Public Input Matters: How to Spend a Once-in-a-Generation Surplus

The Town of Norwich has $1.8 million in surplus cash, of which $1 million came from ARPA but since then washed of its restrictions.  On Wednesday, December 13th, the Selectboard will consider plans to use that money as follows, subject to voter approval at Town Meeting:

• $700,000 to lower taxes for FY 2025 (treated as revenue against the annual budget for that year) to a 2.8% increase,
• $500,000 as a reserve fund for the Selectboard to use at its discretion for Tracy Hall repairs and improvements,
• $300,000 as a reserve fund for the Selectboard to use at its discretion for fire department apparatus,
• $200,000 as a reserve fund for the Selectboard to use at its discretion for DPW garage repairs and improvements, and
• the remainder (~$100,000) to remain in surplus.

Selectboard December 13 meeting packet at 17, 35 (Slide 15, 33)

Based on the public information available, I am not confident this is a prudent use of this once-in-a-generation surplus. The capital plan is not public nor approved. Also, the consultant has not issued his preliminary report about what Tracy Hall needs for repairs or improvements. The price tag is certain to exceed $1.8 million.

In addition, the public deserves to be heard before any decisions are made about the money. An up or down vote at Town meeting does not qualify as open dialogue without preconceived notions. The VLCT reports that many municipalities in Vermont “are choosing to form an advisory committee to help them gather resident input and create spending plans” for ARPA money. Although Norwich is no longer bound by ARPA rules, soliciting citizen input is always a good idea.

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Contact me at norwichobserver [at] gmail.com