey*
	3 year	3/2026	Todd Wilkins
Listers	3 year	3/2025	Lee Cross
	3 year	3/2024	Joseph Garger
	3 year	3/2026	Earl LaBatt
Delinquent Tax Collector	1 year	3/2024	Tiffany Mays
Cemetery Commissioner	3 year	3/2026	Ali Zaiac
	3 year	3/2025	Nathalie Caler
	3 year	3/2024	John Wilcox
Trustees of Public Funds	3 year	3/2025	Patricia Williams
	3 year	3/2026	Paula Shulman
	3 year	3/2024	Carol Fay
Town Representative	2 year	11/2024	Seth Bongartz
	2 year	11/2024	Kathleen James
Justice of the Peace	2 year	2/2025	Judy Bryan
			MaryAnn Carlson
			Susan Jennings
			Keith Squires
			Karen Krulikowski
			Susan Wirkki
			Wendy Bucchieri

* Denotes Chairperson

TOWN OFFICERS- APPOINTED

Town Officers – Appointed

(Term expires in year shown)

Health Officer	3 year	4/2024	Dan Harvey
Deputy Health Officer	3 year	4/2024	Nick Zaiac
Tree Warden	2 year	4/2024	Willy Knight
Inspector of Lumber	3 year	4/2026	Matt Bykowski
Fence Viewers	3 year	4/2026	Jamie Paustian, Dan Harvey, Glenn Sherman
Land Use Administrator	1 year	4/2024	Joan Nash
Fire Chief**	1 year	12/2024	Mike King
Asst. Fire Chief**	1 year	12/2024	Brian Hawley
Asst. Fire Chief**	1 year	12/2024	Eric Marko
Fire Warden	5 year	6/2025	Jamie Paustian
Town Planning Commission	2 year	4/2024	Jonathan Murray
	3 year	4/2025	Elliott Nachwalter
	2 year	4/2024	Michael Murno
	4 year	4/2027	Sebastian Massey
	3 year	4/2025	Tom Williams
	2 year	4/2025	Sunjit Chawla
	3 year	5/2024	Garrett Siegel*
Zoning Board of Adjustment	2 year	4/2024	Vacant
	2 year	4/2024	Ron Weber (Alternate)
	3 year	4/2024	Caitlyn Hawley
	3 year	4/2026	Travis Evans
	2 year	4/2025	Louis Parrot
	3 year	4/2024	Andrew Rodriguez *
	3 year	4/2024	Chris Wehrman
	4 year	4/2025	Cynthia Browning
Emergency Mgt. Director	2 year	4/2025	Nick Zaiac
BCRC Representative	3 year	4/2025	Nick Zaiac
	2 year	4/2025	Cynthia Browning (Alternate)
Town Energy Coordinator	1 year	4/2024	Nick Zaiac
Sign Administrator	3 year	4/2025	Joan Nash
Animal Control Officer		Indefinite	Robert Perry

* Denotes Chairperson

**Pending confirmation

TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICERS

Town School District Officers

(Term expires in year shown)

Moderator	1 year	3/2024	John L. Whalen II
School District Clerk	3 year	3/2025	Robin S. Wilcox
School District Treasurer	3 year	3/2025	Tiffany Mays
School Directors	2 year	3/2025	Daniel Wood
	2 year	3/2024	Jessica Bachiochi
	3year	3/2026	Teresa Wilcox
	3 year	3/2025	Nicol Whalen
	3 year	3/2024	Todd Wilkins *

* Denotes Chairperson

SECTION ONE: FINANCIAL REPORTS OF ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS

Schedule of Salaries, Wages and Allowable Expenses

2023

Town of Arlington

CLERK	$23,100.22	+ FEES PER YEAR
TREASURER	$23,100.22	PER YEAR
SELECTBOARD: CHAIRMAN	$2,000.00	PER YEAR
SELECTBOARD: PER MEMBER	$1,800.00	PER YEAR
MODERATOR	$200.00	PER YEAR

BY DISCRETION OF SELECT BOARD

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT	$19.89	PER HOUR
CLERK ASSISTANT	$14.00	PER HOUR
TREASURER ASSISTANT	$16.00	PER HOUR
LAND USE ADMINISTRATOR	$19.89	PER HOUR
LISTERS	$15.77	PER HOUR
AUDITOR	$45.00	PER HOUR
HEALTH OFFICER	$300.00	PER YEAR
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER	$6,000.00	PER YEAR
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR	$2,634.62	BIWEEKLY
HIGHWAY
ROAD FOREMAN	$28.50	PER HOUR
FIRST HELPER	$24.15	PER HOUR
SECOND HELPER	$24.00	PER HOUR
PARK AND RECREATION
PARK LEAD	$22.00	PER HOUR

MILEAGE	Current Federal Rate	PER MILE

Town Treasurer’s Report

I am happy to say that because of all the efforts put in by the Town Hall operating staff, the

Town of Arlington annual audit has been completed prior to the Town Report being issued. For

this reason, it was recommended that the reports from the Auditors replace the treasurer’s

reports.

In previous years I have mentioned the work that needed to be done when I took office.

Primarily the integration of our finances into the Municipal system that holds it all together and

creates our reports. After a couple of years of very hard work and difficult reporting due to this

transition, we are finally there! We ended 2023 with our systems communicating and reporting

in the manner that they should. Because of this, I was able to start 2024 by consolidating all

necessary accounts so that we are utilizing our fund accounting software as intended and

recommended by the Auditors, this has been the goal from the start.

In 2023 I introduced a new method to pay your taxes as well as your water bill online through

Doxo. We had a few kinks with company limits during tax season, but they have since been

worked out and this has proven to be a very useful tool for the Town. I hope to work with the

Town Clerk this year to make charges for things like dog tags, licenses, and certificates

available to pay through Doxo as well.

There has been much controversy over the 2023 tax rate. For the part that I played in the

miscommunication I apologize and hope that you have a chance to read my post about the tax

increase on Front Porch Forum, in the Manchester Journal and in the Bennington Banner. You

will see in the included Tax Rate Setting letter, that the calculation error added less than

$57,000 to the Municipal tax rate for 2023. This equates to $35.60 per $200,000 of assessed

property. I urge residents to look at their tax bill and call me if they have questions about any

differences from year to year.

It was a very good year in Delinquent tax collection! We had our first Tax Sale in a few years

which was a success. Due to a processing error at one of the large escrow processing

companies, CoreLogic, we had more than usual current year delinquencies. If you are getting a

delinquency notice and your property taxes are escrowed, please call me and I can guide you to

clear things up. I am always willing to help our residents so don’t hesitate don’t reach out to me

with any questions or concerns. Best wishes for the coming year.

Tiffany Mays, Treasurer

COMBINED CAPITAL RESERVE FUND MONIES
Please note that due to account consolidation on 1/1/2024 there are funds due within accounts. These are the shaded values you see. The bold amounts are the Fund ending balances.
12/31/2023 Fund Balance			$1,159,438.91

CAPITAL RESERVE CHECKING ACCOUNT – INCLUDES PARK EQUIPMENT FUND
Balance in Account 1/1/2023			$465.90
CRF Checking Interest Received			$747.72
CRF Checking Balance 12/31/2023			$1,213.62
Park Equipment Balance 1/1/2023			$10,208.00
Park Equipment 2023 Voted Appropriation			$3,750.00
2023 Park Equipment Donations			$3,000.00
Park Equipment Fund Balance 12/31/2023			$16,958.00
Auction Income Due to Other CRF Funds			$52,572.50
2023 Donations held in Fund 11			-$2,000.00
Evidenced by NOW #1405 @ TBOB			$68,744.12

TOWN BACKHOE AND LOADER FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$48,205.78
2023 Voted Appropriation			$15,000.00
2023 Backhoe & Loader Auction Income			$40,570.00
Interest Received			$1,035.05
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$104,810.83
Due from CRF Checking			-$40,570.00
Evidenced by NOW #1464 @TBOB			$64,240.83

TOWN BRIDGES FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$183,697.54
2023 Voted Appropriation			$30,000.00
General Fund Borrowed Money Repay			$50,000.00
Interest Received (includes BM interest)			$3,780.91
General Fund Borrowed Money			-$50,000.00
2023 Town Bridges Expenses			-$19,771.54
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$197,706.91
Evidenced by NOW #1502 @TBOB			$197,706.91

BUILDINGS MAINTENANCE FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$43,051.09
2023 Voted Appropriation			$3,000.00
Interest Received			$907.50
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$46,958.59
Evidenced by NOW #1510 @ TBOB			$46,958.59

COMPUTER FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$17,401.71
2023 Voted Appropriation			$5,000.00
Interest Received			$372.97
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$22,774.68
Evidenced by NOW #1529 @ TBOB			$22,774.68

FIRE TRUCK FUND – INCLUDES EXTRACTION TOOLS
Fire Truck Fund Balance 1/1/2023			$540,718.71
Extraction Tools Fund Balance 1/1/2023			$10,000.00
Balance in Account 1/1/2023			$550,718.71
2023 Voted Fire Truck Appropriation			$85,000.00
2023 Fire Truck Auction Income			$3,607.50
2023 Extraction Tools Auction Income			$1,425.00
Interest Received			$4,660.71
2023 Fire Truck Expenses			-$459,711.52
Balance in Account 12/31/2023			$185,700.40
Fire Truck Fund Balance 12/31/2023			$174,275.40
Extraction Tools Fund Balance 12/31/2023			$11,425.00
Due from CRF checking			-$5,032.50
Evidenced by NOW # 1448 @ TBOB			$180,667.90

GENERATOR FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$5,548.08
Interest Received			$116.32
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$5,664.40
Evidenced by NOW #2147 @ TBOB			$5,664.40

GRADER FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$19,340.66
Interest Received			$56.04
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$19,396.70
Grader Expense* due from Fund 11			-$16,802.43
Evidenced by NOW #1472 @ TBOB			$2,594.27
*Grader lease payment was expended from wrong Fund

HAZARDOUS TREE FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$15,080.68
2023 Voted Appropriation			$5,000.00
Interest Received			$324.30
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$20,404.98
Evidenced by NOW #7388 @ TBOB			$20,404.98

RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$2,877.95
Land Records Income			$768.00
11-7-20-340.00 YE Balance Transfer			$1,210.89
Interest Received			$76.39
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$4,933.23
Evidenced by NOW #7421 @ TBOB			$4,933.23

SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE/EQUIPMENT FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$38,404.43
2023 Voted Appropriation			$6,000.00
Interest Received			$814.94
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$45,219.37
Evidenced by NOW #1499 @ TBOB			$45,219.37

SPECIAL HIGHWAY
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$267,392.19
2023 Voted Appropriation			$20,000.00
General Fund Borrowed Money Repay			$100,000.00
Interest Received (includes BM interest)			$5,631.68
General Fund Borrowed Money			-$100,000.00
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$293,023.87
Evidenced by NOW #1480 @ TBOB			$293,023.87

TRUCK FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$136,068.06
2023 Voted Appropriation			$50,000.00
2023 Income from Auction			$6,970.00
General Fund Borrowed Money Repay			$100,000.00
Interest Received (includes BM interest)			$2,707.42
General Fund Borrowed Money			-$100,000.00
2023 Truck Fund Expenses			-$17,550.00
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$178,195.48
Due from CRF Checking			-$6,970.00
Evidenced by NOW #1456 @ TBOB			$171,225.48

YELLOW BARN FUND
Balance in Fund 1/1/2023			$17,205.66
Yellow Barn Misc Income			$478.89
Interest Received			$171.48
2023 Yellow Barn Expenses			-$1,378.18
Balance in Fund 12/31/2023			$16,477.85
Evidenced by NOW #1413 @ TBOB			$16,477.85

Tax Rate Set-August 8th 2023

Town of Arlington Auditor’s Report

RHR Smith Letter Dated January 30, 2024

We were engaged by the Town of Arlington and have audited the financial statements of the

Town of Arlington as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. The following statements

and schedules have been excerpted from the 2023 financial statements, a complete copy of

which, including our opinion thereon, is available for inspection at the Town Office.

These figures represent numbers before finalization, which happened after print time. Only the portion of the full report most relevant to taxpayers was reprinted here. Final figures and full report are available from the Town Administrator on request.

