OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Brattleboro Select Board Special Meeting - January 23, 2026: Budget Adoption, Police Leadership Transition, and Solid Waste Debate

Selectboard — Friday, January 23, 2026
BodyBrattleboro, Vermont
SessionSelectboard
DateFriday, January 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:09:50

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

Thank you.

0:11

All right.

0:11

Let's bring the Brattleboro Select Board meeting to order.

0:15

Today is Thursday, January 22nd, 2026.

0:19

And this is a regular meeting at a different time.

0:24

Or is this a special meeting, John?

0:27

Where are we?

0:28

This is a special meeting.

0:29

This is a special meeting.

0:30

John, has it been properly warned?

0:32

Yes, it has.

0:33

Great.

0:35

Are there any adjustments to the agenda that anyone would like to bring forward?

0:41

All right.

0:42

Hearing none.

0:43

Chair's remarks.

0:46

I think most of my remarks, I'll see.

0:49

But John, do you have any?

0:53

Yes, I have quite a few tonight.

0:57

Let's see.

0:58

First of all, the uh highway superintendent asked me to let you know that the state of Vermont and several surrounding states are currently experiencing a shortage of road salt for winter storm operations from supply shortages.

1:14

So as a result, the town will be unable to get additional salt deliveries for about the next two weeks.

1:21

And this time frame may extend depending on the supply availability.

1:26

The town right now has an adequate salt supply to maintain priority roads, main travel corridors, and steep hills for the next few weeks.

1:34

However, uh to ensure that we have sufficient reserves remaining available, uh residents may notice changes in how salt is applied during winter weather events.

1:46

During this period, sand may be used on some side roads as needed, and salt application may be lowered or adjusted in priority in lower priority roadways.

1:58

These measures are necessary to preserve the reserves to preserve their resources while continuing to maintain safe travel conditions.

2:07

Public safety remains the top priority for the department, and they'll continue to prioritize roadway safety and monitor conditions closely, making adjustments as we need to respond to weather events.

2:19

And we appreciate everyone's understanding and patience as we manage limited resources during this regional supply shortage.

2:28

And updates will be provided as the conditions change.

2:32

The town clerk asked me to let you know that petitions for Brattleboro Town Officers.

2:38

Wyndham Southeast School District Board members and town meeting members are available at the town clerk's office during open business hours from Monday through Friday from 8 30 to noon and from 1 o'clock to 5 p.m.

2:52

Completed petitions are due back to the town clerk's office by 5 p.m.

2:57

on Monday, January 26th for town officers and representative town meeting members, incumbents for RTM meet members who have terms expiring.

3:09

They will be mailed a notice of intent form in early January.

3:13

Hopefully those have gone out.

3:14

And those must be uh returned and signed uh by 5 p.m.

3:20

on Monday, January 26th, if you want to continue uh as an RTM member.

3:25

Town elections will be Tuesday, March 3rd at the American Legion, located at 32 Linden Street.

3:32

An annual representative town meeting will begin on Saturday, March 21st at 8:30 a.m.

3:39

in the high school gymnasium.

3:42

2026 dog licenses are available either through the online portal that can be accessed through the town's website or in the town clerk's office.

3:51

All renewals are due by April 1st.

3:54

Uh all dog owners should have either received an email or a notice in the mail with instructions for renewing their dog licenses.

4:02

Note that we are working through the dog licenses already submitted, which is taking longer than expected.

4:07

Anyone who has submitted online will receive an email with payment options.

4:15

The last the last announcement I have for you tonight, uh I really I bring with a heavy heart.

4:21

Um I need to inform you that uh Chief Norma Hardy has given me given me official notification of her pending retirement on March 30th.

4:36

I've been uh working to really hard to postpone this day as long as possible, but I know from extensive conversations with the chief that now is the best time for the next chapter in her life.

4:48

And I thank her and I wish her all the best.

4:51

Chief Hardy came to Brattleboro in 2021, and in the four and a half years that she has served the town.

5:06

Her leadership and compassion have led to innovative policing strategies like the Bratt Unit, the community resource officer, and a fully staffed HCRS police liaison program.

5:21

In addition to that, uh her leadership with the uh Brattleboro Police Department team overall has been excellent, and I find that they work together, support each other, and support everyone in our community with care.

5:37

We will miss uh Chief Hardy at department head meetings on emergency scenes, and just seeing her walking the beat up and down Main Street where she knows all the business owners and everyone that she passes.

5:52

But I know the town is ready to continue the success of the legacy that she's established, and that's why I'm also happy to announce that I will be appointing Assistant Chief Jeremy Evans as the 25th Brattleboro Police Chief, effective March 30th.

6:20

As they have reoriented staffing, set goals and objectives, develop top-notch training programs, establish strong community partnerships, and address the daily public safety challenges in our town.

