- The next public budget hearing is moved to Wednesday, Jan. 25. At that time potential charter change language will be discussed that could institute a local option sales tax and a withdrawal from the the Central Vermont Public Safety Authority. An ordinance and proposal to form a stormwater utility will also be on the ballot.
- The council will meet at noon on Friday, Jan. 27 to review petitions for people running for office and to finalize the budget warning.
- Pelin Kohn was sworn in as District 2 councilor to fill Conor Casey’s term until Town Meeting.
- City Manager Bill Fraser informed the public that because the city disagreed with the state’s conclusion regarding the city’s water pressure, and at the request of the state, they conducted an independent study of the water system, which concluded that our high water pressure is not the issue. The report, which will be released soon, recommended that the city continue to replace lines as they are financially able.
- According to Fraser, the city’s debt service, which accrued because of the upgrade of the water treatment plant, constrains the city’s bonding capacity. “The $500,000–$600,000 a year in debt payment is coming to an end soon, freeing funds for aggressive upgrading of the lines.” According to Fraser the city’s debt is below the legal limit, but does hinder the implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan.
- The FY23 budget to actual figures for the first half of the fiscal year were on the consent agenda without review. Several items were noteworthy at the midpoint in the fiscal year. Only $2,625.61 out of anticipated $45,000 in interest/investment revenue has been realized. In addition, five departments, Parks, Water, Sewer, Senior Center, and District Heat, anticipate deficits based on the high percentage of the budget spent to date.
- Jennifer Morton will not run for re-election in District 3.
- The council approved wording changes to last year’s $1.8 million bond to allow the city to shift the allocated money among the projects, including Confluence Park and the DPW garage heating system. The council has yet to decide what to do with the Confluence Park concept given its spiraling cost estimates.
Stories about City of Montpelier
- City Council to Consider 8.2% Water/Sewer Rate Increase
- City is Seeking Members for New Housing Committee
- No Mow May
- A Message from City Hall: Deck the City Halls
- Montpelier Council Increases Budget Over Proposal; Public Hearings Jan. 11 and 26
- City Council Continues Tax Rate Increases: Final Budget Hearing Jan. 25
- Montpelier Budget Brings 7.6% Property Tax Increase if Voters Approve it in March
- Montpelier Voters Pick McCullough for Mayor
- City Faces Unanticipated Costs at Country Club Road and Barre St. Rec Center