Town of Arlington Budget and Proposed Expenditures for 2023 and 2024

Account	Budget FY2023	Actual FY2023	Budget FY2024
Revenues
Property taxes	567307	432990.15	581746
PriorYrStateAdjustmnt	0	0	0
Taxes, delinquent	0	476493.27	0
Taxes, delin., interest	8000	38028.59	8000
Delinquent Taxes Penalty	0	0	0
Tax Sale Redemption	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Property Taxes	575307	947512.01	589746
Nontax Revenues
State of Vermont	25000	0	25000
Income from Fines	1500	247.5	1500
State of VT – GT PTA DISB	0	12395	0
State of VT – GT LUC DISB	0	0	0
State of VT Hold Harmless	0	30199	0
State of VT – PILOT	0	15043.57	0
SchoolTaxPriorYear	0	37442.52	0
US Treasury	10000	0	10000
Town Clerk/Fees	0	0	0
Town Clerk/Dog Licences	1000	1064	1000
Town Cl.Liq.& Toba. Licen	80	985	80
Animal Control	0	0	0
Rentals	0	0	0
Zoning Fees	3600	3070	3600
CCB Local Fees	0	100	0
Zoning Fines	0	40	0
Interest	2000	27585.1	15000
Grant Income	0	0	0
Miscellaneous	0	158.16	0
Misc-property pymt	0	1000	0
MISC HEALTH INS	0	0	0
MISC Donations	0	0	0
AP Reimbursements from WD	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total General Revenue	43180	129329.85	56180
	—————	—————	—————
Total Revenue Administration	618487	1076841.86	645926
ADMINISTRATION
PAYROLL & BENEFITS
Salaries/Chair. Select Bd	2400	2400	2400
Salaries/Selectmen (4)	8000	8000	8000
Salaries/Town Clerk	23100	23100.22	23100
Salaries/Treasurer	23100	23100.22	40000
Clerical	28996	26507.95	28996
Listing/Labor	27600	24369.83	35000
Town Clerk Assistant	3000	3472	3300
Treasurer/Assistant	4500	3357.5	4500
Town Elections/Poll Workers	650	144.98	750
Auditor/Labor	21000	4511.25	10000
Board of Civil Authority	100	0	100
Health Officer	300	300	300
Land Use Labor	9000	10826.19	10000
Land Use Permits	1000	0	1000
ZBA/Clerical	0	0	0
Animal Control	100	0	6000
Town Administrator	68500	68500.12	68500
Tax Collectors Fees/penat	0	0	0
Salary/Moderator	200	200	200
TownClerkFees	0	0	0
T.ClkDogLicenses	1000	0	1000
T.ClkLiq.Licenses	80	0	80
T.ClrkHealthIns	4000	0	4000
Treas.Health Ins	4000	4000	4000
Assessor Health Ins	0	4000	4000
Admin.Asst.Hlth	4000	4000	4000
Taxes/F.I.C.A.	32000	36093.55	32000
Vt. Employee Pension	11000	10277.77	11000
Workmen’s Compensation	1209	1273.02	1802
Vt. Unemployment	2500	2421.35	2105
Cellular Stipend	0	0	1500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Payroll and Benefits	281335	260855.95	307633
OFFICE OPERATIONS
Repair,Pur.,Train- Equip	7000	7518.81	7000
Town Clerk/Microf/Restora	1500	1500	1500
Xerox/Copier	1000	515.75	1000
Comm and Wifi Services	4300	4939	4600
Comm & Data sharing sftwr	0	0	0
Office Operations Postage	2000	1501.55	2000
Planning Comm./Notices	1000	1428	1000
ZBA/Legal Notices	1000	448	1000
Auditor/Town report/Print	1500	2722.9	2000
Zoning by laws	500	0	500
Meetings & Mileage	400	390.45	400
Supplies	4000	3559.77	4000
Office Expense	3000	3209.95	3200
Computer Expense	3500	5460.57	3500
Listers/office expenses	2000	926.11	2000
Website	150	230	150
Office – Software Expense	3000	1297.8	3000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Office Operations	35850	35648.66	36850
TOWN HALL
Water Service	490	488.36	490
Rubbish Removal	2300	1928.71	2300
Janitorial	8000	7756	8000
Snow Removal	0	0	0
Repairs & Services	18000	1541.22	18000
Insurance	2908	2365.73	2314
Equipment & Supplies	600	390.74	600
Electricity	4000	3590.09	4000
Fuel	4800	7047.62	5300
	—————	—————	—————
Total Town Hall	41098	25108.47	41004
GENERAL EXPENSES
Professional Consulting	0	9684.29	0
Animal Control	6000	6010	0
Arlington Green Up	600	258.58	600
Audit by outside firm	0	0	0
Public Safety	15000	6608.52	15000
B.C.R.C.	6000	6000	6000
Landfill/Solid Waste/Recy	20000	21503.95	20000
Land fill/Regional(ISWAP)	1400	1238.88	1400
HsehldHazWste	0	0	0
EmergCareAnimalCtrl	400	0	400
BCSWA	19000	6259.07	10507
Town Plan	0	0	0
Legal Fees	6000	4922.02	8000
Tax Sale Expenses	0	5508.34	3000
Tax Mapping	1000	0	1000
NEMRC Services	11000	8381.6	8500
Taxes/County	25500	25868.9	27000
Insurance	11300	9372.44	9828
General Other Communicati	0	0	0
Legal Notices	1200	783.5	1200
Town Elections/Ballots	2800	2624	3500
Membership/Dues/VLCT/Othe	4500	4338	4500
VTAssocConsv.Distrcts	100	0	100
Emergency Management	3000	2267.07	3000
General COVID Expenses	500	0	500
Street Lights	15000	14848.07	15000
Fees due to Solar Panels	5000	5259.98	5000
Forest Fire Warden	2500	1714.86	2500
TaxSales/LndUse/Abate	0	0	0
Prior Year School Tax	0	0	0
Miscellaneous	0	1930.26	0
Town Flags	500	522.33	500
Misc. Refunds	0	0	0
Memorials and awards	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total General Expenses	158300	145904.66	147035
DEBT SERVICE
Borrowed money	3000	13815.26	3000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Debt Service	3000	13815.26	3000
RESERVE FUNDING
SinkingFundMaintTwnOwnBld	3000	3000	3000
Sinking Fund/Computer	5000	5000	0
Sink.FundAuditOutsideFirm	0	0	0
Sinking Fund Rest./Pres.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Reserve Funding	8000	8000	3000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Administration	527583	489333	538522
APPROPRIATIONS
Arlington Area Childcare	2250	2250	2250
Arl.Community Club, Inc.	3000	3000	3000
Arlington Community Nursi	4000	4000	4000
Benn.CoalitionForHomeless	500	500	500
Benn.CtyConservationDist.	360	360	360
Sunrise Fam. Resource Ctr	500	500	500
BROC	1200	1200	1200
Assoc. for the blind	500	500	500
Martha Canfield Library	23500	23500	23500
Neighbor to Neighbor	750	750	750
Project Against Violence	450	450	450
Ctr Restorative Justice	540	540	540
Benn. Project Independence	1800	1800	1800
SWVT Council on Aging	1530	1530	1530
The Tutorial Center	450	450	450
Rescue Squad	45000	45000	61500
R.S.V.P.	1500	1500	1500
Vt. Center Indepen.Living	295	295	295
Habitat For Humanity	779	779	779
GNAT-TV	2000	2000	2000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Appropriations	90904	90904	107404
	—————	—————	—————
Total Expenditures Administration	618487	580237	645926
	—————	—————	—————
HIGHWAY REVENUE
Property Taxes	770292	518212.29	817812
State of Vermont CL2	30000	53120.83	30000
State of Vermont CL3	40000	66765.36	40000
State of VT HWY Supplmnt	0	0	0
State of VT GIA.	10000	27856.65	10000
State of Vermont	0	1088.13	0
ASD Fuel Reimb	0	0	0
Water Dept.	500	0	500
Misc	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	6804	0
Hwy Equip. Hours Reimb	0	1861.09	0
Hwy Materials Reimb.	0	243.32	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Highway Revenues	850792	675951.67	898312
PAYROLL & BENEFITS
Labor	163500	153743.75	171900
Special Labor	6200	1464	6200
Overtime	30000	9491.86	30000
Health Insurance	73000	54290.29	100000
DOT Physicals	600	555	600
Taxes/F.I.C.A	8800	461.91	8800
Vt. Municipal Pension	10500	10480.79	10500
Workmen’s Compensation	12809	10301	9282
Vt.Unemployment	6700	6541.35	6127
Uniforms/T Shirts	3000	4043.12	5000
Cellular Stipend	420	402.5	660
Training/workshops	500	0	500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Payroll and Benefits	316029	251775.57	349569
TOWN GARAGE
Internet Service	1000	1247.01	1250
Water Service	470	488.36	470
Rubbish	1200	1139.71	1200
Oil removal	0	0	0
Maintenance	4000	15868.28	4000
Insurance	3425	3284.89	3760
Supplies	4000	6355.68	8000
Equipment	1500	72.89	1500
Electricity	1500	1410.54	1500
Oxygen & Propane	1500	532.99	1000
Fuel Oil	4000	2962.79	4000
Miscellaneous	0	226.98	0
Outside Plow Labor	0	0	0
Grants in Aid Management	0	0	1500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Town Garage	22595	33590.12	28180
CLASS 2 ROADS
Striping/sealing	12000	6586.8	12000
Blacktopping	7500	0	7500
Guard rails	500	0	0
Tree & Brush	7000	3494.52	6000
E. Arlington wall	200	0	200
Culverts & bridges	10000	7549.58	16000
Permit Fees	2000	0	1500
Signs	1500	589.15	2000
Grass seed, etc.	400	756.86	1000
Gravel/stone	11000	11928.16	11000
Salt	28000	13954.28	28000
Sand	16000	12369.45	16000
Chloride	4000	4549.84	4600
Hot mix	500	0	500
Cold patch	1000	1182.5	1500
Sidewalk maintenance	5000	600	5000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Class 2 Roads	106600	63561.14	112800
CLASS 3 ROADS
Sidewalks	100	0	100
Planning	0	0	0
S. Arlington Plowing	15000	9240	15000
Tree Removal	7000	750	6000
Guard rails	500	0	0
Bridges & Culverts	4500	6667.87	7000
Rebuilding	35000	25865.77	35000
Permits & Fees	1500	1125	1500
Bridges/Insurance	0	0	0
Signs	1000	501.46	1000
Grass seed, etc.	1000	1231.42	1000
Gravel/stone	50000	21051.34	50000
Salt	12000	6914.47	12000
Sand	30000	25263.88	30000
Chloride	6000	6365.42	6400
Hot/cold mix	500	0	500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Class 3 Roads	164100	104976.63	165500
TRUCKS & EQUIPMENT
Maintenance	23000	29921.93	30000
Inspections	400	210	400
Rental equip.	6500	275	6000
Insurance	5565	5039.32	4660
Supplies	18000	9639.8	14000
Safety Equipment	600	319.97	600
Oil/gas/Lubricants	3500	2861.28	3500
Diesel	30000	32876.53	31000
Equip.purchase/lease	7000	0	4000
WD Equip. Hours Reimb.	300	0	0
General Other Communicati	3300	4835.68	4800
Mileage	500	0	500
Grader Lease Payment	16803	16802.43	16803
	—————	—————	—————
Total Trucks and Equipment	115468	102781.94	116263
RESERVE FUNDING
Resurfacing	20000	20000	20000
Backhoe and Loader	15000	15000	15000
Sinking Fund/Grader	0	0	0
Sinking Fund/Town Trucks	50000	50000	50000
Sink Fund Sidewalk/Mainte	6000	6000	6000
Bridges & Culverts	30000	30000	30000
Hazardous Tree Fund	5000	5000	5000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Highway Reserve Funding	126000	126000	126000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Highway Expenses	850792	682685.4	898312
	—————	—————	—————
FIRE DEPT REVENUE
Property Taxes	154485	120637.42	170058
Service to Sandgate	24521	0	26993
Town of Sunderland	66208	66208	72882
Grant Income	0	0	0
MISCELLANEOUS	0	0	0
Misc. Don. for Volunteers	0	320	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	1221.29	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total FD Revenue	245214	188386.71	269933
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Stipends	13250	13249.98	13250
F.I.C.A.	800	573.84	1014
Workmen’s compensation	3241	2703.75	3241
Medical	6000	7635	6000
Insurance	12630	12265.34	10185
Comm and Wifi	8400	9950.93	10000
Dispatch Services	0	8250	8250
Training School	10000	1300	4000
OffSpply/ComputerReportin	2500	1762.99	2500
Electricity	1000	0	1000
Fuel for Fire Houses	7000	8977.04	8000
Maintenance	45000	30059.39	42000
Oil/gas/lubricants	1000	1600.28	1000
Diesel	3500	4222.8	4000
Rental on Houses	2000	2000	2000
S.Arl/Cambridge Agreement	1350	1545.56	1600
VSFA Dues	400	1034	1000
Medical equip/supplies	0	0	0
New Equipment	50000	57463.81	50000
Emergency Contingency	893	0	893
RESERVE FUNDING
Sinking Fund/New Fire Tr.	85000	85000	100000
Sinking Fund/Extraction Tools	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Fire Department Reserve Funding	85000	85000	100000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Fire Department Expenditures	253964	249594.71	269933
CEMETERY REVENUE
Perpetual Care	0	0	0
Property Taxes	20375	22931.64	20825
Sale of Lots	1000	1875	1000
Burial/Recording/Cornerst	750	2425	750
Cremation Fee	0	0	0
Interest	0	0	0
Misc	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Cemetery Revenue	22125	27231.64	22575
Cemetery Expenses
Cemetery Salaries	1000	850	850
FICA	75	51.64	75
Office Misc	50	0	50
Operating Contract	15000	14500	15000
OperatingMaintenance	6000	11830	6600
PerpCare	0	0	0
Misc	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Cemetery Expenditures	22125	27231.64	22575
	—————	—————	—————
PARK REVENUE
Property Taxes	100147	156503.58	94895
State of Vermont	0	1585.64	0
Reimb.Income	0	0	0
Town of Sandgate	3000	3000	3000
Town of Sunderland	5000	5000	5000
Arlington School	4500	4500	4500
ArlingtonLionsClub	0	0	0
Grants	0	0	0
Golf Donations	3000	3320.5	3000
Park Donations	100	0	100
Misc Income	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	5127	0
	—————	—————	—————
Park Revenue Total	115747	179036.72	110495
PARK & RECREATION
PAYROLL & BENEFITS
Labor	43680	41968	30000
Overtime	500	307.5	500
Health Insurance	0	17973.45	25460
Taxes/F.I.C.A.	3350	329.54	1720
VT Municipal Pension	2,400	3317.62	2,200
Workmen’s Compensation	1998	1862.82	1995
VT Unemployment	3302	2222.89	2083
Cell Phone Stipend	480	420	320
	—————	—————	—————
Total Payroll and Benefits	55710	68401.82	64278
ADMINISTRATION
Insurance	297	698.91	680
Telephone	0	0	0
Office Supplies	200	0	200
	—————	—————	—————
Total Administration	497	698.91	880
PARK BUILDINGS
Water	820	634.23	820
Rubbish	1300	2239.43	2000
Maintenance	4000	766.41	5000
Insurance	420	328.51	317
Supplies	2000	1430.37	2000
Electricity	2700	4592.44	4000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Park Buildings	11240	9991.39	14137
GOLF COURSE
Water	500	433.54	500
GrassSeed/Fertilizer	500	350	500
Course Supplies	1000	0	1000
	—————	—————	—————
Total Golf Course	2000	783.54	2000
FIELDS & GROUNDS
Ice Rink	0	0	0
GrassSeed/Fertilizer	2000	1415	2000
Maintenance	7000	3975.53	10000
Improvements	0	0	2500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Fields and Grounds	9000	5390.53	14500
EQUIPMENT
Maintenance	6000	1469.47	6000
Gas/Oil/Lubricants	1200	548.48	1200
Diesel	1500	1020.57	1500
Equip.Purchase	25600	26699.98	3000
EquipmentLease	500	0	500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Equipment	34800	29738.5	12200
Park Capital Equipment Fund	2500	2500	2500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Park	115747	117504.69	110495
ARTS & ENRICHEMENT REV
State of Vermont	0	0	0
Income from Art & Enr. Pr	0	6707.29	0
ARTS & ENRICHMENT EXP
Expenses for Arts & Enr P	0	-187.5	0
	—————	—————	—————
MISC. ACCOUNTS REV.
ASTCHR Interest	0	55.85	0
BRHR Interest	0	626.28	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Misc Accounts		869.63
REAPPRAISAL REVENUE
State of Vermont	0	12061.5	0
State Vt. Training	0	1419	0
Interest Income	0	2004.56	0
Transfers In	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
Misc.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Reappraisal Revenue	0	15485.06	0
Reappraisal Expenditures
Lister Wages	0	0	0
Taxes/F.I.C.A.	0	0	0
Postage	0	0	0
Printing	0	0	0
Training/Travel	0	0	0
Supplies	0	0	0
Reappraisal Contract	0	0	0
Miscellaneous	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Reappraisal Expenses	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Reappraisal		15485.06
Interest Income	0	130.26	0
Miscellaneous	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Discretionary	0	130.26	0
Grants Revenue
State of Vermont	0	1088.13	0
Wastewater	0	0	0
Ancient Roads	0	0	0
Enhancement/ChurchSt	0	0	0
AQ09-50	0	0	0
HSU Grant	0	0	0
PLGrntWaterCoStudy	0	0	0
PublicSafetyEMPG09	0	0	0
PubSafetyEMPG10	0	0	0
FEMA	0	0	0
HUD/EDI 11-7 YB	0	0	0
Yellow barn grt	0	0	0
VT Struct BC1496	0	0	0
MPG-TownPlan	0	0	0
VTstruct BC1414	0	0	0
EOC Improvement Project	0	0	0
cl2rdgrtpo155305	0	0	0
Cls2Gt PO1736	0	0	0
Mun Rds Grts-in-Aid	0	4191.04	0
Battenkill Dredging	0	0.58	0
FEMA	0	755.09	0
RadiosEMPG’12	0	0	0
VtStructures BC1216	0	0	0
VtStruct BC1321	0	0	0
FED HGWY ER0090	0	0	0
7A SIDEWALK CA0374	0	1181.58	0
Mun Rds Grnts-in-aid	0	0	0
Act 137 COVID Relief Fd	0	0	0
FEMA MISC	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Grants Revenue	0	7216.42	0
Grant Expenditures
Wastewater	0	0	0
Ancient Roads	0	0	0
Enhancement/ChurchSt	0	0	0
Battenkill Dredging	0	0	0
AQ09-50	0	0	0
HSU	0	0	0
PLGrntWaterCoStudy	0	0	0
PublicSafetyEMPG09	0	0	0
PubSafetyEMPG10	0	0	0
FEMA	0	0	0
RadiosEMPG’12	0	0	0
VTStructures BC1216	0	0	0
HUD/EDI 11-7 YB	0	0	0
VtStruct BC1321	0	0	0
VT Struct BC1496	0	0	0
MPG-TownPlan	0	0	0
VT struct BC1414	0	0	0
EOC Improvement Project	0	0	0
FED HGWY ER0090	0	0	0
7A SIDEWALK CA 0374	0	1181.58	0
Class2Gt PO155305	0	0	0
YellowBarn	0	0	0
Cls 2 road grant PO1736	0	0	0
Mun Rds Grts-in-Aid	0	4191.04	0
Grants Gen. Misc. Expense	0	0	0
Grants Due to other Funds	0	1088.13	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Grants Expenses		5372.62