6:35

I'm also pleased to announce that Captain Adam Pettlock will be concurrently promoted to assistant chief to smoothly transition our police leadership team.

6:45

Captain Petlock has been an invaluable member of the Brattleboro Police Department for the past 15 years.

6:51

I'm impressed by his outstanding performance, his work ethic, strategic thinking, and his dedication to this town.

6:59

Working together and with the support of everyone in the community, I believe the Chief Evans and Assistant Chief Petlock will carry on the legacy of Chief Hardy and built and build an increasingly innovative and effective approach at the police department that is worthy of Brattleboro.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Budget Equity Analysis█████████████████████████████████████37%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Human Services██████████████14%
Environmental Protection█████████9%
Public Engagement█████5%
Fiscal Sustainability█████5%
Personnel Matters██2%
Public Safety██2%
Homelessness█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Brattleboro Select Board Special Meeting - January 23, 2026: Budget Adoption, Police Leadership Transition, and Solid Waste Debate

This special meeting of the Brattleboro Select Board began on Thursday, January 22, 2026 and extended into the early hours of Friday, January 23, 2026 (the date provided in metadata). The board addressed multiple high‑profile items including the transition of police leadership, a revised FY27 budget that ultimately passed with a 6.2% property tax increase after contentious debate over solid waste services and human services funding, and the addition of a separate town meeting article on human services. The meeting also included public comments on winter shelter, nuclear waste, and bicycle parking.

Consent Calendar

  • Final change order for the Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facility Upgrade Project approved, completing the $14 million project.
  • Final settlement with Kingsbury Companies ratified.
  • Appointments: Nicholas Whalen and Sally Cruz Nix to the Small Business Assistance Program Loan Review Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Gemma Seymour (District 8) requested that town staff ensure snow and ice removal from bicycle parking areas, citing danger and disability access issues.
  • Kate O'Connor spoke against Vermont bill H601, which would allow spent nuclear fuel from other locations to be stored at the former Vermont Yankee site in Vernon, urging the board to contact legislators.
  • Abby Manukin (District 8) criticized the board for not mentioning a homelessness vigil and action day held earlier, and urged the town to open an emergency shelter during extreme cold and expected 12–18 inches of snow.
  • Randy Blodgett (District 7) asked about a planned bill regarding fuel use tax.
  • Dick expressed support for Chief Hardy and the new chief, and raised concerns about shelter capacity and staffing for the upcoming cold weather.
  • Darren Mark (online) strongly opposed eliminating curbside recycling and compost, arguing it would shift costs to households, increase traffic and pollution, and hurt seniors and non‑drivers.
  • Tom Franks asked for clarity on the savings from discontinuing recycling and compost, noting a discrepancy in figures.
  • David Lovenbach (District 9) observed that eliminating curbside services could reduce recycling/composting rates and increase trash tipping fees, but might also eliminate town tipping fees for those streams.
  • Jim argued that cutting solid waste funding is irresponsible, would lead to illegal dumping and inequity, and that waste management is a core responsibility.
  • Susan Dalvell prioritized emergency services over solid waste, saying police and fire budgets should not be cut.
  • Eric supported the solid waste cuts as low‑hanging fruit and suggested the town should either do all three streams municipally or none, noting the grocery cart issue.
  • Bethany Marks noted Brattleboro’s pioneering curbside compost program and urged the board to consider data before cutting.
  • Gemma Seymour (second round) emphasized that municipal waste management should be a department, not reliant on private entrepreneurship.
  • Nell Mayo and others commented on the human services debate, urging a separate article and warning against consolidating power.

