BELLOWS FALLS — The fiscal year 2015 village budget of $1,851,602 was passed Monday night at the annual Village Meeting, as voters got the good news that the grand list had improved this year, due to the completion of the electrical substation on the island, owned by New England Power Company.
All the articles on the warrant passed, including approval for purchase of a new pickup truck for the fire department.
The department sought to replace an aging truck that's experiencing some mechanical issues after 12 years of use. Department officials said the amount of money spent on repairs now almost equals the vehicle's original purchase price.
Even factoring in the $42,000 for the fire department truck, the village tax rate dropped from 66.5 cents to 61 cents per $100 of assessed value.
That's a reduction of 5.5 cents, in spite of the budget going up $33,000 from what had been planned, according to Municipal Manager Willis “Chip” Stearns III.
Votes were 52-13 in favor of the village budget, and 43-15 in favor of the purchase of a new fire truck. Joe Brissette moved to amend the motion to $25,000, and the amendment failed, 14-32.
Fire Chief William Weston assured voters that the price tag includes radio equipment that will be installed, as well as lights and lettering.
The value of grand list grew this year, thanks to the upgrade work to the electrical substation.
The property value has risen from $6 million before completion to $38 million.
Donna Harty, who retired this year after 34 years as a town employee, starting as village clerk and later becoming as treasurer, was honored, along with perennial Village President Roger Riccio, who did not re-up his bid to run for the post this year.
Both were thanked for their service.
Narrow win for McAuliffe
At press time, The Commons learned unofficial results of the annual election held Tuesday night.
Bellows Falls native Nancy Switzer McAuliffe eked out a narrow victory in the village president race on Tuesday. She defeated Trustee Andrew Smith, 211-197.
Incumbent trustee Stefan Golec and newcomer Sanford “Sandy” Martin both won two-year seats. They garnered 193 and 179 votes, respectively. Kathryn “Kate”Aldrich received 166 votes, while Evelyn Weeks got 177.
Pat Fowler, Tim Powers, and Michael “Mickey” Tolaro were all re-elected as village auditors.
Former Trustee Deborah Wright ran for both a trustee position and an auditor spot, and lost both elections. She received 53 votes for trustee and 78 votes for auditor.
Voters approved a $6 million bond for wastewater system improvements, 181-101, but the vote won't count because the vote was improperly warned.