Audit Fund
Appropriation	0	0	0
Interest Income	0	1610.32	0
Transfer In	0	0	0
MISC	0	0	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Audit Revenue	0	1610.32	0
Contract	0	37025	16500
	—————	—————	—————
Total Audit Expenses	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Audit	0	-35414.68	-16500
ARPA Funds	0	0	0
Total ARPA Revenues	0	0	0
Total ARPA Fund	0	0	0
ARPA EXPENSES
ARPA – Hwy Expenses	0	0	80000
ARPA – Fire Dept Expenses	0	42324.9	30000
ARPA – Park & Rec Expense	0	0	15000
ARPA – Water Dept.	0	0	175000
Total ARPA	0	42324.9	300000
Capital Reserve Revenues
Fire Truck Ins.	0	0	0
Rest./Pres. NEMRC income	0	768	0
CRF CKBK	0	747.72	0
Yellow Barn	0	171.48	0
Copier	0	0	0
Fire Truck	0	4660.71	0
Town Truck	0	2707.42	0
Backhoe & Loader	0	1035.05	0
Grader	0	56.04	0
Spec Highway	0	5631.68	0
Sidewalk & Equip	0	814.94	0
Town Bridges	0	3780.91	0
Hazardous Tree Fund	0	324.3	0
Town Buildings	0	907.5	0
Computers	0	372.97	0
Old Mill Road Wall	0	0	0
Generator	0	116.32	0
Restoration/Preservation	0	76.39	0
CRF CKBK	0	0	0
Yellow Barn	0	0	0
Copier	0	0	0
Fire Truck	0	85000	0
Town Truck	0	50000	0
Backhoe & Loader	0	15000	0
Grader	0	0	0
Spec. Highway	0	20000	0
Sidewalk & Equip	0	6000	0
Town Bridges	0	30000	0
Hazardous Tree Rev	0	5000	0
Town Buildings	0	3000	0
Computers	0	5000	0
Old Mill Road Wall	0	0	0
Generator	0	0	0
Restoration/Preservation	0	1210.89	0
FD Extraction Tools	0	0	0
Park Equipment	0	3750	0
YellowBarnDonations	0	0	0
Fire Truck	0	3607.5	0
Town Truck	0	6970	0
Backhoe & Loader	0	40570	0
Grader	0	0	0
Special Highway	0	0	0
Sidewalk & Equip	0	0	0
Town Bridges	0	0	0
Hazardous Tree Fund	0	0	0
Town Buildings GRT monies	0	0	0
OLD MILL ROAD WALL	0	0	0
Generator	0	0	0
Restoration/Preservation	0	0	0
FD Extraction Tools	0	1425	0
Park Equipment	0	3000	0
YB – Dog Park	0	0	0
YB Misc	0	478.89	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Capital Revenue	0	302183.71	0
YB Community Garden Exp	0	0	0
Spec. Hwy Cl 3 paving	0	0	0
CRF CKBK	0	0	0
Yellow Barn	0	1378.18	0
Copier	0	0	0
Fire Truck	0	459711.52	0
Town Truck	0	17550	0
Backhoe & Loader	0	0	0
Grader	0	0	0
Spec. Highway	0	0	0
Sidewalk & Equip	0	0	0
Town Bridges	0	19771.54	0
Hazardous Tree Expenses	0	0	0
Town Buildings	0	0	0
Computers	0	0	0
Old Mill Road Wall	0	0	0
Generator	0	0	0
Restoration/Preservation	0	0	0
	—————	—————	—————
Capital Expenses	0	498411.24	0
	—————	—————	—————
Total Capital	0	-196227.53	0

Budget Summary Table

	2023 Budget	2023 Actual	2023 Property Tax	2024 Budget	2024 Property Tax
General/ Admin	$618,487	$580,237	$567,307	$645,926	$581,746
Highway	$850,792	$682,685	$770,292	$898,312	$817,812
Fire Department	$253,964	$249,594	$154,485	$269,933	$170,058
Cemetery	$22,125	$27,231	$20,375	$22,575	$20,825
Park	$115,747	$117,504	$100,147	$110,495	$94,895
Totals	$1,861,115	$1,657,253	$1,612,606	$1,947,241*	$1,685,336

*excludes special appropriations under Articles 9 and 10

Amount to be raised by taxes to be voted from the floor: $1,346,432

Floor figure=Total Budget minus Nontax Revenues minus all balloted appropriations

Total “Floor Budget” excluding appropriations: $1,608,337

Total appropriations of $438,904

Trustee of Public Funds

During 2023, the Trustees of Public Funds made no changes to the four (4) funds they maintain.

There were no distributions of money or requests for money from the Edith and Emmett Smith Fund, the Florence Holden Fund, or the Perpetual Care Fund. Information about the funds and their purpose as well as the role the of the Trustees can be found on the official town website – https://arlingtonvermont.org/trustees-of-public-funds/

If you have any questions or would like to apply for money from the Edith and Emmett Smith Fund or the Florence Holden Fund; arrange for a donation or the potential creation of a new fund; please contact the Trustees by email at arlingtonvtTPF@gmail.com

Thank you!

Carol Fay

Paula Shulman

Pat Williams

Edith and Emmett Smith Fund	$ 4,223.54
Holden and Tricentennial Fund	$ 5,360.02
Perpetual Care Fund	$ 21,043.22
Equitable Investment for Perpetual Care Fund	$122,104.93

SECTION TWO: REPORTS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

Arlington Select Board

For the operations of the Arlington Select Board 2023 was a year of both progress and problems. It was a year in which we sought to raise our game, to address longstanding issues, and to set the stage for future progress.

The Highway Department has made progress in maintaining the roads with a more comprehensive program of grading, despite the challenging rainy conditions for so much of the year. Benedict Hollow Road has had substantial improvements to drainage per state requirements and so did the western end of River Road. We are still waiting for the engineering report on the best way to repair or replace the Benedict Crossing Bridge. As soon as we have that and can decide the best approach, we will move forward with that important project with a combination of state and town funding. Thanks to the Highway crew for all of their work.

The Arlington Recreation Park saw improvements to the baseball fields and successful recovery from two flood events. Playground renovations are next up. The Planning Commission prepared and the Select Board approved a revised version of the Town Zoning Bylaw, the most comprehensive rewrite of zoning rules in 50 years. This new version eliminates duplication and clarifies the regulations in order to make it easier for townspeople to abide by the rules as they develop their properties. Town buildings have been assessed for potential eligibility for state funded insulation and heating systems in 2024-25.

The Arlington Water Department has completed the “lead line” study of the presence of water lines with lead solder in homes served by the Department. This will form the basis for funding any needed repairs or replacements. The AWD is also undertaking a state required evaluation of water sources that is necessary to proceed with expansions of service. Remember that the AWD is solely funded by the ratepayers, with no property tax dollars involved.

In terms of Town finances, our ongoing efforts to operate with more rigor and professionalism have not been without challenges. Calculation errors that crept into previous accounting led to a higher than expected municipal property tax rate last year to correct a funding shortfall. We have now had a complete outside audit and we have instituted procedures that will prevent such an error in the future. As of this writing it appears that we have ended 2023 with sufficient funds to be able to set a lower municipal tax rate in 2024 as well as saving to finance future needs. The surplus is from a mild winter in 2023 and successful collection of delinquent property taxes.

Voters will have the opportunity to consider whether a shift to an appointed Treasurer and hired Assessor will set the town up for future success as town finances and property tax assessments grow more complicated.

The Town continues to develop plans for the best use of the federal ARPA funds. So far, funding has been allocated to special extrication tools for the Arlington Fire Department for rescues from vehicle accidents. Funding has also been allocated to a wastewater study of whether and how the Town might provide small community septic systems in different parts of Town. Other planned uses of the ARPA funds include a larger excavator for highway projects, park improvements, and Water Department projects.

Altogether these activities illustrate our progress towards a sustainable future in which all Town departments operate at a high level of competence and professionalism. We are seeking to make planned investments and improvements that will ensure that we can meet the needs of the community in both the short term and the long run.

Dan Harvey, Chair, Cynthia Browning, Todd Wilkins, Glenn Sherman, Jamie Paustian

Arlington Cemetery Commissioners

The Commissioners are pleased to report a successful year. We continue to address the maintenance needs of the cemeteries at only modest taxpayer subsidy. In 2023 we were please to be able to undertake removal of one tall pine trees in Evergreen Cemetery that threatened to fall and damage stones. We have been very pleased with the first year under care of our groundskeeper, Jay Coonradt,and mourn the loss of previous grounds keeper Ransom Goodell. We encourage all visitors, lot owners,and residents to feel free to make comments and/or suggestions to make our cemeteries better.

Further, we encourage all those who plan to be buried in Arlington public cemeteries to make arrangements early. Each year we are engaged in stone straightening and attempt to make these cemeteries as attractive as possible. If you have an interest in serving as a cemetery commissioner in the future, please reach out to the town office and we’d be happy to give an introduction into how Arlington’s cemeteries are run.

We are thankful for the support of the Select Board, the Town Administrator, the Town Clerk, and the employees of the Town of Arlington.

Nathalie Caler, John Wilcox, Ali Elwell Zaiac

Town of Arlington Capital Plan

PURPOSE: The Arlington Capital Plan provides an outline of future proposed capital expenses and

funding in a way that maintains a level municipal budget.

GOAL: Planning for future projects and equipment purchases that are significant costs – in a way that will

prevent large increases in single year budgets.

PROCEDURE

1. A Capital Plan will outline projects and equipment purchases in a 5 to 10 year schedule with proposed date and estimated cost for each purchase.

2. A yearly expenditure for each item will be included.

3. The Capital Plan will be updated each year for approval by the Select Board, and included in the annual Town Report.

PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS

1. A project that will be a significant loss to the Town if it is not repaired or replaced;

2. A project for which the estimated future cost will be $25,000.00 or more.

3. A project that – if it is not repaired or replaced would cost $25,000.00 or more in the future.

4. A project that would require debt obligation or borrowing.

5. A project that requires purchases of land for future municipal buildings or highways.

6. Construction of new municipal buildings or rehabilitation of existing buildings.

7. A project purchasing major equipment or vehicles with a life expectancy of five years or more and a

cost of $25,000.00 or more.

FUNDING

1. Capital projects and funding requests will be presented as individual articles to be voted by Australian

ballot each year at the annual Town Meeting.

EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS

1. Capital funds shall be commingled for investment and expenditure purposes.

2. Capital funds shall only be used for listed capital projects or be used in lieu of short term borrowing by

the Town of Arlington in anticipation of taxes.

3. Capital funds that are used by the Town in lieu of borrowing in anticipation of taxes shall be repaid to

the Capital fund in the same fiscal year that funds are borrowed, and within twenty (20) days after the

due date of collection of taxes. The amount repaid shall include lost interest on the borrowed money.

4. A separate and complete accounting of all capital funds shall be included in the budget.

We acknowledge these tables are very small and challenging to make look good in print in booklet format. Email the Town Administrator at nick.zaiac@arlingtonvermont.org for the spreadsheet version.

Delinquent Tax Collector Report

Listers Annual Report

In 2022 we completed a general reappraisal of the town, in which all properties were assessed at the then current fair market value. Soon afterward we experienced an enormous real estate boom, properties were selling for far more than their assessed value. This happened throughout the state, not only here in Arlington. The result was that our CLA for 2024 is 80.16 and our COD is 22.49. These numbers by the current rules demand another reappraisal.

We are waiting to hear how the state legislators resolve this situation, which we stated before is statewide.

As we report annually, the listers office is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. The phone is 802-375-9022, the e-mail is Lister@arlingtonvermont.gov.

Also, the listers will be doing field inspections during March and April to prepare for the updated Grand List. If you have had any change to your property, up or down, please advise us, so we can make the proper adjustment. We appreciate your cooperation.

Each year we remind you to file your HS-122 along with your state tax return. It is mandatory that you do so, and if you have your tax work done by a service, make sure the HS-122 is included.

Earl, Joe and Lee The Arlington Listers

Town Clerk’s Report

There was only one election in 2023 (Annual Town and School Meeting), making it a

relatively quiet year. However, 2024 will certainly be more active with the upcoming

Presidential race. The election dates are as follows:

March 5, 2024, the Annual Town & School Meeting and Presidential Primary

August 13, 2024, the Statewide Primary

November 5, 2024, the General Election

New voters may register to vote at the Town Clerk’s Office, by mail, on the Vermont

Secretary of State website (“My Voter Page”) https://www.sec.state.vt.us, or at the polls

on election day. Absentee ballots are always available prior to election day.

Please note that the November General Election ballots will be mailed from the Secretary

of State’s office to all active voters. You can mark your ballot ahead of time, then either

send it in early by mail, or put it in the Town Office drop box, or bring it with you to the

polls on Election Day.

The 2024 dog licenses and tags are now available. We license over 450 dogs each year (a

State of Vermont requirement); therefore we encourage dog owners to renew as soon as

possible. You can renew by mail or in person at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Please feel free to contact the Town Clerk by visiting Town Hall, calling 802-375-2332,

or by email at Robin.wilcox@arlingtonvermont.org.

Robin S. Wilcox, Town Clerk

SECTION THREE: REPORTS OF APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Arlington Fire Department

2023 has come and gone. Although the year flew by we still continued to move forward with updating older equipment and training.

In April we received our new Engine/Rescue Truck 75 which replaced our 1999 Spartan Ranger. The new 75 has been in service since April and is serving us well. The new truck is our first due truck for a motor vehicle accident and reported structure fire. It is equipped with new battery powered extrication tools, battery powered positive pressure fan, battery powered chain saw and our equipment to safely fight any structure fire.

We had three members attend the Firefighter I class and one member attended Firefighter II as well. For the southern VT regional fire school we had 10 members take classes over the weekend.

In total we responded to 170 calls for assistance in 2023. Arlington – 91 calls, Sunderland – 49 calls, Sandgate – 10 calls, Manchester – 8 calls, Dorset – 1 call, Shushan NY – 4 calls, Shaftsbury – 5 calls Wilmington VT – 1 call, Rupert – 1 call. We do have more call information listed on our Facebook page if you would like to take a look.

Our JR firefighter program has been rather successful. In 2023 we had one JR member turn 18 years old and Become a full member. In 2023 we have 4 JR members turning 18 and becoming full members. We hope to keep this trend going forward for years to come.

We always have the need for new members, and will have JR member positions available as well. If you’re looking to volunteer in our community and hang out with a great group of people stop by any Tuesday evening for an application. The hardest part of becoming part of the Fire Department is walking through the door the first time.

Wishing everyone a safe, Happy 2024. Thank you all for your continued support.

Respectfully Submitted,

Chief – Michael R King

1st Assistant – Brian J Hawley

2nd Assistant – Eric Marko

Fire Warden

The Arlington Fire Wardens issued 92 permits to kindle an open fire in 2023. We had one reportable grass & brush fire in Arlington but responded to 2 controlled burns that were not permitted. Please be attentive of your surroundings when approaching a ground fire with downed trees as power lines are sometimes involved, which can also cause electrocution.

Please remember it is illegal to burn trash or debris all the time and you must have a permit to burn brush, leaves, and clean wood anytime unless there is 3” of snow cover.

Please remember when you receive a Burn Permit you must be present for the entire time the fire is burning. Furthermore, if transporting wood debris from another site, this will require an additional permit from the State Agency of Natural Resources.

Please call for a permit before burning and to see that the State has not issued a “RED FLAG”. This means no outside burning is permitted due to weather conditions. This could result in a fine and potentially a bill for the cost to extinguish a fire.

Fire Warden James Paustian 802-733-1961

Deputy Warden Brian Hawley 802-558-2230

Deputy Warden Mike Wood 802-681-8230

Respectfully Submitted

Fire Warden 2023-2028

James Paustian

Health Officer

The Town Health Officer is an appointed position by the Department of Health of the State of Vermont and this position is over 100 years old. The Selectboard recommends a candidate to fill the position and the State then make the appointment. In this respect, the position is similar to the Forest Fire Warden in each town in Vermont.

Each Town has a Town Health Officer and a local Board of Health (composed of the Town Health Officer and the Selectboard.) The position originally involved controlling communicable disease. Today however, the Town Health Officers work has shifted toward environmental health issues such as failed septic systems, unsafe drinking water, excess piles of garbage, and related matters. To facilitate this work, the town appointed Nick Zaiac as Deputy Town Health Officer in August 2020.

In this capacity, in conjunction with Deputy Zaiac, I investigated 1 complaint about health and safety issues in 2023. We remind the public that it is unlawful to store such quantities of trash that vermin that carry disease are attracted. Please feel free to contact me with any health-related concerns through Deputy Town Health Officer Zaiac at 802-379-9916 or nick.zaiac@arlingtonvermont.org.