Discussion Items

  • Police Leadership Transition: Town Manager John Potter announced that Chief Norma Hardy will retire on March 30, 2026. He praised her work on the Bratt Unit, community resource officer, and HCRS police liaison program. Assistant Chief Jeremy Evans will be appointed as the 25th Police Chief, and Captain Adam Pettlock will be promoted to Assistant Chief, both effective March 30. Board members expressed gratitude and confidence in the new leadership.
  • Tax Exemption Requests: Three nonprofits—New England Center for Circus Arts (NECA), American Legion (Post 5) Little League field, and Family Garden child care—requested renewal of municipal property tax exemptions (they continue to pay the school portion). NECA’s director described a near‑bankruptcy averted by new leadership; the Legion representative, Tom Costello, highlighted community services; and Family Garden noted 82% of families receive financial assistance. The board voted unanimously to place an article on the Representative Town Meeting warning to approve these exemptions.
  • FY27 Budget & Solid Waste: Town Manager John Potter presented a revised budget aiming for a 4.7% property tax increase, but a surprise $178,000 increase in workers’ compensation and liability insurance (46% rise) raised that figure. To offset, staff proposed eliminating curbside recycling and compost collection saving ~$577,682, and instead subsidizing Brattleboro residents’ transfer station passes ($30/year per person). Solid Waste Superintendent Pete Lynch detailed the plan, which would reduce staff by 2.5 positions and maintain trash collection. Public comments were sharply divided: many residents opposed cuts, citing equity and environmental concerns; others supported the savings.
    • Board votes:
      • Motion to restore recycling and compost passed 4‑1 (Amanda dissenting).
      • Motion to add part‑time finance clerk failed 3‑2 (Isaac, Oscar, and ?? voting no).
      • Motion to add part‑time (20 hrs/wk) Parks & Rec clerk passed 3‑2 (Amanda, Peter in favor; Oscar, Isaac dissenting).
      • Motion to zero out human services funding (from $250,000 to $0) passed 3‑2 (Peter, Amanda, and one other aye; Oscar, Isaac no).
    • Final budget approval motion (as amended: restore recycling/compost, no finance clerk, zero human services) passed 3‑2 (Amanda and Isaac voting no). The estimated property tax increase is 6.2% (down from an earlier 7.7%).
  • Town Meeting Warning: The board reviewed draft articles for the annual Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and ballot election. Key change: human services will now be a separate Article 7 (before the budget article 8) with a default amount of $0, allowing RTM to decide the figure. This addition was guided by board member Peter’s motion, with some members arguing it preserves the town’s ability to deliberate.

Key Outcomes

  • Police leadership transition announced with specific dates and appointments.
  • Tax exemption article for NECA, American Legion Little League, and Family Garden placed on RTM warning.
  • FY27 General Fund Budget and Capital Plan approved with three amendments: (1) restore curbside recycling and compost, (2) remove part‑time finance clerk, (3) zero out human services funding. The municipal tax rate increase is approximately 6.2%.
  • New separate article added to the RTM warrant to let voters decide on human services funding (default zero).
  • Consent calendar approved without discussion.
  • Next steps: The board will receive a finalized budget document and vote on the RTM warning at their next meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. All right. Let's bring the Brattleboro Select Board meeting to order. Today is Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. And this is a regular meeting at a different time. Or is this a special meeting, John? Where are we? This is a special meeting. This is a special meeting. John, has it been properly warned? Yes, it has. Great. Are there any adjustments to the agenda that anyone would like to bring forward? All right. Hearing none. Chair's remarks. I think most of my remarks, I'll see. But John, do you have any? Yes, I have quite a few tonight. Let's see. First of all, the uh highway superintendent asked me to let you know that the state of Vermont and several surrounding states are currently experiencing a shortage of road salt for winter storm operations from supply shortages. So as a result, the town will be unable to get additional salt deliveries for about the next two weeks. And this time frame may extend depending on the supply availability. The town right now has an adequate salt supply to maintain priority roads, main travel corridors, and steep hills for the next few weeks. However, uh to ensure that we have sufficient reserves remaining available, uh residents may notice changes in how salt is applied during winter weather events. During this period, sand may be used on some side roads as needed, and salt application may be lowered or adjusted in priority in lower priority roadways. These measures are necessary to preserve the reserves to preserve their resources while continuing to maintain safe travel conditions. Public safety remains the top priority for the department, and they'll continue to prioritize roadway safety and monitor conditions closely, making adjustments as we need to respond to weather events. And we appreciate everyone's understanding and patience as we manage limited resources during this regional supply shortage. And updates will be provided as the conditions change. The town clerk asked me to let you know that petitions for Brattleboro Town Officers. Wyndham Southeast School District Board members and town meeting members are available at the town clerk's office during open business hours from Monday through Friday from 8 30 to noon and from 1 o'clock to 5 p.m. Completed petitions are due back to the town clerk's office by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 26th for town officers and representative town meeting members, incumbents for RTM meet members who have terms expiring. They will be mailed a notice of intent form in early January. Hopefully those have gone out. And those must be uh returned and signed uh by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 26th, if you want to continue uh as an RTM member. Town elections will be Tuesday, March 3rd at the American Legion, located at 32 Linden Street. An annual representative town meeting will begin on Saturday, March 21st at 8:30 a.m. in the high school gymnasium. 2026 dog licenses are available either through the online portal that can be accessed through the town's website or in the town clerk's office. All renewals are due by April 1st. Uh all dog owners should have either received an email or a notice in the mail with instructions for renewing their dog licenses. Note that we are working through the dog licenses already submitted, which is taking longer than expected. Anyone who has submitted online will receive an email with payment options. The last the last announcement I have for you tonight, uh I really I bring with a heavy heart. Um I need to inform you that uh Chief Norma Hardy has given me given me official notification of her pending retirement on March 30th. I've been uh working to really hard to postpone this day as long as possible, but I know from extensive conversations with the chief that now is the best time for the next chapter in her life. And I thank her and I wish her all the best.

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