Barrie City Council Regular Meeting - August 5, 2026

The Barrie City Council met on August 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting covered a range of topics including the approval of the tax rate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the presentation of the grand list after a reappraisal and grievance process, additional paving projects, an update on flood resiliency efforts, and the ongoing city manager search. The council also heard public comments on community arts and stormwater management.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes of the July 28, 2026 regular meeting, ratification of July 28 council actions, and authorization to execute three contracts: West Street Fire Hydrant with All States Construction, VIS Construction (clerk of the works for auditorium projects), and Disorcy Emergency Products for a fire truck purchase.
• Approved warrants for the week of August 5, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sonia Plum, a local choreographer and president of the Vermont Dance Alliance, announced a community engagement project called "Romancing the Stones" in partnership with the Vermont Granite Museum and Studio Place Arts. The project will launch October 4–10, 2026 at the Granite Museum and aims to involve families, students, and professional dancers in exploring the granite industry through dance and movement.
• Amy Galford provided information about the Vermont Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB) and noted that a permit for LaPage's gravel is currently on public notice. She suggested the city submit comments regarding stormwater management on that site, as sand and gravel from outside sources are ending up in the city's storm system (e.g., Gunner's Brook debris racks). She offered to share details with the council.

Discussion Items

• Grand List Presentation (Item 8A): Assessor Larry Martin presented the tax year 2026 grand list. The reappraisal process began in April 2022, with New England Municipal Consultants conducting field inspections over a year. Informal meetings were held June 9–30, 2026, with 380 properties discussed. The formal grievance period ran from July 9–29, 2026, with 308 grievances filed over 9 days. The grand list was signed on August 4, 2026, with a slight $8 adjustment due to a final grievance hearing that morning. The overall assessment increase ratio was 1.674, with residential properties increasing by 1.8 and commercial by less. The mayor clarified that an average 70% increase in assessment would not lead to a proportional tax increase due to the common level of appraisal. A placeholder of $1 was set for Spectrum (telecom) because the state has not yet finalized its utility assessment; last year's value was approximately $2 million. The grand list totals $8,517,438.11 (excluding the $8 adjustment).
• Tax Rate Setting (Item 8B): Treasurer Carol presented the calculation of the municipal tax rate at 1.4361% and the local agreement tax rate at 0.0017% for fiscal year 2026–2027. The municipal rate is derived from voter-approved amounts: the municipal budget and $800,000 for streets and paving, plus $131,200 for social services. The local agreement rate accounts for tax stabilization agreements (Reynolds House and People's Health & Wellness) and veterans' exemptions. The homestead education tax rate is interim (0.7033) pending a school budget; the non-homestead rate is final (1.1555). Interim tax bills will be mailed by end of next week, with final bills after the school budget is set.
• Property Tax Due Dates (Item 8C): Approved due dates for fiscal year 2026–2027: September 15, 2026 (Q1), November 16, 2026 (Q2, as Nov 15 is Sunday), February 16, 2027 (Q3, as Feb 15 is President's Day), and May 17, 2027 (Q4, as May 15 is Saturday).
• Additional Paving (Item 8D): The council approved a shim coat on South Main Street from Prospect to City Line (excluding the section from the bridge after Air Street to Circle Street, done three years ago) and on Washington Street from Elm Street to Hill Street. The work will be done at night by contractor SD Ireland, expected to take four days. The project is a band-aid until the state repaves VT 14 and 302 in 2028. The council discussed the need for a stop sign at Hill and Camp streets and the condition of Woodland Drive (deferred due to utility upgrades). Public works is down five staff (out of 20), limiting capacity.
• Flood Resiliency Update (Item 8F): Councilor Gustin reported that the north end steering committee will be established after the submission of CDBG-DR applications by the end of August. The city is not submitting an elevation application after being told it was not competitive; instead, they are focusing on applications combining housing and flood mitigation. The mayor emphasized that meaningful recovery in the north end will take decades but that the city will not let a year pass without action.
• Manager Search Committee Update: Councilor Gustin noted that 14 applications have been received so far (closing date August 14). A public forum for feedback on leadership qualities and first-year priorities will be held at the Aldrich Library on Thursday (August 6) from 6:30–7:30 PM. The survey is available on the city website.

Key Outcomes

• Set municipal tax rate at 1.4361% and local agreement rate at 0.0017% for fiscal year 2026–2027. (Motion passed unanimously)
• Approved property tax due dates for fiscal year 2026–2027. (Motion passed unanimously)
• Approved additional paving for South Main Street and Washington Street as presented. (Motion passed unanimously)
• Deferred item AE (storm drain basin) from the agenda.
• Executive session held to discuss legal matters. The council entered executive session and then adjourned.