Daniel M. Harvey Town Health Officer, Nick Zaiac, Deputy Town Health Officer

Land Use Administrator

2023 Land Use Administrator Report
Accessory Buildings	7
Accessory Dwelling Unit	1
Base of Operations	1
Boundary Line Adjustment	1
Certificate of compliance	41
Complaint	23
Customary Home Business	2
Garage	9
General Inquiry	114
Letter of Compliance	14
New Residence	6
Porches/Decks	2
Remodel/Additions	7
Violation notices	7
Grand Total	235

I would like to thank Nick Zaiac, Robin Wilcox, the Arlington Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Selectboard of Arlington for their support this past year. It has been a great year for me, with a lot of learning! I’ve enjoyed meeting so many Arlington residents and working with them to achieve their projects and goals. I look forward to serving the good people of Arlington in 2024! My current office hours are Tuesday 12-3 and Thursday 1:30 – 4:30, but when spring comes, I’ll be increasing my hours through the summer again.

802-375-1008 joan.nash@arlingtonvermont.org Winter hours: Tues 12 – 3 pm, Thurs 1:30 – 4:30

Planning Commission

After over eighteen months of deliberation and with the assistance of the BenningtonCountry Region Commission (BCRC), the Arlington Planning Commission presented a comprehensive revision of the Arlington Town Bylaws to the Select Board in early September of 2023. The new revision was adopted by the Select Board and went into effect at the end of September.

The main goal of the new bylaw was to streamline permitting as well as to make the bylaws clearer to understand. Tables have been added to allow for quick reference regarding permitting needs, and in general, the bylaw is more sequential and direct. We have also made sure to strengthen the protection of our floodways given the increased flooding risk we have seen since Hurricane Irene.

Over the course of 2024 we hope to continue to examine issues that arose from the

revision process. Most importantly, we hope to study ways to promote affordable

housing opportunities within the town of Arlington.

The APC is principally responsible for preparing municipal plans, bylaws, and related reports as well as for conducting public outreach, including public hearings. The commission is also responsible for site plan, subdivision, and planned development review. We meet on the fourth Thursday of every month with the exception of November and December when one meeting is generally held in early December for both of these months. These meetings are open to the public, and community participation is always encouraged and appreciated.

I would like to thank my fellow commission members, including our Land Use

Administrator, Joan Nash, the Town Administrator, Nick Zaiac, and the Select Board for their time, support, and expertise throughout the past year.

Further, the commission would like to honor our former Chairman, John Williams, who stepped down from our ranks in the spring of 2023. His ever-present sagacity as well as his keen understanding of the development of our bylaws over the decades he served on the APC will surely be missed.

Garret Siegel, Chairman

Arlington Planning Commission as of 12/31/23:

Michael Murno, Tom Williams, Sebastian Massey, Sunjit Chawla, Eliot Nachwalter, John Murray

Arlington Wastewater Committee

The Arlington Wastewater Committee is pleased to report progress on studying the prospects of adding municipal wastewater capacity in Arlington’s pair of designated village centers. In 2022 the Town received funding via the Vermont Water Investment Division to complete studies on wastewater solutions that can serve both Arlington Village and East Arlington Village. The project has reached the 30 percent completion threshold and is moving toward 60 percent complete. The Committee completed a mailed survey of both Arlington Village and East Arlington Village residents in 2023 and gathered valuable information on the current state of wastewater systems and future needs in the town. We are pleased that engineers have identified viable wastewater fields that could serve both villages. We expect completion of the full report by the end of 2024 bar additional delays in State review.

Arlington Wastewater Committee

Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Jamie Paustian, Andrew Rodriguez, Andy Curtis, Steve McClafferty, Matt Bykowski

SECTION FOUR: ARLINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT

Select Board’s Water Department Report

Account	Budget FY – 2023	Actual FY-2023 Pd:12	Budget FY – 2024
WATER DEPT REVENUE
Metered Water Receipts	290000	287193.4	290000
Interest	4000	6094.55	4000
Project Interest	0	0	0
Bank Interest	0	5266.65	3000
Grants	0	0	0
Borrowed Money	0	0	0
Miscellaneous	0	40	0
Refunds/Rebates/Misc.	0	0	0
WD Equip. Hours Reimb.	0	0	0
Misc Revenue	0	0	103465
Bank Revenue	0	0	0
EPA Grant Revenue	0	0	0
Total Revenues	294000	298594.6	400465
PAYROLL & BENEFITS
System Operator Salary	60342	60342.1	60342
Operator Assistant	1000	0	1000
Clerical	7775	4541.77	7775
Water Department Labor	0	1652.85	1500
Health Insurance	12000	12072.64	13592
Taxes/FICA	5050	5089.78	5100
VT Municipal Pension	4200	4437.99	4500
Workmen’s Compensation	4000	2283.22	3208
VT Unemployment	1250	1190.91	1186
WD Cellular Stipend	420	420	420
Total Payroll & Benefits	96037	92031.26	98623
ADMINISTRATION
Operator Training	150	156	150
Computer Training/Repair	200	0	200
RR Lease	92	92	92
Permits & Fees	3700	3864.23	3700
Insurance	3700	3325.3	2029
Telephone	300	296.93	300
Memberships/Subscriptions	300	0	300
Office Supplies	1200	2113.86	2000
Office Equipment	100	0	100
WaterQualityReprt	700	627	700
Miscellaneous	0	0	0
Total Administration	10442	10475.32	9571
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Vehicle Maintenance	1200	1303.64	1200
Fuel	1300	1456.42	1400
Total Equipment Maintenance	2500	2760.06	2600
SYSTEM OPERATION
Traffic Control	1500	0	1500
Engineering Services	5250	3675	0
Sample Testing	2600	3440	2650
Snow plowing	850	372.5	850
Grounds Care	0	0	0
Building Maintenance	2000	0	2000
System Equipment – Repair	5000	3478.28	5000
System Equipment – Rental	500	0	500
Equipment Hours to Hwy	200	0	200
Town Services	300	0	300
Infrastructure Repair/Mai	11500	14390.84	11500
General Other Communicati	900	474.1	900
Internet Services	1000	791.45	1000
Supplies	5000	1291.63	5000
Chemical Supplies	200	89.97	200
Electric	13000	12237.55	13000
Materials paid to Hwy	0	0	0
System equipment – new	4000	235	4000
Capital Asset Expense	0	0	0
EPA Grant Expediture	0	0	0
ARPA-Waste Water Study	0	35961.5	67504
Total System Operation	53800	76437.82	116104
OTHER EXPENSES
Bank Payment	0	0	0
Repay Loan RF3-333	135933.2	135933.2	135933.2
Interest Expense	0	0	0
Grant Expenses	0	0	0
Total Other Expenses	135933.2	135933.2	135933.2
Total WD Expenditures	298712.2	317637.7	362831.2

SECTION FIVE: ARLINGTON COMMUNITY AGENCY REPORTS

Arlington Area Childcare

As the new Executive Director of Arlington Area Childcare Inc. I am excited to write this Annual Report for you, highlighting all the fantastic accomplishments of the center as well as explaining our areas of need at this time.

In 2023, 68 students from Arlington, Sunderland, Sandgate, and neighboring towns attended our program part-time or full-time. These children (aged six weeks- twelve years old) attended either our Early Education program, our Afterschool program, or our Summer Camp.

Accomplishments-

Maintains our 4 STARS with the State of Vermont
Completing SEED AND SEW and becoming accredited through the company.
Family Advocacy Program- We have worked hard to expand our program and added a diaper and wipes bank, as well as continuing our food shelf and adding a Christmas wish program that helped to assist three local families with Christmas essentials for their families.
Fundraisers- Our center has worked hard in the last year to continue our essential annual fundraisers to help benefit the children within our program, such as Mac and Cheese, Pizza fundraiser, and Cheesecake fundraiser. Our staff, board, and families all come together to make this fundraiser successful.
Staff Growth- We currently have 11 teachers enrolled in CCV, in either college courses or the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course to further their education. We also offer half- and full-day training to help our current staff members earn 30 professional development hours annually. We currently have all qualified staff working in-house. We have been able to offer our staff more competitive pay and time off as well.
We launched a new Curriculum (Frog Street). Since 1989 — Serving early childhood educators for over 30 years – make learning joyful and purposeful. Frog Street provides the path to a bright tomorrow with engaging programs and materials.
Camp Community Connections- This past Summer, we were excited to have our School Agers for the entire summer time with around 20 campers per day. The campers engaged in many different enrichment programs. To highlight one, the Utica Zoo did an interactive presentation with our campers about three different types of animals. Our camp is the only one in our area for summer with a waiting list (a mile long). This is an essential program for our community. Vermont Afterschool has awarded a 40,000.00 grant to enhance our summer program to meet its full potential.
We are currently partnering with many different community and state programs such as First Children Finance, Let’s Grow Kids, VTAEYC, Vermont Afterschool, Building Bright Futures, Directors group of Bennington County, Arlington Area Alliance, NAEYC TEACH, and CCV.

Despite these strengths and accomplishments, Arlington Area Childcare faces severe concerns. Our building, which is 25 years old, needs significant renovations. Some of the most crucial needs relate to our HVAC system, duct work, and updating appliances so they can run more frugally, safely, and efficiently. As a result, we are forced to ask for increased funding from the towns we serve. The contribution from Sunderland has remained the same for many years, but, unfortunately, our expenses (like those of many other businesses) have grown. For Arlington Area Childcare to continue providing a quality setting for Arlington children and families, we seek $2,500.00 from the town of Arlington. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Thank you, again, to the area communities for continuing to support our program, special events, and fundraisers. We couldn’t keep the program running without you!

Arlington Community House

The stately brick house in the center of Arlington has been used as a community center for groups and gatherings for seventy-five years. The house was deeded to the Arlington Community Club by Dorothy Canfield Fisher to be used free of charge as a meeting place for groups from Arlington, Sandgate, and Sunderland. This past year has seen the house used a total of 183 times by various groups such as The Lions Club, The Garden Club, Sunrise Family Resources, and private gatherings. The house is overseen by a volunteer board of directors.

The board continues to use fundraisers as a means of maintaining the house. These include our annual Christmas tree and wreath sale and the spring tag sale. We also rely on the goodwill of the voters who pass the town appropriation as well as donations from private citizens. These funds help maintain the house and pay for needed upkeep and repairs. The Arlington Garden Club has generously helped beautify the grounds around the house for many years.

In the past few years many projects have been done to ensure that the house remains in its stately form. These projects include a new heating system, new energy efficient windows and storm doors, new shutters, and sidewalk repair to the entrances of Martha’s Used books and the main street entrance. The board is grateful to all who have donated to these projects.

As with any old house, renovation work is ongoing. This year we have contracted to have the three rooms in the annex updated with insulation, new flooring, and ceiling repair. When completed the large room will be available for large or smaller groups to meet.

One wing of the house continues to be the home of Martha’s Used Books, whose proceeds support the Martha Canfield Library. This book sale continues to be a popular spot for local community members and visitors alike.

We urge people to visit our webpage (www.arlingtonsommunityhouse.com) and our Facebook page (Arlington Community House) for further information about the history or usage of the house.

If you or your group is interested in using the house as a place to meet free of charge, contact Lynn Williams at 802 375 6119 or email us at arlingtoncommunityhouse@gmail.com to reserve a time.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles Webster, President of the Arlington Community House Board of Directors.

Arlington Community Public Health Nursing Service

On behalf of the Arlington Community Public Health Nursing Service, I am writing to express our appreciation for the continued financial support of the board and the citizens of Arlington. The Nursing Service is respectfully requesting that the board consider funding for the year 2024 in the amount of $4000 The nursing service continues to provide financial support for those in need of medical assistance, as well as camp scholarships, support for the Red Stocking and summer lunch programs, and JISP/KAP participation for area students. We are proud to sponsor health and wellness related programming at the Arlington Commons, and provide sustaining support to Battenkill Valley Health Center and the Arlington Food Shelf. We also continue to provide four rolling scholarships to graduating students pursuing careers in healthcare. We are excited to increase this scholarship amount in the 2024 academic year. We sincerely hope that you are able to grant our request, so we may continue to provide these important services in the community throughout the year.

On behalf of the thirty community members that comprise our Board of Trustees, thank you for your service to our town and for your continued support of our missions.

Sincerely,

Jessica Massey

President

Arlington Community Public Health Nursing Service, Inc.

P.O. Box 62

Arlington VT 05250

ArlingtonNurses.org

ArlingtonNurses@gmail.com

Arlington Energy Committee

2023 was a busy year for the AEC! It began with the announcement from The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) that Arlington had been selected as a 2023 Climate Economy Resilient Community. With the council’s assistance—and the addition of two new members to the committee with expertise in environmental studies and research and data analysis—the Arlington Energy Committee made great strides in developing a carbon calculating spreadsheet tool. In December, the committee presented its work to the Select Board and included charts and graphs to help illustrate what the data revealed. In essence, the spreadsheet is a comprehensive view of the energy consumption, renewable energy offsets, and carbon sequestration by all known town-owned operations and lands. It provides the Select Board with insight into opportunities for cost savings as well as a mechanism for tracking the results of actions taken. The data showed that the biggest carbon emissions from Town operations come from diesel trucks for maintenance of our public roads and properties. It also showed how important our town forest, Rec. Park, and other green spaces are in offsetting these emissions–especially if we are to achieve and maintain the Town goal of carbon neutrality by the year 2027. It is the hope of the committee that the clarity and transparency the tools provide decision-makers will ultimately be to the benefit of taxpayers and residents. The AEC is adapting the tool so that other towns may use it as a template.

In the fall, the town energy committees of the Northshire came together to host another very successful community window-insert build at Arlington’s Paul LaFountain American Legion Post 69. The home weatherization project is a collaboration with WindowDressers, a Maine-based group promoting energy conservation through the building of window inserts for installation in private homes and public buildings. Over the course of five days, 68 volunteers and customers worked together to build 187 inserts of which 20% went to customers who qualified to receive inserts for free or at a reduced price. The AEC is grateful to Mack Molding for their generous donation in support of this effort. The committee hopes to reach more residents who could benefit from the program which will happen again in the fall of 2024. For more information and to sign up for inserts, please visit https://WindowDressers.org.

The AEC also received a mini-grant from the Municipal Energy Resilience Program to host an energy and resilience fair which will take place at The Arlington Common on May 11. Stay tuned for more information!

The AEC meets on the first Wednesday of every month and as always invites the community to attend the meetings whether remotely or in person at the town hall. Meeting dates, agendas, as well as all minutes from our past meetings can be found on the town website. If you are interested in joining us, please feel free to contact us at arlington.energy.committee@gmail.com

Respectfully submitted, on behalf of the AEC,

Stephanie Moffett-Hynds, chair

Arlington Lions Club

The Arlington Lions Club has had another busy year in 2023.

Four (4) of our major projects are listed below:

Pool

The pool improvements were completed in February. The pool area was dredged to its original depth and new sand was added to the beach area. In late summer we installed two aerating fountains in the deep end of the pool. These not only add to the beauty of the park but it is hoped that it will help with the circulation of the water.

The changing rooms in the back of the pavilion were renovated with each having three individual changing stations complete with curtains for privacy. This renovation was done with the help of the Boys Scouts who constructed the benches. These areas were available from morning to sundown.

Finally, members of our newly formed Leo Club painted a mural on the back of the pavilion facing the beach which also added to the beauty of the area.

The pool’s grand reopening was held in June.

Leo Club:

A Leo Club was established at the Arlington Memorial High School. Leadership, Experience, Opportunity – that’s what makes a Leo.

Seventeen (17) students formed this charter along with Leo Club Advisors Lion Susan Toth, Lion Ali Zaiac, Lion Jeanne McDermott and Gayna Cross (school liaison).

Club members have held an Intergenerational Mixer Ice Cream Social, written cards for Battenkill Valley Health Center patients & the Red Stocking program, held a “Socktober” sock drive for the homeless, held a Diabetes Awareness campaign while pedaling a smoothie bike, and created bracelets for pediatric cancer patients. All of these projects encompass the Lions global causes.

Diaper Drive Collection:

At the VT District 45 September Forum, we were informed that the State budget for diapers for those in need was severely cut and a challenge was put to all Vermont Lions clubs to collect diapers and help reduce the shortfall that was occurring.

We partnered with the Battenkill Valley Health Center and Arlington Area Child Care to get the word out about the need and coordinate collections. Bins were placed at these locations as well as St James, East Arlington Federated Church and Quadra-Tek.

With the community’s generosity we were able to collect approx. 7,000 diapers and 4,500 wipes. These donations will be utilized by those in need in the towns of Arlington, Sunderland and Sandgate.

Flood Relief

Efforts for impacted flood areas; July, 2023

We made a donation of $1,000 to Vermont Lions Charities Flood Relief Fund.

