Category Archives: Town Finance

Sidewalk upkeep: not getting done

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Norwich has $81,000 in its sidewalk designated fund. But, the Town has not done any sidewalk repairs for several years, even though some are in poor condition. Why? Delay makes repairs more costly. “You can pay me now or pay me later” is a phrase some of us remember from the FRAM oil filter commercials in the 1970s and 80s. A 2017 plan proposed by the DPW called for around $165,000 in sidewalk upkeep over six years. (Discussed below.) None Continue reading Sidewalk upkeep: not getting done→

What to do with an extra $30,000?

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At Town Meeting last year, voters approved a special monetary Article, authorizing the spending of $30,669.51 for a Regional Energy Coordinator. That sum was raised through taxes, but never spent. The money was not spent because TRORC dumped Norwich from the project in July and the Selectboard did not do anything to reverse that decision. I keep hoping there will be a public discussion of what to do with the unspent $30,000. Minutes from the last Selectboard meeting are silent Continue reading What to do with an extra $30,000?→

Budget proposal “not for the faint of heart” says Norwich Town Manager

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Give Town Manager Herb Durfee credit. His big budget proposal, calling for a 20% increase in spending, won’t sit well with taxpayers struggling during the pandemic. But, it will force the Selectboard to address long-term infrastructure issues and make decisions about them. That Selectboard discussion is long overdue. In his email transmitting the budget to the Selectboard Town Manager Durfee said the draft budget is “not for the faint of heart.” Further he emphasized, the budget is “not the ‘Town Continue reading Budget proposal “not for the faint of heart” says Norwich Town Manager→

Budget Watch: Does Norwich need a capital plan?

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The Town’s need for a capital plan was on display at the Selectboard meeting on May 27. The Town Manager reported that Norwich will likely need to borrow money to repair the box culvert on Route 132 and to replace an aging dump truck. These expenses are not covered by sufficient reserves in their respective designated funds. Ad hoc decisions by the Selectboard on the financing of significant expenditures is not a preferred approach. Financial experts suggest instead a capital Continue reading Budget Watch: Does Norwich need a capital plan?→

Observations: Norwich Selectboard meeting of 4/22

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Some miscellaneous and/or random observations after watching the CATV video of the Selectboard meeting of April 22, 2020. Draft meeting minutes are here. TRORC approves Town Plan. This was lost in the shuffle a bit, at the meeting. Approval by the regional planning commission is a significant event, in particular because the 2018 Town Plan did not get the TRORC’s imprimatur. As a result of the approval, the Town will likely reestablish its Village Center designation, making it eligible for Continue reading Observations: Norwich Selectboard meeting of 4/22→

Town Facilities Working Group Recommends $2 Million No-Bid Contract To Reduce Fossil Fuel Use By 15%

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At its first meeting of the year on January 8, the Norwich Selectboard will consider the recommendation of the Town Facilities Working Group that voters be asked to approve a bond of up to $2,054,569.38, in order to reduce by 15% the town government’s use of fossil fuels. The work, improvements to Tracy Hall, Public Safety Building and DPW Garage, would not be put out for competitive bid. The Town Facilities Working Group has been meeting without the public notice Continue reading Town Facilities Working Group Recommends $2 Million No-Bid Contract To Reduce Fossil Fuel Use By 15%→