Podcast: Norwich Selectboard Budget Debate

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Google’s NotebookLM has an Audio Overview tool that will generate a “deep dive” podcast from your specified sources. I gave it my recent post A Divided Norwich Selectboard Grapples with Budget Oversight Responsibilities. The resulting output is below. Click on play to listen. Note that this audio overview is not a comprehensive or objective view of a topic, but simply a reflection of my blog post. Also, inaccuracies and audio glitches can (and did) occur. Nevertheless, I found it interesting Continue reading Podcast: Norwich Selectboard Budget Debate→

A Divided Norwich Selectboard Grapples with Budget Oversight Responsibilities

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How closely should the Selectboard examine the budget proposed by the Town Manager? That question dominated a contentious 100-minute discussion at last week’s Norwich Selectboard meeting that ended in a split 3-2 vote to advance a $6.7 million budget to voters at March Town Meeting. The proposed spending plan, which would increase property taxes by 24%, exposed deep divisions about the board’s oversight responsibilities. Selectboard members Arnold, Calloway and Layton voted in favor of the FY 26 budget while Smith Continue reading A Divided Norwich Selectboard Grapples with Budget Oversight Responsibilities→

Norwich Selectboard Scraps Town Manager’s Residency ‘Deadline’

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Without public discussion or explanation, the Norwich Selectboard voted 3-2 to weaken a key provision of Town Manager Brennan Duffy’s contract. The change eliminates the ‘deadline’ for him to move to the Upper Valley, thereby cementing as permanent policy his working remotely two days a week. The vote took place on October 23, although an executive session occurred two weeks prior, in connection with the Town Manager’s annual evaluation. For some, this decision is a reminder of Mr. Duffy’s hiring Continue reading Norwich Selectboard Scraps Town Manager’s Residency ‘Deadline’→

Norwich’s Planning Commission Ponders Upzoning Options

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Everybody knows housing in the Upper Valley is pricey and scarce. To address these issues, the Norwich, Vermont Planning Commission is looking into making targeted changes to its zoning regulations. The options under consideration are to allow higher-density housing, like accessory dwelling units and multi-family homes, in certain areas. This “upzoning” approach could create more housing without significantly altering the character of existing neighborhoods. Discussions are in the early stages, but Commission members broadly agree on many key concepts. However, Continue reading Norwich’s Planning Commission Ponders Upzoning Options→

Surging Home Values Aren’t Causing Vermont’s School Tax Spike—Spending Is

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Why Vermont’s Rising Home Values Don’t Automatically Raise Your School Tax Bill A common misconception among some homeowners and public officials is that surging home values in Vermont are a significant contributor to the increase in school property taxes. But while education finance is a complex topic, rapidly increasing home values are not the direct cause of the double-digit percentage increase in your school tax bill. Instead, spending on education is the main factor driving changes in your taxes. If Continue reading Surging Home Values Aren’t Causing Vermont’s School Tax Spike—Spending Is→

A Taxpayer’s Perspective on the Norwich School Board Budget Guidelines

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The Norwich School Board recently took the first step in shaping next year’s budget by adopting its “2025-26 Norwich Budget Guidelines.” As these early discussions begin, many of us in town are already feeling the strain from this year’s nearly 17% increase in school property taxes. Unfortunately, it is not going to get better. While Vermont’s funding system aims to promote a fairer distribution of resources across all schools, the reality is that some of us are left questioning how Continue reading A Taxpayer’s Perspective on the Norwich School Board Budget Guidelines→

How should Norwich use its opioid settlement funds?

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Comedian and political commentator John Oliver recently covered the opioid crisis and the massive settlements on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight.” He highlighted the challenges states and municipalities face trying to use the money effectively, noting the painfully mixed results. Norwich faces a similar issue on a much, much smaller scale. It received $11,765 this fiscal year. Right now, the Town views the money as miscellaneous revenue, which is tragic (selfish?) considering the individuals and families that suffered as a result Continue reading How should Norwich use its opioid settlement funds?→

Zooming Out: Selectboard Meetings Going Fully Online

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Count me among those concerned about the recent terse announcement that the Selectboard has ended in-person meetings in favor of attendance by Board members only via Zoom. The listserv post of May 9 says in full: Please be advised that, until further notice, all Selectboard meetings will be conducted via Zoom (remotely). Since the end of the Covid crisis, the Selectboard has used a hybrid meeting approach, combining in person attendance with participation via Zoom. However, all Board members generally Continue reading Zooming Out: Selectboard Meetings Going Fully Online→

Update on the Upper Loveland Road Solar Project: Developer Objects to PUC Order for Town Review

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Is the controversial Upper Loveland Road solar project coming back to the Town of Norwich for review? The Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently issued an order directing the developer of the solar panel farm, an entity related to Norwich Technologies, to confirm ongoing support from the Town as a “preferred site.” The PUC order in that case (21-3587-NMP) specifies four significant changes to the project, since the developer made its presentation to the Planning Commission in July 2021, including increased Continue reading Update on the Upper Loveland Road Solar Project: Developer Objects to PUC Order for Town Review→