These monies were used to quickly assist those that were affected. This money

was used to purchase water, food, cleaning supplies, blankets and clothing. We

also assisted the Londonderry Lions Club preparing 90 bag lunches for the workers

who were fixing washed out roads.

Donations/Fundraising/Services:

Arlington Food Shelf: Donation of $284 and 532 prepacked meals
Prepared and Served the May Community Dinner Held at St James. Proceeds were donated to the Food Shelf.
Summer School Lunch Program – Lion Jeanne & Lion Susan picked up & delivered food each week for 8 weeks to Arlington Memorial HS where the food was then packaged for distribution.

Remote Area Medical – Bennington August 19/20. Provided volunteer help in assisting medical professionals who provided residents of Bennington County with medical services.

Collection of Eye Glasses
Vision Screening (472 Children screened at Fisher and Sunderland Elementary, Arlington Memorial HS and Arlington Area Child Care)
Collection of Pull Tabs which are donated to Shriners
Pediatric Cancer Campaign: Donation $1,000 during the month of October
Three (3) Scholarships were awarded to graduating Arlington Memorial HS seniors
Donated STEM kits to Arlington Area Child Care. Still awaiting request from Fisher and Sunderland Elementary Schools.
Christmas Cards – the club wrote 165 cards which were distributed to the Veterans Home, Homebound residents in Arlington and Food Shelf recipients.
Wreaths Across America – donated 25 wreaths
Sand for Seniors program

Events:

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (including the set up and decoration of trees) at the Village Green. We expanded the number of trees from fourteen to twenty.
Lighted Vehicle Parade
Santa Express – Worked in conjunction with Manchester Lions; setup a Christmas Village and held a refreshment booth
Santa Workshop – hosted craft booths for children at the Arlington Area Childcare
Easter Egg Hunt
Peace Poster Contest – held October 16^th – 16 Middle school entries. The winner of the Arlington Lions Club contest was awarded third place in the Vermont District 45 competition.
Green Up Day, collect over 20 large bags of trash
Memorial Day Parade – Club designed a float & marched
Held two free concerts at the Pavilion for area residents; July 29 and August 26.
Participated in Norman’s Attic; Setup a coffee bar and baked goods booth
Held a Pancake Breakfast for the local community.
Held Fish Fry September 30th.

Donations:

Net proceeds from our Norman’s Attic stand, the pancake breakfast and the fish fry were used for our donation to Vt Lions Charity Pediatric Cancer fund mentioned above. We also donated to the Vt Lions Flood Relief Program and the Town of Arlington.

Volunteer assistance and working with other Arlington nonprofit groups made it possible for us to host the above listed events for the community. We would like to express our thanks to them.

The Arlington Lions Club is dedicated to our community and serving others. “Where there is a need there is a Lion”.

If you would like to have fun and take pride in helping others and the community around you, please contact Susan Toth, membership chair at askalion@arlingtonlions.com

John Toth, President

Arlington Lions Club

Arlington Rescue Squad

More than 50 years ago, a small group of residents dedicated their time, energy, and resources to start the Arlington Rescue Squad (ARS). ARS is a non-profit organization which provides 24/7 365 days-a-year emergency medical services to your town. The organization now employs a small staff to provide daytime coverage, seven days a week, but we continue to rely on volunteers to provide nighttime coverage. We are the only agency in the county who still relies on this “hybrid” model of paid staff and volunteers; we are sincerely grateful to all of our highly trained and dedicated providers who respond to 911 emergencies with up to Paramedic level capabilities. Our staff and volunteers engage in continuing education and training in order to maintain a high level of proficiency at their individual license level. While we usually respond to nearly 500 calls annually, our call volume continues to increase. We respond to medical emergencies and automobile accidents; we also assist the Arlington Fire Department with stand-by assistance for structure and brush fires. We respond to many calls in which we do not transport a patient; however, we incur the same expense for those calls. Unfortunately, most non-transport calls are not billable to insurance companies.

In order to cover higher costs of operations—including costs out-of-our-control such as fuel and insurance–we are seeking an increase in appropriations from $45,000 to $61,0000. This represents an increase from $18 per resident to $25, which is well under the area average of $45.

We would like to sincerely thank the residents of Arlington, Sunderland, Sandgate and N. Shaftsbury for their continued financial support through the generous Town appropriations. The financial support of these towns helps ARS remain financially solvent in order to respond to emergencies with a dedicated team. We are especially thankful to the members of the Arlington Fire department. They are there for us when we need extra help, whether it is driving an ambulance, assisting with a lift assist, or providing CPR support during a critical call.

Thank you!

We were very happy to meet and get-to-know many in our community during several community events including Norman’s Attic, Trunk-or-Treat at Arlington Memorial High School, the Lighted Tractor Parade, and several sporting events. In early November, ARS members participated in a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training. This large-scale training was held in the area of Wilcox Flats on Route 7. ARS participated and collaborated in this training with Northshire Rescue Squad, and the Arlington and Manchester Fire Departments. This was an excellent training that provided our members the opportunity to hone their skills and work with other agencies in the area. Future large-scale training is in the planning phase, which will only serve to develop the collaboration with other agencies in our neighboring towns and assure that our members are trained and ready to respond when needed.

As we look to the future, we will be exploring the costs associated with replacing one of our two ambulances; we will continue to have a presence in the community; we will offer training to those who would like to become involved; and we will continue to provide exceptional medical care to those in our community. It is also our goal to recruit volunteers who might be interested in becoming involved with ARS. There is nothing more satisfying than helping those in your own community. If you would like to learn more about ARS, please give us a call. Our non-emergency number is (802) 375-6589. We would love to hear from you!

Finally, please remember to post your house number clearly so we can find you in an emergency. We would like to thank you again for your continued support. We could not do the work we do without you.

Respectfully submitted,

Arlington Rescue Squad Board of Directors

Martha Canfield Memorial Free Library

The Martha Canfield Library is here to help you expand your horizons in a variety of ways. Last year we learned all about owls, marveled at the talent of our local students in their gallery exhibit, learned about the science of soap bubbles as we stood inside a giant bubble, made Valentine cards for veterans, and made lots of crafts. We also helped people with emergency printing of documents, linked people to audio and e-books, answered reference questions, lent passes for museums, parks and historic sites, gave out free books to children, and much more. All in addition to traditional books, magazines, help with the internet, and summer family programming.

2023 was an active year for local history in the Russell Vermontiana Collection. Genealogy research continues to be important, but we saw an increase in house history questions this past year. Twelve presentations were given this year on Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Introduction to Genealogy, Our Lesser Known Artists, Revolutionary War History Minutes, early New England settlement, and local history for Arlington Middle School student research. There were sixteen donations including a Jack Towsley painting, additional photographs by the late Arlington artist Ellen Lipshutz, early McAuley family deeds and memorabilia dating from 1830, Equinox Hill Climb programs, a framed Dorothy Canfield photograph, booklets on the Carthusian lifestyle, a dinner ticket to an 1863 East Arlington Oyster supper, postcards of local scenes, four 1866 Harper’s Weekly issues sent to a West Arlington subscriber, and a collection of vintage Vermont history books. Preparation is almost complete for the re-publication of the out-of-print Arlington Along the Battenkill in 2024. Finally, planning has started in preparation for the 250th Commemoration of the founding of the United States and the Vermont Republic.

We greatly appreciate your support through the years as we strive to provide services essential to a well-informed community. Let us know how we can help: check our webpage, follow us on Facebook, email with requests and questions, call us. If you would like to sign up for our monthly email newsletter, just let us know.

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis Skidmore, Director

Laura Crosslin, President, Board of Trustees

Martha Canfield Library, 528 East Arlington Rd., P.O. Box 267, Arlington, VT 05250

802-375-6153, marthacanfieldlibrary.org, martha_canfield_lib@hotmail.com, russell_vermontiana_collection@hotmail.com.

SECTION SIX: REPORTS OF COUNTY, REGIONAL, AND STATE AGENCIES

Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity

Bennington County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which has helped more than 40 million people achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through safe, decent, and affordable housing. Our local Habitat affiliate has had the honor of providing affordable homeownership opportunities for 34 families to date, with two more families currently in the homeownership program.

We work in partnership with Bennington County residents who cannot otherwise become homeowners or afford needed home repairs. Applicants must have a need for better housing, the ability to pay, and the willingness to partner with us as we build and work *with* individuals and families, not *for* them. Once accepted into the homeownership program, each adult family member must complete 200 hours of sweat equity, half of which must be completed on the construction site(s). Homebuyers who become homeowners pay an affordable mortgage through monthly payments that include escrow for property taxes, insurance, and Homeowner Association fees, where applicable. Homebuyers’ monthly payments do not exceed more than 30% of their income.

Bennington County Habitat is locally run and funded. With the exception of some contract services such as roofing, electrical, and plumbing, volunteers build Habitat houses. Businesses, subcontractors, and individuals help build, donate materials, and provide financial support. Town appropriations purchase building supplies and materials for our construction programs. With the costs of building a home continuing to rise, support from local towns and governments is more important than ever.

In Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022- June 30, 2023), Bennington County Habitat welcomed home the Metcalf family in Pownal. So far this Fiscal Year, two more families have moved home. This is 12 more individual people now in safe, adequate housing. Additionally, we absorbed another Habitat affiliate this fiscal year. 5 homeowner partner families from West River Habitat are now a part of our organization, and we will be servicing their mortgages.

After 135 homebuyer applications were sent out in March, two new families were accepted into our homebuyer program. In October of this year we broke ground on our 35th home, which is in Bennington on Greenview Drive, and will be building our 36th home on the same street this coming year as well.

In addition to our homeownership program, our home repair program has been growing as well. In Fiscal Year 2023 we completed three repair projects, while so far in Fiscal Year 2024 we completed one already, have two more starting soon, and plan to do even more before the end of June. Our home repair program continues to accept applications from local income-qualified homeowners who need minor home repairs, including ramps, to safely stay in or return to their homes from health care facilities.

Our Resale Store in Manchester has been rebranded as an official Habitat ReStore this year. Through this we sell, at reasonable prices, new and gently used furniture, building supplies, art, housewares, tools, and home improvement products that have been donated to us. Not only does the Store provide people with quality furnishings they can afford, it also keeps items out of the landfill. The proceeds from the Store provide direct financial support for our construction programs.

Two of our 31 homes are located in East Arlington, providing safe, affordable housing for two East Arlington families. One member of our Board of Directors is an Arlington Resident. Many Arlington residents have volunteered with our construction programs. We encourage residents of Arlington to apply for homes and home repair projects. We are grateful for the Town of Arlington’s continued support.

None of our projects would be possible without the support we receive from the local community. Together, we make a difference in the lives of hard working people in Bennington County. For more information please visit our website at www.BenningtonCountyHabitat.org

Respectfully submitted by Cindy Luce, Executive Director, Bennington County Habitat for Humanity

Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless

Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless (BCCH) continues to operate 24/7, 365 days a year, to serve the needs of those in Bennington County experiencing homelessness. BCCH is grateful for the town of Shaftsbury’s support for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The winter months are upon us and both locations are most often full, with a waiting list for families. In addition to providing shelter, we serve many others experiencing homelessness through drop-in services for those in need. Our services range from the use of our kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms to providing a safe, warm space for those in need during the day or providing someone in need with toiletries, blankets, clothing, and takeout meals. Those who come in to warm up are also given the opportunity to meet with a case manager, apply for services, and receive housing and employment assistance.

In 2023, we provided shelter and services to almost 250 people between our two locations. In addition, we have served well over 100 adults and children through our day services, donation rooms, and community outreach services.

In the past year we have further strengthened relationships with our community partners, including but not limited to: Shires Housing, Turning Point, Greater Bennington Community Services, Economic Services, Department of Children and Family Services, Sunrise, Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union, Bennington Police Department, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, and United Counseling Services. We were able to enhance safety measures at our congregate shelter location with additional support staff and have three full-time case managers assisting our individuals and families staying at our two locations. These positions are supported by an increased HOP grant through OEO. Furthermore, this grant has afforded us to hire an additional full-time Community Outreach Coordinator/Case Manager for those not sheltered by BCCH. These milestones enable us to increase the success rate of guests’ employment, housing, and so much more.

We are thrilled to be in partnership with Shires Housing. We began filling nine beautiful new family units at Norton House in January 2023. Together with other community partners we have found permanent housing for six of those families and three other families since then.

Revenue from Municipalities:

Shaftsbury – $5,000

Bennington – $25,000

Arlington – $500

Peru – $500

Dorset – $1,000

Rupert – $500

While so much good has been happening at BCCH, we need your continued support due to the many costs not covered under our HOP grant. While BCCH also pursues and obtains other grants and donations, they are just not enough to cover all BCCH’s expenses. Your ongoing support is necessary with all the continued rising costs of food, necessities…. everything!

Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can provide anything else.

Thank you in advance for your ongoing support.

Roxanne Careli, Interim Executive Director

Bennington County Conservation District

Dear Residents of Arlington,

I hope this letter finds you well and engaged in our community’s well-being. Today, I want to share with you some vital information about the Bennington County Conservation District, as outlined in VSA 10 Chapter 31 and 7 CFR 610.25. Understanding the role and powers of these districts is crucial for all community members, as we work together towards a sustainable & resilient future.

Purpose of the Natural Resource Conservation Districts

The NRCDs are part of a national infrastructure of Locally Led institutions dedicated to the sustainable management and conservation of Vermont’s natural resources, focusing on soil, water, and related resources. Our mission is to ensure these resources are preserved and enhanced for future generations.

Functions of the NRCDs

To achieve this mission, the NRCDs are tasked with several responsibilities:

1. Comprehensive Planning: Developing strategic plans for managing natural resources within our district.

2. Project Implementation: Executing various conservation projects and programs, such as soil erosion control, food system development, and water management.

3. Collaborative Agreements: Forming partnerships with government and private organizations for effective resource management.

4. Property Management: Acquiring and managing properties necessary for conservation efforts.

5. Funding Acquisition: Securing funds through grants, loans, and other means to support our environmental initiatives.

6. Educational Outreach: Promoting public awareness and involvement in conservation through education.

7. Regulatory and Advisory Functions: Providing advice and collaborating with other agencies on natural resource management to ensure the priorities and values of Bennington County residents are considered in the policy making process.

8. Local Ordinance Implementation: While a smaller aspect of our work, we also hold the power to propose and enact local ordinances through referenda, enabling community participation in specific environmental decisions.

Over the past year we have worked diligently to live up to these responsibilities.

We have worked with residents and our agency partners in the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Agency of Natural Resources, and Agency of Agriculture to re-open the Local Working Group process and establish a Local Fund Pool of $175,000 to support conservation work on private lands within the county based on community priorities. As part of this process we initiated a continuous engagement process called the Community Resilience Initiative which includes an annual Community Resilience Forum and monthly Community Resilience Symposiums. This process allows the citizens of Bennington County to have a dedicated space for continuous public participation in the planning and policy making process concerning the management of natural resources.

We worked with our agency partners to ensure the prioritization of Bennington County’s watersheds in the new Water Quality Enhancement Development, Design, and Implementation Block Grant is easily accessible to Bennington County residents. This program provides funding for a wide variety of conservation activities including dam removal, riparian buffers, river corridor easements, stream geomorphic assessments, river corridor plans, stormwater master plans, and Lake Watershed Action Plans.

We worked with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Natural Resource Council to provide technical assistance to Bennington County Producers applying to the Vermont Farmers Ecosystem Stewardship Program. This program provides an initial $2,000 incentive for applying for NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program funding and an additional $7,500 upon the execution of a CSP contract. Through this effort we initiated preliminary conservation planning on approximately 6,800 acres of working lands with the goal of compensating our working land stewards for the invaluable work they do in maintaining environmental quality for Bennington County residents.

While this is not a comprehensive overview of our work or programs, it will hopefully highlight the valuable work BCCD does for the community and demonstrate the value residents receive by funding the District through town appropriations.

Thank you for your consideration and commitment to our County’s environmental health and sustainability.

Sincerely,

Michael Fernandez

District Manager; Bennington County Conservation District

Email: michael@bccdvt.org

Phone: (802) 775-8034 ext. 132

Website: www.bccdvt.org

Bennington County Regional Commission

The Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC) works with and on behalf of its member municipalities to build strong, resilient, and sustainable communities, to foster economic prosperity, and to promote a high quality of life for residents of the region. The BCRC plays an important role in coordinating work among local governments, state and federal agencies, regional public and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private interests. The organization is governed by local appointees from seventeen area municipalities and commissioners who represent interests ranging from public health to economic development. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of every other month, with frequent special meetings throughout the year (information at: www.bcrcvt.org).

