Barre City Council Regular Meeting - February 11, 2026

The Barre City Council held a regular meeting on February 11, 2026, addressing a wide range of items including the FY27 budget review for police and fire departments, updates on the North End flood resiliency plan, approval of the Parks & Recreation committee charge, and discussions on an interim policy regarding ICE agreements. The meeting also covered the city manager's report on budget survey results, warming shelter operations, and challenges with CDBG-DR elevation grants.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the meeting of January 27, 2026.
• Approved the PVR form 4155.
• Authorized the manager to execute contracts (none this week).
• Warrants for the week of February 24, 2026 were approved with one abstention.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the council regarding items not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Liquor and Cannabis Control Board: Approved a first-class license for a very social club (motion by Councillor Gustin, seconded by Councillor Spaulding).
• City Manager's Report:
  • Budget survey closed with only 191 responses, down from last year. Results to be presented at next council meeting.
  • BOR skate rentals launched; donations of gently used skates accepted.
  • DPW crews commended for snow removal and water leak repairs; one worker injured due to a trash can left on a sidewalk.
  • Overnight warming shelter has been open nearly two weeks straight; volunteers and meal donations needed.
  • CDBG-DR round two: New ACCD guidance on elevation grants caused seven out of nine property owners to back out due to recapture provisions that could require repayment of grant funds upon sale within 20 years. Only two elevations remain; the city is working on deed restrictions to protect itself.
• FY27 Budget Review – Police and Fire Departments:
  • Police: Proposed budget of $3.8 million, including $47,000 for the B's (bicycle) patrol program. Current staffing: 3 vacancies (2 detective positions vacant, 3 in academy, 1 deployed). Mental health clinician position not funded. Discussion on parking ticket collection challenges; $78,563 in tickets issued but only $23,825 collected. Proposals for amnesty and improved collections.
  • Fire: Full staff of 16 firefighters. 80% of calls are EMS, primarily falls. Code enforcement (Nick and Arthur) praised for thorough work. Budget increase from $3.0M to $3.3M, mostly personnel costs. Overall general fund budget at $15.8 million, a 7.37% increase in expenses; 7.5% increase in amount to be raised by taxes (including Washington County taxes). Options to reach 5% target: state funding for homelessness liaison, fund balance allocations.
• Parks & Recreation Committee Charge: Adopted mission, vision, and values statement after a grammatical correction (changing "recreation program" to "recreation programs"). Motion by Councillor Bergeron, seconded by Councillor Deering; carried.
• Interim Policy on ICE Agreements: Councillor Hillgartner proposed an interim statement clarifying that Barre has not entered into a 287(g) agreement with federal authorities and any such agreement would require full council review and state authorization. The council agreed to post the statement on the city website, with minor edits to be made by the manager and chief.
• Flood Resiliency Plan Update – North End Master Plan: Discussion on creating a shared vision for the North End, building on existing plans (e.g., CDBG-DR applications, FEMA). Three buckets identified: infrastructure, housing, and green space. Short-term actions suggested, including a community cleanup day and ward meetings. Councilors emphasized continued advocacy for funding.
• Upcoming Business: Councillor Bergeron and Councillor Hillgartner announced a ward meeting on Saturday at 1 PM at Aldrich Library to discuss the budget. Survey response rate discussed; possible in-person surveys at ward meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar items (minutes, PVR, contracts).
• Approved liquor license for a very social club.
• Approved Parks & Recreation committee charge with amendment.
• Warrants for February 24, 2026 approved (one abstention).
• Interim ICE policy statement to be posted on city website after edits.
• Budget discussions continue; next meeting will include DPW review and budget survey results.
• North End Master Plan engagement process to be developed; council to explore short-term volunteer-led cleanup efforts.