Brattleboro Select Board Meeting - July 23, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on July 21, 2026, but the provided date is July 23, 2026. This summary uses the date specified in the instruction.

The meeting covered approval of minutes, town manager updates, public comments on the proposed charter revision's 60% threshold for Australian ballot, a resolution supporting the BMH Birthing Center, a discussion on potential financial support for the birthing center, a presentation from Interaction on restorative justice, and the monthly finance report.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of June 16, 2026 (4-0).
• Approved consent agenda as amended (5-0), including:
  • Purchase of fire department vehicle replacement ($47,362).
  • Purchase of police department vehicles (not to exceed $260,000).
  • Resolution supporting a Vermont Community Development Program grant ($540,000).
  • Purchase of PFAS-free turnout gear (cost corrected to $46,662).
  • Ratification of SAMHSA grant application (up to $3 million annually).
  • Purchase of rotary press channels ($189,756).
  • Attestation regarding DBA downtown vibrancy fund.
  • Appointment of Nina Heller to Brooks Memorial Library Board of Trustees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Beattie announced a parade called "Awake Extravaganza" on October 10, 2026, and invited the town to participate.
• Randy Blodge opposed the 60% threshold for Australian ballot in the proposed charter revision, calling it inequitable and likely illegal. He urged the select board to comment publicly.
• Susan Bellville opposed the 60% threshold, arguing it is unfair and counter to constitutional rights.
• Tom Franks opposed the 60% threshold, stating it effectively disenfranchises voters (one person, five-sixths of a vote). He cited 18 Vermont towns with hybrid systems where budgets are not voted on twice.
• Dick DeGrey requested updates on the railroad sidewalk easement and the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance (DBA) revolving loan funds. Town Manager John responded that the construction agreement is with the railroad pending signature, and a DBA update is expected in September or October.
• Janet Therese opposed the 60% threshold, arguing it disenfranchises disabled people, shift workers, and others who cannot attend open town meetings.
• Timothy (online) opposed the 60% threshold, stating it erases votes and urged the select board to disband the Charter Revision Commission.
• Eddie (online) expressed neighbor opposition to the 60% threshold, preferring a simple majority.
• Neil (online) argued the March ballot was confusing and that the 60% threshold is based on meaningless numbers; he supported a period for discussion before a full vote.
• Ivan Hennessy opposed the 60% threshold, supporting open town meeting and arguing that the charter revision is a "sledgehammer" to town government.

Discussion Items

• BMH Birthing Center Resolution of Support: Town Manager John reported that letters were sent to state officials and select boards of 48 towns; three towns are processing resolutions. The board adopted a resolution (5-0) strongly recommending BMH maintain birthing services, encouraging state support, and urging residents to choose BMH first.
• Potential Financial Support for BMH Birthing Center: The board discussed options for a special town meeting to consider a one-time property tax levy (e.g., $1 million, equating to 8 cents per $100 assessed value, or $37.25 per quarter for median home). Town staff provided options: a special town meeting as early as September 2, 2026, or using $795,000 in unobligated reserves. Board members expressed concerns about insufficient information, taxpayer burden, and the need to hear from BMH leadership and the Green Mountain Care Board. After extensive debate, the board approved a motion (5-0) to direct staff to prepare a draft warning for a special town meeting and to invite stakeholders (BMH CEOs, Green Mountain Care Board) to a future board meeting for discussion.
• Interaction Restorative Justice Presentation: Russell Bradbury-Carlin and Casey from Interaction presented a report from Creative Discourse Group on safety and restorative justice downtown. The report found no need for a new program but recommended expanding community restorative practices and piloting community circles. The board expressed interest and gratitude; no action was taken.
• Monthly Finance Report (through May 2026): Town Manager John reported:
  • General fund: revenues at 108% of budget, expenditures at 95%, surplus of ~$3 million currently.
  • EMS revenue expected to exceed budget by $373,000.
  • Risk management over budget by $188,000; fire overtime over by $425,000 offset by salary savings; police overtime offset by $510,000 savings.
  • Estimated fiscal year-end surplus of ~$530,000.
  • Utility fund in surplus; parking fund deficit of $219,000 (largely depreciation).
  • FY25 audit nearly complete; FY26 audit scheduled to begin September 21, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Minutes: Approved 4-0.
• Vote on Consent Agenda as Amended: Approved 5-0.
• Vote on BMH Birthing Center Resolution: Approved 5-0.
• Vote on Motion to Prepare Draft Warning for Special Town Meeting and Invite Stakeholders: Approved 5-0. The motion directs staff to draft a warning for a special town meeting to consider financial support for the birthing center and to invite BMH and Green Mountain Care Board representatives to a future board meeting.
• No action taken on Interaction presentation or finance report beyond receipt.