In addition to its ongoing role in supporting the comprehensive planning work of municipal officials, the BCRC is a regional center for programs in community and economic development, transportation, energy, environmental conservation, water quality, public health, solid waste management, and emergency management. BCRC staff is available to provide direct assistance in these areas and to serve as a liaison with state and federal agencies.

During the past year, the BCRC has worked to implement its comprehensive plan through a variety of programs and cooperative work with member municipalities. Economic development planning at the BCRC is conducted by dedicated staff and supported by a committee with representatives appointed by the regional development corporation. The goal of this BCRC program is to support workforce development and business retention, growth, and recruitment. Related BCRC planning and community development initiatives support redevelopment initiatives in downtowns and village centers, grant assistance for local businesses, and have produced reuse planning studies for key properties such as the former SVC campus and the recently idled Energizer complex. Concern over the state’s water quality has led the BCRC to identify and implement local projects that not only reduce stormwater runoff, but also protect roads, bridges, culverts, and private property from damage. Other important activities have included: an assessment of land use regulations affecting housing in each town and village, expanded staff capacity to assist with implementation of local energy plans, village center and neighborhood development area designations, implementation of the regional solid waste management plan and the development of a new permanent hazardous waste facility in the region, and planning for roadway, bicycle and pedestrian, and public transportation improvements.

In the coming year, the BCRC will continue to provide information and resources to assist business and local governments to take advantage of opportunities created through the federal American Rescue Plan and other programs. We expect to see continued focus on infrastructure (including broadband) improvement projects, housing creation, business support services, and measures to support implementation of the Vermont Climate Action Plan.

While our downtown Bennington offices, located at 210 South Street, have reopened, staff still work remotely at times, so it generally is easiest to contact us via email (see contacts at www.bcrcvt.org). Fortunately, technology has allowed us to continue work with little interruption in progress on any projects.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Colvin, Director

Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance

Arlington, Bennington, Dorset, Glastenbury, Manchester, Pownal, Rupert, Sandgate, Searsburg, Shaftsbury, Stamford, Sunderland, and Woodford

The Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance (BCSWA) represents a partnership of 13 towns working together to reduce the amount of waste disposed in landfills through recycling, reuse, repair, and through other means of resource conservation. Since 2015, BCSWA has followed a solid waste implementation plan to assist residents, schools, businesses, and other organizations meet the requirements of Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law.

In July of 2023 BCSWA opened a new household hazardous waste collection facility at the Bennington Transfer Station. The facility was open one day per week throughout the fall and collected paint, pesticides, cleaning products, flammable liquids, and other landfill banned items from 225 families and small businesses in the area. The facility was built under budget at a cost of $106,739.74. A grant from Vermont DEC financed 60% of the cost with the member towns of the Alliance funding the remainder. The Alliance projects that the facility will reduce annual operations costs when compared to the previous model of hosting disposal events, and that the savings will pay for construction costs in approximately 3 years.

The Alliance hosts a website at www.bcswa.org, and is present on social media at facebook.com/solidwastealliance, instagram.com/bcswa_vt, and youtube.com/@bcswa. Outreach on these channels provide resources and information to residents about:

Scheduling a household hazardous waste drop off appointment
- Battery recycling through the Call2Recycle program
- Disposal of used motor oil at retail establishments and select transfer stations
- Recycling of paint through the PaintCare program, including retail stores that accept paint
- Prescription drug disposal including drop-off locations
- Recycling of textiles by the Apparel Impact, Goodwill, and others
- Disposing of fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and other mercury items at transfer stations and retail establishments
- Disposal of E-Waste at area transfer stations, Goodwill, Staples, and retail establishments
- Diverting food scraps by composting and annual sales of compost bins and kitchen containers
- Reduced price composting equipment available at the BCSWA online store
- Waste reduction resources for businesses, schools, events, institutions and residents

During 2023 the Alliance assisted 41 businesses, held composting and Recycling events at local libraries, produced regular content for public access television stations, and hosted tables at several farmers markets.

Visit bcswa.org for updates and details. The Alliance is funded by the thirteen member towns of the alliance proportional to their population, along with grants from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and the Agency of Agriculture and Markets.

Bennington Project Independence

Bennington Project Independence (BPI) is honored to provide comprehensive and innovative Adult Day Services for older persons, younger adults with disabilities and their families from Arlington for over 45 years.

BPI provides a safe, sensitive and supportive day program for adults age 18 and older. We serve people with delicate or chronic medical conditions who would benefit from our on-site nursing care and health monitoring as well as persons facing end-of-life challenges. We serve people who feel isolated without the support of family and friends and persons dealing with bereavement or other emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. We also serve younger persons with acquired brain injury as well as serving persons in all stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive impairments who would benefit from compassionate, specialized assistance. Our Members have the opportunity to receive care and support during the day and then return to the comfort of their own homes or their family’s homes in the evening.

BPI offers a comprehensive range of services for our members and their family caregivers. We provide extensive on-site nursing and wellness care, personal care assistance (showers, hair and nail care, toileting assistance, etc.) and access to the wide range of meaningful and enriching activities that help members remain as independent as possible. BPI offers 18-20 activities a day that people can pick and choose from. The Staff, at BPI, engage people with mentally stimulating games, educational opportunities and presentations, physical activities, our nustep and cubii fitness programs and much, much more. They also help people make the human connections so vital to reducing the loneliness and sense of isolation previously felt during the height of the pandemic. Our program is based on the abilities, interests and needs

of our members and their families.

BPI is here to help families in Arlington “share the care”. Our comprehensive services help make it possible for them to be able to care for their loved ones, raise their own families and, in many cases, continue to be able to work or maintain their career. Knowing that their loved one is safe, well-cared for and enjoying their day, gives the caregiver the break they need to recharge and brings great peace of mind to families. Our “Families Together” monthly caregiver gathering and our full time Social Worker provide families with extra support and information to make their caregiving journey a little easier. The additional support can also help families prevent the emotional and financial cost of premature institutionalization of

their loved one who may be at risk.

BPI’s services support economic growth as well. We can assist family caregivers to continue to work outside the home. Families no longer have to leave their jobs to care for their loved ones. This supports the availability and stability of the potential workforce for employers in the Arlington area. Businesses also have the potential for less replacement and training costs because their employees can remain on the job with less distraction from eldercare issues.

We are extremely grateful for the continued support and look forward to continuing to provide the highest caliber of care and range of Adult Day Services for the residents and families of Arlington well into the future.

BROC Community Action

To the Citizens of the Town of Arlington,

On behalf of BROC Community Action and the thousands of people with low-income or living in poverty that we serve throughout Rutland and Bennington Counties, we want to express our thanks and gratitude for supporting us over the years on Town Meeting Day. BROC Community Action assists families and individuals in crisis and help provide a sustainable path forward.

Over the past year, BROC Community Action assisted 86 residents in the Town of Arlington. Whether they need food at the BROC Community Food Shelf, senior commodities, housing counseling, homelessness assistance, weatherization, heating and utility assistance, forms assistance for benefits such as 3SqVT, budget and credit counseling and resources and referrals; we are here.

People come to us cold, hungry, homeless, jobless or facing major health conditions every day. Your town appropriation helps ease the struggle for nearly 10,000 people who seek assistance from us each year as we meet the basic needs of their families and provide a path forward whenever possible.

Respectfully, our appropriation request for the upcoming fiscal year remains $1,200.00.

We truly value our collaboration with Arlington as we assist those most in need.

Sincerely,

Thomas L. Donahue, CEO

tdonahue@broc.org

Center for Restorative Justice

The Center for Restorative Justice (CRJ) is Bennington’s community justice agency helping both young people as well as adults to take an active role to repair the harm they caused, give back to their community and learn new ways to be a positive, contributing community member. With your town’s support, this past year, over 1,400 individuals went through one of CRJ’s many programs. A few specific examples include:

163 young people and adults participated in CRJ’s Court Diversion Program and had their charges expunged after taking responsibility for their actions and repairing harms caused
- 91 individuals were assisted to get their driver’s license reinstated and legally back on the road
- 379 youth were served through one of CRJ’s Juvenile Restorative Programs such as our in-school Restorative Alternative Program, Pre-Charge Program, The Lounge (afterschool program), life skills groups, Summer Youth Empowerment Program and mentoring
- 62 individuals returning to the community from incarceration were served through one of CRJ’s many Community Reentry Programs
- 36 individuals were assisted to file court petitions to get their records expunged
- 204 adults participated in CRJ’s adult restorative programs and support services
- 416 teens accessed Threads, CRJs free clothing boutique exclusively for teens
- 56 individuals were supported in CRJ’s Pretrial Services Program connecting them with substance use, mental health and other community support services while awaiting court case resolution

CRJ’s programs are guided by the principles of restorative justice, a philosophy of justice that focuses on the people and communities harmed by crime; it emphasizes bringing together everyone affected by wrongdoing to address needs and responsibilities

Your support is greatly appreciated and is invaluable in helping CRJ continue to expand its programming and to reach as many people as possible. Your continued support has helped individuals to get their lives on the right track, helped empower victims to have a voice in the justice process, and helped restore and strengthen our communities.

Leitha Cipriano

Executive Director, Center for Restorative Justice

Greater Northshire Access Television (GNAT)

Dear Community Members, We extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of GNAT-TV. Your contributions have been instrumental in our mission to connect the community and empower individuals through local media. As we continue to serve as a vital communication hub, your support has been the cornerstone of our success, especially notable during challenging times.

Our Impact: A Year in Review

GNAT-TV has made significant strides in 2023, underlining our commitment to engaging, informing, and inspiring the public. This year, we ran a total of 817 programs, reflecting our commitment to diverse and engaging community initiatives. Highlights of our efforts include:

Enhancing Local Government Transparency: Committed to fostering civic engagement and promoting transparency, we successfully facilitated 214 local government meetings, (insert number here) in Manchester specifically. This initiative strengthened community participation and broadened our reach. By integrating with modern streaming platforms like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Youtube, and social media, we’ve made these essential civic meetings more accessible, inviting a broader audience to engage. This move to digital platforms demonstrates our ongoing effort to keep our community informed and actively involved in local governance.
Live Streaming Milestones: Successfully broadcasted local school graduation ceremonies, ensuring these significant moments were shared with the entire community.
Technical Support and Training: Provided essential technical assistance and training to the faith community for seamless online services.
Community Event Coverage: Actively distributed and archived community events, preserving the vibrant spirit of your town.
Youth Engagement: Launched the Youth Filmmaker’s Club a platform celebrating and showcasing local children’s talents and creativity.
Independent News Segments: Produced 167 segments of local independent news, keeping the community informed and connected.

Your Support: Fueling Our Mission Your ongoing support is crucial for GNAT-TV to continue these impactful efforts. Local media is not just a platform; it is the lifeblood of a vibrant and informed community. Your financial contributions will empower us to further strengthen our communities, aligning with our purpose of providing transparent access to information and supporting local engagement.

Looking Forward: Together, We Can Achieve More As we invite you to continue your support, remember that your contributions are not just donations; they are investments in the heart and soul of our community. Together, we can keep our community connected, informed, and inspired.

Thank you for considering your support for GNAT-TV. We are proud to be a part of this community, and with your help, we will continue to make a significant difference.

With gratitude, Tammie, Executive Director

Green Mountain RSVP

Green Mountain RSVP (GMRSVP) is an AmeriCorps Seniors program that engages people 55 and older in volunteer positions with non-profit programs to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement. GMRSVP is focused on addressing social isolation, healthy aging, and food insecurity.

Twelve GMRSVP volunteers live and serve in Arlington. Certified Bone Builder instructors lead 5 balance and strength training classes in person and on line, free of charge and open to all. GMRSVP provides training and supplies to these groups. In addition, GMRSVP volunteers in Arlington give time to the Arlington Food Pantry, Martha Canfield Library, Meals on Wheels, and provide companionship to homebound seniors, AARP Tax support, and work at the Red Cross Blood Drives. Another effort, for volunteers who prefer to work from home, is the Sunshine Project that produces cheerful greeting cards for isolated individuals.

Your town’s funds help us continue supporting and developing programs for older adults who wish to volunteer. Federal funds from the AmeriCorps Seniors Program cover our staff and administrative costs. GMRSVP serves Bennington, Windham, and Windsor Counties.

Contact Program Director Corey Mitchell at 802-674-4547 to learn more about GMRSVP and how you can volunteer in Arlington.

Neighbor to Neighbor

Neighbor to Neighbor’s mission is to assist our neighbors to live independently by providing no-cost, non-medical volunteer services that nurture relationships.

Since 2004, Neighbor to Neighbor and our dedicated team of volunteers has provided vital services to older, disabled and other housebound residents of the Northshire, including those in Manchester, Arlington, Sunderland, Dorset, Pawlet, Rupert, Wells, & Danby. Our services include transportation to appointments and errands, friendly visits and phone calls, friendly handwritten notes, help with home and yard projects, and monthly social events. We continue to promote our services to potential recipients and volunteers, as well as develop new programs and collaborations that will provide our elder community with more social opportunities.

Currently, there are 18 residents (up from 10 last year) in Arlington who are either Neighbor to Neighbor recipients or volunteers. This reflects a substantial increase in both caseload and demand for services that we are experiencing across all townships. To enable us to accomplish our mission more efficiently, we have hired an additional part time staffer. As can be expected, helping more people to do more things naturally drives up administrative and programming costs. Thankfully, Neighbor to Neighbor receives funding through local towns as well as through private, corporate, and foundation donors.

If you haven’t already, please visit our website https://neighbortoneighborvt.org/ and watch our promotional video on the homepage. It is a great glimpse into the many ways that Neighbor to Neighbor helps this community, and features many current and former volunteers and care recipients!

On behalf of the Steering Committee, our amazing volunteers, and most importantly the neighbors we serve, Neighbor to Neighbor is most grateful for your continued support.

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzie Eisinger

Program Director

Project Against Violent Encounters (PAVE)

Town of Arlington;

PAVE believes that everyone deserves to experience healthy love. It is a core part of our mission to strive to promote a community and a world, where we all can experience the joy of healthy love.

With over 10 Million Americans affected by Domestic Violence a year, striving for a community where non-violent love is the norm, can be daunting. But we persist, because we believe our goal is not only possible but necessary.

Over the last year, PAVE has been able to help survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence reclaim their lives after fleeing abuse. We have been there at the moment of crisis; fielding over 500 hotline calls and providing 4221 nights of emergency shelter. We have been there as survivors start to stabilize and heal; helping to obtain 16 housing assistance vouchers, and over 50 Protection Orders.

PAVE also has been present before violence takes place, with the hope that through education we can promote healthy forms of love and stop the cycle of Domestic Violence before it even starts. PAVE has provided over 900 youth in Bennington County with preventative education and helped train over 200 community partners on topics related to Domestic & Sexual Violence. Our Advocates have dedicated themselves tirelessly to spreading the message of non-violent love at community events and in their day to day work with survivors.

We are requesting level funding for the coming year in the amount of $450.00.

PAVE expresses their gratitude for the support and dedication the Town of Arlington has shown to survivors of Domestic & Sexual Violence.

With appreciation,

Lindsay Brillon, M.Ed. LSW, Executive Director, Project Against Violent Encounters

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging

This report describes the services that the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) provided to elders in Arlington during SVCOA’s most recent annual reporting period of 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023.

Nutrition Support

The Council helped provide 2,535 meals that were delivered to the homes of 21 older Vermonters in your community. This service is often called “Meals on Wheels”. In addition, 52 older Arlington residents came together at a luncheon site in your area to enjoy a nutritious meal and the company of others; 1,497 meals were provided.

Additionally, SVCOA provided 40.25 hours of one-on-one nutrition support, including nutrition assessments and resource connections and referrals, to 23 residents of Arlington.

Case Management Assistance:

SVCOA case management and outreach staff helped 17 older residents in your community for a total of

272.50 hours. Case managers meet with an older Arlington resident privately in their home or at another agreed upon location and assess the resident’s individual situation. They will work with the older resident to identify needs and talk about possible services available to address those needs. If the resident desires, the case manager will link the resident to appropriate services, coordinate and monitor services as necessary, and provide information and assistance to caregivers. Case managers also help older Vermonters connect with in-home assistance programs, including a program called Choices for Care. This program is especially helpful to older Arlington residents facing long term care placement who still wish to remain at home.

Other Services and Support:

“Senior Helpline” assistance at 1-800-642-5119. Our Senior Helpline staff provide telephone support to older Vermonters and others who need information on available programs and community resources.
Medicare and health benefit counseling information and assistance through our State Health Insurance Program.
Legal service assistance through the Vermont Senior Citizens Law Project.
Information about issues and opportunities directly related to older Vermonters via various agency articles and publications.
Nutrition education and counseling services provided by SVCOA’s Registered Dietician.
Senior Companion support for homebound older Vermonters.
Outreach services to older Vermonters dealing with mental health issues through our Elder Care Clinician. This service is provided in cooperation with Rutland Mental Health.
Transportation assistance.
Caregiver support, information and respite to family members and others who are providing much needed help to older Vermonters in need of assistance.
Money Management programs that offer either a volunteer bill payer or representative payee services to older Vermonters and younger disabled individuals.

State Representatives Legislative Update

The 2024 legislative session began Wednesday, January 3. It’s the second session of the two-year 2023–2024 biennium, with adjournment expected sometime in May.

During the session, representatives are in Montpelier every Tuesday through Friday and home every Saturday through Monday, with a one-week break over Town Meeting week in March.

The Vermont legislature meets in person at the State House. All floor sessions and committee meetings are live streamed and archived for public viewing on the Vermont General Assembly website: https://legislature.vermont.gov/

Reps. Kathleen James and Seth Bongartz, who together represent the two-seat Bennington-4 district, are holding regular coffee hours during the 2024 session. Residents of this district (Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate and northwest Sunderland) are welcome to join these informal meetings. It’s a great way to ask questions, raise concerns and stay informed about legislation. All meetings are held on Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 am.

James serves as ranking member of the House General and Housing Committee and as an assistant majority leader of the House Democratic Caucus. Bongartz serves as ranking member of the House Environment and Energy Committee and on the Legislature Committee on Administrative Rules.

Constituent Coffee Hours: 2024

January 13: Charlie’s Coffee House
39 Bonnet Street, Manchester Center
February 10: Wayside Country Store
3307 Vermont Route 313, West Arlington

March 2: Bonnie and Clyde’s
13 Old Mill Road, East Arlington

March 2—5: See you at your annual town and school meetings!

March 23: Charlie’s Coffee House
39 Bonnet Street, Manchester Center
April 20: Wayside Country Store
3307 Vermont Route 313, West Arlington

May 11: Bonnie and Clyde’s
13 Old Mill Road, East Arlington

June 8: Charlie’s Coffee House

39 Bonnet Street, Manchester Center

Beyond these scheduled constituent meetings, it’s easy to connect with your state legislators. We work hard to represent all residents with transparency, integrity and accountability. Please stay in touch and reach out anytime with questions or concerns. We respond to constituent correspondence as promptly as possible.

Note: To meet printing and mailing deadlines, this report was submitted to town clerks in early January. We provide frequent progress reports on social media and via our e-newsletter, delivered to your inbox throughout the session. Please join our mailing list by signing up at Kath’s website. We also publish a mid-session report that we distribute at Town Meeting and post online, plus an end-of-session report that we post online and distribute to town halls.

Rep. Kathleen James

Assistant Majority Leader

General and Housing Committee, Ranking Member
802.733.1435
KJames@leg.state.vt.us
Facebook: Kathleen James VT State Representative
Web: kathjamesforstaterep.com
To receive our joint e-newsletters, join our shared mailing list at Kath’s website

Rep. Seth Bongartz

Environment and Energy Committee, Ranking Member
802.598.3477
SBongartz@leg.state.vt.us
Facebook: Seth Bongartz Vermont State Representative

Sunrise Family Resource Center

The mission of Sunrise Family Resource Center is to “Strengthen Families” throughout Bennington County. Sunrise works in partnership with individuals, families and community members to provide a variety of supports and services. These services promote the growth and development of individuals and families through encouragement of strengths, expansion of opportunities and support in times of stress.

Narrative:

Sunrise provided services to more than 115 adults and 131 children from Arlington this past fiscal year.

This past year Sunrise focused on housing, transportation, parent leadership and building social capital, ongoing community collaboration and expanding our prevention services. Sunrise is a strong partner in our local system of care addressing housing instabilities and homelessness. We now have 3 housing case managers and a Navigator. Along with our housing team, all staff are knowledgeable and need to deal with a variety of housing situations facing families and youth on a daily basis. Our services are home based and intensive, allowing for successful outcomes. With DOH Equity Funding, we have been able to help local families and individuals with an array of transportation needs, ranging from car repairs, new tires, driver education, inspections/registrations and anything else that help keep them safely on the road. We have partnered with Green Mountain Transit and offered the Family Shuttle, getting families and individuals to area grocery stores and laundry mats. This next fiscal year we will include the Bike Hub as a partner to purchase bikes for individuals and families looking at biking as another means of transportation.

With programs such as Families and the Center and our Sunrise Advisory Council, we now have families that feel more connected to their community and are more apt to share their lived experience during community forums, summits, etc. Parents speak of the positive effects of sharing their knowledge with friends, families and neighbors. They are proud to be asked to have their voices heard when planning for improving the community in which they live.

Sunrise has become the Fiscal for the Warm the Children Program and is a member of Project Alliance. We work closely with all human service agencies, our supervisory union and local businesses, to name a few.

All parents giving birth at SVHC have access to a Welcome Baby Bag during their stay. Included in the bag is an offer to receive a home visit from our Parent Educator. Other universal programs include playgroups, parent education classes, support groups and family cooking nights. We offer a community wide Diaper Bank, access to Mattress Covers to help mitigate the spread of Bed Bugs, Menstrual Products and we don’t turn folks away from our food pantry. Sunrise, in partnership with Vermont Art’s exchange, held our second annual Summer Jam in June at Lower Willow Park open to everyone free of charge.

Next year, Sunrise will continue to collaborate with community partners to address root causes of violence by addressing housing, transportation, substance misuse and mental health, domestic violence and involvement with police and corrections, involving children, youth and families. We are part of Bennington’s continuum of care, and we will continue to be a welcoming hub for families with a focus on prevention.

Many of our programming and services are not fully funded. For instance, our advisory council comes with no funding, the diaper bank, pantry and food are all without stable funding and we’ve seen an increase in the need to access these services. We continue to not have adequate funding for administrative support expenses. The allocations that were granted from the taxpayers in Arlington will allow us to continue to provide high quality, family-focused services.

The Tutorial Center

The Tutorial Center’s mission is to assist individuals and organizations interested in meeting their educational and vocational needs for both youth and adults. The Center is committed to a philosophy which respects student goals, builds on students’ strengths, and seeks educational approaches most appropriate for each student.

The Tutorial Center continues to instruct and acclimate groups of new refugees, focusing on workforce skills and improving English communication. We continue to focus on increasing our adult education student body, maintaining and forming new community partnerships.

The Tutorial Center works closely with the social service agencies in the area, such as the Department of Labor, Economic Services, DCF, CRJ, and UCS. Though our main mission is education, we know there are many barriers to education for our students. We work closely with our students to help minimize these obstacles. We have a transition counselor to help students overcome these barriers, as well as direct them to the specific services they may need.

Our education services include tutoring for all ages; Adult Education and Literacy (which includes an alternate pathway to a high school diploma-the High School Completion program); English language classes for non-English speakers (ESL); GED preparation and testing; job readiness training; basic technology training for individuals and businesses. We offer any Vermonter 16 or older, without a high school credential, a free path to a high school diploma in Manchester and in Bennington.

Arlington’s town appropriation funds support our tutoring work, enabling us to offer scholarships to students who need assistance. In addition, we work closely with the area schools to be a resource for them.

The Tutorial Center is happy to answer the community’s questions about how we may be able to help you or someone you know earn a high school diploma or receive help in reading or math. Thank you for your previous support, and we look forward to your continued support.

Respectfully submitted by Sean-Marie Oller, Executive Director

seanmarie.o@tutorialcenter.org

802 362-0222

Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

During the 2023 Fiscal Year, The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired saw continued success in client services, innovative programs, and community outreach initiatives. Moving forward, it is exciting to imagine the strides we will make in enabling blind and visually impaired Vermonters to be more independent, develop adaptive skills, and improve their quality of life.

SMART Device Training Program: 550 Vermont residents received SMART training in FY23, the highest number in the program’s five-year history. Also during FY23, VABVI secured $100,000 of partial program funding from the State of Vermont. In order to fully fund SMART, whose budget is more than twice that amount, VABVI has recently announced our several-year Second Century Endowment Campaign.

PALS (Peer-Assisted Learning and Support) Group: PALS Groups, held throughout Vermont, are monthly meetings where members share coping strategies and discuss the practical, social and emotional challenges of vision loss. While many clients have been pleased with the reintroduction of in-person meetings in FY23, opportunities to join virtually remain available for maximum flexibility. 42 clients attended PALS meetings in FY23.

HAPI (Helping Adolescents Prepare for Independence): The HAPI program enables Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists to work one-on-one with students to practice daily living skills.

IRLE Summer Camp (Intensive Residential Life Experience): IRLE camp helps VABVI students develop social skills, meet fellow visually impaired peers, learn independent living skills, and improve self-advocacy skills. This June, IRLE brought 13 visually impaired students to Rock Point by Lake Champlain. Activities included outdoor sports, nature walks, and living in cabins. Fun was had by all!

Community Outreach

VABVI continues to innovate new projects which will connect the local community to our services and cause. After more than a year of development, an accessible tactile sign is slated to be installed in Burlington’s Waterfront Park by the end of 2023. Additionally, the New Americans Project will soon offer free vision screenings for local refugee community members.

In Fiscal Year 2023, the agency provided services to a total of 1,083 Vermont residents. This total includes 2 students in Arlington, and 37 adults and 9 students in Bennington County.

For more information about VABVI’s services or volunteer opportunities, please contact Samantha Gougher, Development Associate, at sgougher@vabvi.org. Thank you very much for your support!

Vermont Center for Independent Living

The Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL), a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, respectfully requests funding from the Town of Arlington for our FY’24.

Annual support from over 140 cities and towns across the State helps VCIL assist Vermonters with disabilities achieve dignified and self-determined lives. VCIL works to serve individuals who can benefit from our direct services as well as to educate and inform members of the community about disability related issues and independent living. Direct services are available to residents of Arlington in a number of ways. Peer counselors work with residents in their homes or other locations; small grants for adaptive equipment; Meals on Wheels for people with disabilities under the age of 60; Home Access modifications; individual and systems advocacy and programs for youth. Information, Referral and Assistance is available to all residents by calling VCIL’s I-Line, at 1-800-639-1522 (Voice and TTY).

This past year in Arlington, VCIL spent over $600.00 on meals through our Meals on Wheels (MOW) program and $680.00 on assistive technology (dentures, hearing aids, scooters) through our Sue Williams Freedom Fund for residents. We are requesting $295.00 from the town to continue supporting people with disabilities in the coming year. Enclosed you will find a summary of VCIL’s programs and services for the town and a copy of our FY’24 budget.

Thank you for your consideration. If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to call.

Sarah Launderville, Executive Director

slaunderville@vcil.org

SECTION SEVEN: 2023 STATISTICS:

Births 2023

Last Name	First Name	Parents
August	Evely J.	Jared	Alair
Coulter	Madison C.	Marcel	Sarah
Dressler	Colt J.	Daniel	Brenna
Green	Aiden-DeanM.	Thomas	Nicole
Hankins	William H.	Sean	Christina
Harrington		William	Michael
Harris	Sophia E.	Brendan	Kali
Hayes	Braxton E..	Caleb	Julia
Hoag-Rowell	Liam J.	Wayne	Amber.
Kilmartin	Parker A.	Joseph	Austin
Miller	Deaglan R.D.	Brent	Heather
Pagliccia	Marco J.	Christopher	Marisa
Paustian	Walker P.	Alex	Avery
Peacock	Lawson R.	Aiden	Desiree
Squiers	Lily N.		Angela
Tronsen	Flora J.C..	Adam	Christina

Burial Permits 2023 and Deaths 2023

Bahan	Phillip.	H.	Andrew	Leslie	E.Jr.
Baker	Lorraine	E.	Ayers	Madison C.	Marcel
Clayton	Daniel	M.	Barrows	Jonathan	S.
Clayton	Jerold		Bianco	John	J.
Coulter	Jerome	R.Sr.	Bignon	Brigitte	L.
Coulter	Marjorie	H.	Brown	Daryl.	V.
Falk	Mary.	C.	Datz	Thomas	M.
Felion	Connie		Devito	Michael	J.
Finney	Timothy	G.	Garger	David.	J.
Fisher	Donald	W.	Garger	Joanne	B.Wayne
Kesick	Ruth	D.	Hanrahan	Eleanor	T.
Mauri	Anthony	J.	Hastings	Victor	R.
McAllister	Alfred	P.	Hauser	Huc	H.
Searcy	Ellen	L.	Holton	Brenda	J.
Searcy	Ronald	J.	Kopelson	Howard	S.
Skidmore	Donna	L.	LaCroix	Gedeon	A.
Tatro	Rebecca		Lewis	Joyce	M.
Torri	Pauline	R.	Maddaloni	Katherine	H.
Weakley	Barbara	C.	Maginniss	Linwood	W.
Weakley	Thomas	E.	Martin	David	A.Sr.
Wolford	Willow	H.B.	Rudner	Betsy	L.
			Sibley	Marion	L.
			Silva-Sadder	Anita	G.
			Stratton	Betty	J.
			Taylor	Linda	M.
			Therriault	Taylor	A.
			Wilkins	Gary	L.

Marriage Licenses 2023

Applicant A	Applicant B	Officiant
Best Kelly Lee	Wade Matthew Paul	Judy Bryan
Bevin Austin Espitia	Kilmartin Joseph James	Judy Bryan
Burnell Betty Jean	Wilkinson Mark Marion	Stephanie Pinsonneault
Burry Matthew Thomas	Stoliker Haley Hansen	Cynthia A. Kilburn
Buttigieg Caitlyn Tonia	Brenckle Ian Patrick	Mark Van Orden
Bykowski Matthew Richard	Williams Joshua Ray	Alexandra Elwell Zaiac
Chorman Hannah Lynn	Hebert Lewis Wightman	Mary Ann Carlson
Crawford Zackary Owen	Toris Jason Christopher	Whitney Longworth
Duffany Hannah Marie	Delaney Ryan William	Christina Lorette
Fegley Kayla Nichole	Sherba Mark Todd Jr.	Moriah Hounsell
Ferreira Alexander John	McGuigan Alaina Claire	Robyn Farrell
Feustel Jonathan Travis	Bachmair Johanna Kathrine	Liza B. Riddick
Forgues Lucus Oakley	Kroeber Melissa Lee	Tyson M. Kinney
Giragosian Julie Ann	Ellison Joshua Gelbwaks	Mary Ann Carlson
Grosshart Cody Tyler	Stephenson Elizabeth Marie	Meghan E. Cameron
Hammer Tabetha Trish	Kanter John Daniel	Cynthia A. Kilburn
Hoyt Kelsey Alyse	Shores Corey Lee Jr.	Stephanie Pinsonneault
Kerfoot Liza Ann	Sheldon Kevin Michael	Susan M. Jennings
Kluender Nicholas Austin	Silvestro Ariana	Barbara Powers
Libbey Nicholas Bogue	Camp Catherine Varley	Chris Roberti
Ling Eleanor Grace	Tangeres Ain Cabantug	Rev. Anthony Stephens
Lorette Stephanie Elizabeth	White Brandon James	Melia White
McKenna Lilianna Marie	Sycoff Joshua Aaron	Michael Garb
Morse Cagney Marie	Crawford Michael	Martin J. Price V
Newman Hannah Rose	Kanefield Nathaniel Issac	Rabbi Aaron Alexander
Perry Michelle Louise	Koch John Charles	Cynthia A. Kilburn
Sargood Jeffrey Arnold	Sargood Eileenann Marie	Rev. Claire Longtin North
Schab Anna Isabelle	Shank Daniel Seth	David R. Schab
Senecal Rachel Mohr	Pickering Frederick E.	Michael Scholz
Wilder Thomas Franklin	Jones Tonya Lynne	Timothy S. Snyder
Zeman Heather Danielle	Lavery Brendan Thomas	David Persa

SECTION EIGHT: TOWN MEETING MINUTES AND BALLOT RESULTS

MINUTES of the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

March 6, 2023

Those present:

Select Board Members:

Daniel Harvey, Chairman

Todd Wilkins

Cynthia Browning

Glen Sherman

Jamie Paustian

Town Administrator: Nick Zaiac

Moderator, John L. Whalen II

Town Clerk, Robin Wilcox

There were approximately 80 residents present.

Moderator John Whalen called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm

Moderator Whalen introduced the members of the Select Board then asked for a

motion to allow nonresidents Kathleen James and Seth Bongartz, our State Representatives, to speak at Town Meeting.

Motion by Tim Williams. Seconded by Michael Murno.

Seth Bongartz spoke to the residents about the work going on in Montpelier including the reformed Bottle Bill. Beginning in 2026 the plan will be to include water bottles and wine bottles as returnable. Since wine bottles are completely recyclable, it makes sense to include them in this revision. The Housing Bill is being worked on in order to relieve the housing crisis, which is affecting every county in the state as well as throughout the country. He is also working on the Affordable Heating Bill, which is not only a complicated bill, but also very controversial. He expects the Legislature will be working on this bill for the next 2 years, before it goes back to the Senate for approval. Dan Wood questioned Mr. Bongartz about the impact this bill will have on residents who use oil or propane to heat their homes. Representative Bongartz admitted that there is a lot of work to be done before this bill becomes law and recommends everyone be patient through the process since it would not become law until 2026. Kathleen James spoke about the grants that are available to help Vermont residents with housing. These grants include financing for buying a home or upgrading your current home at a reasonable rate. She touched on the work being done to increase the availability of childcare, to make it more affordable, and offering new opportunities with education funding for those who want to become childcare providers. Representative James had information about a new fiber network company that will be rolling through Arlington in 2023 which will bring high speed Internet to homes that currently are excluded from that option. She left a list with Robin Wilcox, town clerk, of all the Arlington addresses that Fidium Fiber will have available and encourages everyone to check it out.

Resolutions 2023 were read aloud by Moderator Whalen.

WHEREAS, Lawrence Molloy, a lifelong resident of Arlington died on July 17, 2022, after serving his community for many years.

WHEREAS, Larry was also dedicated to helping the Town not only as a long time Select Board member, but also as our Representative in the Vermont State Legislature.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the community of Arlington take public note of its loss in the passing of this valuable and esteemed citizen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this expression of sympathy be extended to the family of Lawrence Molloy and that this RESOLUTION be made a permanent part of the record of this Meeting on this date of March 6, 2023.

WHEREAS, Frederick Hoyt Sr., a lifelong resident of Arlington died on May 14, 2022, after serving his community for many years.

WHEREAS, Frederick was also dedicated to helping the Town as a Lister and by serving on multiple organizations for many years.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the community of Arlington take public note of its loss in the passing of this valuable and esteemed citizen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this expression of sympathy be extended to the family of Frederick Hoyt Sr. and that this RESOLUTION be made a permanent part of the record of this Meeting on this date of March 6, 2023.

WHEREAS, Donald Brown, a resident of Arlington died on January 14, 2023, after serving his community for many years.

WHEREAS, Donald was also dedicated to serving the Town on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and as Justice of the Peace for many years.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the community of Arlington take public note of its loss in the passing of this valuable and esteemed citizen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this expression of sympathy be extended to the family of Donald Brown and that this RESOLUTION be made a permanent part of the record of this Meeting on this date of March 6, 2023.

Dan Harvey made the motion to adopt the Resolutions and Cynthia Browning seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Motion to dispense with the reading of the 2023 Warning:

Motion by Joe Gervais

Seconded by Michael Murno

Motion Carried

Motion to dispense with the reading of the 2022 Annual Town Meeting Minutes:

Motion by Michael Murno

Seconded by Kate Bryan

Motion Carried

ARTICLE 1: To hear and act upon the reports of the town officers.

Motion to accept reports by Brian Hawley

Seconded by Kate Bryan

Motion Carried

ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will vote a budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the Town.

Motion to accept the select board’s budget as proposed by Matt Bykowski

Seconded by Aaron Ashton

Total budget presented by Selectmen was $1,892,565.00.

Appropriations to be voted upon the next day total $313,654.00.

Total figure to be voted on at this time is $1,578,911.00.

Discussion: Nick Zaiac reviewed the total budget projections. He touched on some of the increases in the budget, which is projected to increase the amount to be raised by taxes by approximately 5%. The wage increases of 5% for all staff, as well as equal compensation for the Clerk and Treasurer, plus extra compensation for the highway to account for additional duties, are a few of the personnel increases in the budget. The highway budget has an increase due to wages, extra funding for gravel, Internet service to the town garage, and the grader lease which now becomes part of the overall budget for highway.

Michael Murno commented on the condition of the roads, especially on Ball Mountain Road near his residence. Nick assured him that he has added $20,000 to the budget strictly for extra gravel. Mr. Murno wanted to know if $20,000 is enough to cover the cost of the road work that is needed. Tom Williams let the board know that he has never seen River Road in such poor condition in his 30+ years living here. He suggested the Select Board explore all avenues, whether it be a change in road crew personnel, grading education, or not micromanaging the highway crew and letting them do the job the best way they know how. Nick addressed the concerns over the condition of the roads, which were affected by unavoidable circumstances including the extreme wet weather in the spring and the mechanical problems with the new grader. Cynthia Browning and Dan Harvey let everyone know that they are well aware of the problems and will be improving the situation with a plan already in place. Tim Williams said he was concerned about the funding for public safety and would like to see the Board explore more options, whether with the Vermont State Police or the Bennington County Sheriff’s Office, for more coverage in Arlington. Olavi Wirkki said he was very unhappy with the format of the budget section of the Town Report. He said it was very difficult to read and make sense of. Nick Zaiac said they will be exploring new ways to portray it in the future. Garret Seigel wanted to know if there was any money in the budget for the Benedict Crossing Bridge. Nick told him that the appropriation being voted on the next day will add $30,000 to the Bridge Fund, and that there is a state study going on now, with more progress expected in the next couple of months.

ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will authorize the Selectboard to apply any surplus funds from the previous fiscal year to reduce taxes in the current year.

Motion to accept by Tim Williams

Seconded by Michael Murno

Motion Carried

ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to have all taxes paid to the Town Treasurer, as provided by law, tax bills to be issued by September 6, 2023, and payment to be in the hands of the Treasurer, or postmarked on or before November 6, 2023.

Motion to accept by Garret Seigel

Seconded by Jessica Roberts

Motion Carried

ARTICLE 5: To Transact any further business found necessary and proper when met. After any further business under Article 5, said meeting will recess until Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Motion to recess until tomorrow morning at 10:00 am by Aaron Ashton

Seconded by Josh Williams

Discussion

Selene Skoug, of the Arlington Rescue Squad thanked the town for their support and also the first responders who are working with the Fire Department. She said they need more volunteers and encouraged everyone who might be interested to reach out to her. She thanked everyone for voting tomorrow in favor of the appropriations for Fire Department and the Rescue Squad.

Energy committee member Jenny Murtagh reported on all the projects going on helping residents with building window inserts and saving energy. She encouraged everyone with an interest to join the Arlington Energy Committee.

Kate Bryan spoke on behalf of GNAT and encouraged everyone to vote for the $2,000 appropriation by ballot tomorrow.

John Toth asked for support of the Arlington Lions to keep them tax exempt. He also gave an update on the work being done at the Lions pool in the park.

Aaron Ashton wanted residents to support the Farmers Market as well as the Yellow Barn Garden. Olavi Wirkki asked for support of the appropriation for the Habitat for Humanity. Don Keelan let the Board know that he would like to see the appropriations be slimmed down on the ballot. He proposed the idea of allowing the Board to make the appropriations below $1,000 included in the budget instead of being voted on by Australian ballot. Dan Harvey says they tried that about 15 years ago, but it was the choice of the voters to remain as voted articles. At that time the voters preferred to make the decisions at their own discretion. Michael Murno likes the transparency of voting on each appropriation. Cynthia Browning talked about reaching a balance between the two ideas and would like to revisit this issue in the near future.

Motion carried. Meeting recessed at 7:56 pm

Attest: Robin S. Wilcox

Clerk

John L. Whalen II

Moderator

Election Results 2023 OFFICIAL TOWN BALLOT

For Moderator for 1 Year Vote for not more than ONE		For Trustee of Public Funds for 3 Years Vote for not more than ONE
JOHN L. WHALEN II	357	PAULA SHULMAN	339
Write-In	5	Write-in	4

For Selectboard for 2 Years Vote for not more than ONE		For Trustee of Public Funds for 3 Year term with 2 years remaining. Vote for not more than ONE
DANIEL M. HARVEY	328	PATRICIA WILLIAMS	351
Write-In	11	Write-in	2

For Selectboard for 3 Years Vote for not more than ONE		For Trustee of Public Funds for 3 Year term with 1 years remaining. Vote for not more than ONE
TODD WILKINS	343	CAROL FAY	329
Write-In	12	Write-In	3

For Delinquent Tax Collector 1 Year Vote for not more than ONE		For Lister for 3 Years Vote for not more than ONE
TIFFANY MAYS	351	EARL LABATT	348
Write-In	6	Write-In	2

For Cemetery Commissioner 3 Years Vote for not more than ONE
ALI ELWELL ZAIAC	338
Write-In	4

Article 7. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $85,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the replacement and/or repairs or refurbishing of the Town of Arlington fire trucks. YES 361 NO 32

Article 8. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $50,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the replacement and/or repairs of the Town of Arlington highway trucks. YES 358 NO 37

Article 9. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $15,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the replacement and/or repairs of the Town of Arlington backhoe, excavator, and loader. YES 348 NO 44

Article 10. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $6,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the purchase and/or repair of sidewalk maintenance/equipment. YES 342 NO 50

Article 11. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $5,000.00 into a Capital Reserve Fund for the maintenance/removal of diseased and hazardous trees. YES 362 NO 32

Article 12. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $20,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the resurfacing of Town roads. YES 367 NO 20

Article 13. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $30,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for Town bridges & culverts. YES 363 NO 24

Article 14. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $3,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the maintenance of Town owned buildings. YES 359 NO 26

Article 15. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $5,000.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the purchase and/or repair of computers. YES 327 NO 57

Article 16. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $2,500.00 into the Capital Reserve Fund for the maintenance park equipment. YES 350 NO 37

Article 17. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the Select Board to maintain one or more town credit cards subject to regulation by a credit card policy enacted by the Select Board. YES 274 NO 110

Article 18. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $1,250 previously authorized by voters in 2020 to Burdett Commons, which closed before receiving the funds, into the Capital Reserve Fund for the maintenance park equipment. YES 348 NO 40

Article 19. To vote by ballot to see if the voters establish a reserve fund to be called the Fire Building Fund to be used for the maintenance and construction of town firehouses in accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 2804 YES 351 NO 35

Article 20. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $45,000.00 toward the support of the Arlington Rescue Squad. YES 346 NO 42

Article 21. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $2,250.00 to the Arlington Area Childcare, Inc. YES 308 NO 78

Article 22. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $3,000.00 toward the support of the Arlington Community House. YES 336 NO 52

Article 23. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $4,000.00 toward the operation of the Arlington Community Health Nursing Service for the year ensuing. YES 354 NO 32

Article 24. To vote by ballot to see if the voters of Arlington authorize to raise, appropriate and expend the sum of $23,500.00 for the support of the Martha Canfield Memorial Library, Inc. to provide services to the residents of the voters. YES 341 NO 43

Article 25. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $500.00 toward the support of the Bennington Coalition for the Homeless. YES 319 NO 65

Article 26. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $360.00 toward the support of the Bennington County Conservation District. YES 309 NO 74

Article 27. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $1,800.00 toward the support of the Bennington Project Independence Adult Daycare Service. YES 337 NO 48

Article 28. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $1,200.00 toward the support of the BROC-Community Action in Southwestern Vermont (formerly ‘Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council’). YES 305 NO 77

Article 29. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $540.00 toward the support of the Center for Restorative Justice. YES 276 NO 107

Article 30. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $450.00 toward the support of Project Against Violent Encounters, Inc. YES 327 NO 56

Article 31. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $1,500.00 toward the support of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.). YES 337 NO 48

Article 32. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $500.00 toward the support of the Sunrise Family Resource Center. YES 291 NO 92

Article 33. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $1,530.00 toward the operation of the Southwestern VT Council on Aging. YES 340 NO 51

Article 34. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $450.00 toward the support of the Tutorial Center. YES 315 NO 75

Article 35. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $500.00 toward the support of the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. YES 347 NO 42

Article 36. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $295.00 toward the support of the Vermont Center for Independent Living. YES 329 NO 61

Article 37. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $750.00 toward the support of Neighbor to Neighbor, a home based care giving program. YES 337 NO 52

Article 38. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $779.00 toward the support of Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity. YES 321 NO 65

Article 39. To vote by ballot to see if the voters authorize the sum of $2,000.00 towards the support of Greater Northshire Access Television (GNATTV) to help support & defray costs related to the videotaping and television broadcast of the Arlington Select Board, Arlington School Board and other public and municipal meetings. YES 319 NO 69

Article 40. To vote by ballot to see if the Town will vote to exempt the property of the Arlington Fire Protection Inc, fka Arlington Fire Company 1 from property taxes for the next five years. YES 366 NO 25

Article 41. To vote by ballot to see if the Town will vote to exempt the property of the Arlington Lions Club Inc. from property taxes for the next five years. YES 337 NO 54

Article 42. To vote by ballot to see if the Town will vote to exempt the property of the Arlington Community House from property taxes for the next five years. YES 343 NO 47

Directory

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER – Bob Perry (802) 681-3724

ARLINGTON COMMONS -BEBE BULLOCK- -WatkinsHouse3938@gmail.com (802) 342-9439

ARLINGTON FOOD SHELF (Jack Gunther) (802) 375-6328

^{Hours: 1:30-4:00 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month}

ARLINGTON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL (802) 375-2589

ARLINGTON POST OFFICE (802) 375-6904

BENNINGTON COUNTY REGIONAL COMMISSION (802) 442-0713

CASELLA LANDFILL (802) 362-4082

^{Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 7:00-2:00 Sat., 7:30-11:30 CLOSED WED., SUN., & HOLIDAYS Buy sticker at site. Free recycling)}

CEMETERY COMMISSIONER – NATHALIE CALER (802) 375-6135

COMMUNITY HOUSE SCHEDULING – LYNN WILLIAMS (802) 375-6119

DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTOR – (802) 375-9965

EAST ARLINGTON POST OFFICE (802) 375-6695

FIRE DEPARTMENT (OTHER THAN EMERGENCY) (802) 375-2323

FIRE WARDEN (BURNING PERMITS) – JAMIE PAUSTIAN (802) 375-1072

FISHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (802) 375-6409

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – MARK ROBINSON (CALL TOWN ADMINISTRATOR)

HEALTH OFFICER – (802) 379-9916

LAND USE ADMINISTRATOR (802) 375-1008

LISTERS OFFICE (802) 375-9022

LIONS CLUB PAVILION SCHEDULING (802) 375-6037

MARTHA CANFIELD LIBRARY (802) 375-6153

^{Hours: Tues.& Thurs. 9:00-8:00, Wed. 9:00-5:00 Fri. 2:00-5:00, and Sat. 10:00-3:00}

RECREATION & PARK SCHEDULING – (802) 379-9916

RESCUE SQUAD (OTHER THAN EMERGENCY) (802) 375-6589

RUSSELL VERMONTIANA COLLECTION (802) 375-6153

^{Tuesday only 9:00-5:00, or by appointment with Curator Bill Budde}

SELECT BOARD OFFICE (BILLING) (802) 375-6474

STATE POLICE (OTHER THAN EMERGENCY) (802) 442-5421

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR NICK ZAIAC (802) 379-9916

TOWN CLERK OFFICE (802) 375-2332

TREASURER OFFICE (802) 375-1260

WATER DEPARTMENT- BURR SNOW (802) 375-3622

2023 Town Report

Purpose of the Natural Resource Conservation Districts

Nutrition Support

Case Management Assistance:

Other Services and Support:

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