Minutes of Annual Town Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 4, 2025
Meeting Link https://bit.ly/4isIgJb
Moderator George Deblon called the Annual Town/School Meeting to order at 6pm on Tuesday March 4, 2025. There were 51 people in attendance at the Town Hall. George led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Representative Jim Harrison was invited to speak. He spoke about the following:
Town Meeting adjourned to School meeting.
Town Meeting was called to order at 6:29pm.
Article 1. To elect a Town Moderator for the ensuing year
Sue Wuerthele moved to accept the article, 2nd by Micheline Bissell.
George Deblon was nominated by Terry Manley, 2nd by Jen Howard.
Jennifer Howard moved to close nominations, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele, all in favor, George Deblon elected Town Moderator for 1 year.
Tricia Abbondelo administered the Oath of Office to George Deblon.
Article 2. To elect the following officers, as required by law, for the terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant:
Article 4. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November, by physical delivery to the tax collector by 5pm? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd
by Herb Kuendig. Sue Wuerthele, question: would it benefit us at all to spread the tax payments out more, she feels it would benefit taxpayers but asking about town. Trish Abbondelo, Treasurer, responded it would not benefit the town since we have changed to a fiscal year, we are getting the 1st payment just after year starts and 2nd shortly after. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 5. Shall the town provide notice of the availability of the annual report by postcard, mailed to all registered voters at least 30 days before annual meeting instead of mailing or otherwise distributing the report to the voters of the town pursuant 24 V.S.A. §1682(a)? A motion was made to accept the article by Sue Wuerthele 2nd by Jake Hunt. Sue Wuerthele question: how will this work? Ann Kuendig explained the process of mailing postcards; voter will then have to request a copy by phone or visit the office. The Town Report will be posted on the town website-pittsfieldvt.com and available to be downloaded or printed. This is to try to reduce the printing and mailing costs.
Ann asked if there are things in Town Report that people don’t feel necessary or things that should be in that are not.
Sue would like to discuss additions/deletions to the town report.
Motion made to approve this article by Mike Moran, 2nd by Terry Manley. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 6. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve closing the Paving Reserve Fund and transfer the remaining balance to the Recreation Reserve Fund. A motion was made to accept this article by Jake Hunt, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Don Bass question: How much is there? Ann Kuendig responded as of December 2024 $14,044.00. We have paved Village Green and the court, and there are no other areas to use funds. Don Bass question: can’t we transfer to the Highway or Fire or somewhere else where it is needed. Joyce Stevens responded that after ARPA funds were exhausted the next thing on the priority list from residents was Recreation. Discussion around Recreation needs and importance. Jordan Stevens spoke about other areas that would be added, community garden walking path, etc. Rec is not only focused on the “playground”, but it is also important to invest in our children. Motion made to approve this article by Jennifer Howard, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved
Article 7. Shall the town assess a one percent (1%) tax on rooms and meals and alcoholic beverages pursuant to V.S.A. § 138(b)? A motion was made, to accept the article by Ann Kuendig, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Mark Stugart question: this does not apply to sales tax and what is the reasoning behind this? Ann Kuendig replied that we are joining 28 other communities who impose a 1% tax on meals and rooms and alcohol. The department of taxes says that it could supply us with $70,00.00 of which we keep 70%, the state takes 30%. She says that every $1.00 we gain from the local option tax a property owner will save $.70 in property tax. Our effort is to try to diversify our revenue and reduce taxes. Mark Stugart asked why excluding the sales tax. Well, we wanted more visitors to pay rather than community members. Amy Alton said Killington voted it in and then later out. Should we learn from this? Air BB and other room and meal platforms collect state taxes and will be subject to 1% local option but state cannot provide estimates. Yes, 1% is on top of 8%. AJ said they spoke to the business before it was put on the agenda. Vaughn asked about income and is it budgeted. It will take at least one full cycle to know what to budget for this line. Christi Bowman wants clarification; it will not affect sales tax for other businesses. Answer-that is correct. Mike Moran confirming quarterly payments to town from state. Bruce Shaw, Killington was in and now out how many counties have it, Ann again reiterated how many communities are doing this taxing.
Motion made to approve this article by Judy Manley, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, majority in favor, article approved.
Article 8. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $2,000 into a Town Tree Reserve Fund to preserve and plant trees on Pittsfield public spaces? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Wuerthele. Discussion, what kind of trees, pretty trees. George Deblon spoke about Norway maples not holding up. Judy Manley spoke about some pretty flowering trees planted recently in Rutland. Judith Lively wants to know if it is individually or collectively. Ann Kuendig explained we are setting up a tree fund, $2,000 this fiscal year. Motion was made by Jennifer Howard, 2nd by Micheline Bissel to approve the article. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 9. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $5,000 into a PVFR Building Reserve Fund for the design and permitting phase of renovating and/or replacing the Fire House? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Wuerthele. Discussion: do we need more space? Ray Colton question: is there anyone here from the Fire Department to talk to us about it, no one was present. Ann Kuendig offered information, as PVFR has modernized their equipment they have outgrown the building. They have worked with the PVFR for a preliminary sketch. The question is do we add onto or start over. This fund would cover the cost of survey and septic design if necessary so they can put numbers on retro fitting or creating a new building This could be a 10-year process. Ray Colton asked if public entities fall under same regulations as private individuals, such as stormwater. The answer is yes. Joyce spoke about washer, dryer and shower which could require a new septic. Aston asked about further estimates. Not yet, we have to do this part first to find out property line and septic information. Christi Bollman asked if a state permit specialist is involved, answer is no. Septic engineer would tell us what is needed for permitting and if this is possible. Time frame for this part is this coming fiscal year. A motion was made to approve this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 10: Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed 12-month budget beginnings July 1, 2025 to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town? Motion was made by Jennifer Howard and 2nd by Sue Wuerthele to accept this article. Question: Terry Manley asked about reno on Town Clerks office. Joyce explained about the safety issue. She explained the project, taking out the wall and extending the counter to use the front door. The Select Board feels that they need to keep the staff safe. They had many meetings regarding this. Patty asked if there were two forms of egress. We explained that there would be a gate for access to either side. Colby Shaw asked if bullet proof glass would be installed. Patty Haskins asked about the $500 under Select Board salary line. Trish explained that there was an error, and an updated report was offered tonight. Patty asked about the $4,000 in office supply line item, answer was it will cover new desks. A motion was made to approve this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Randy Strong. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 11: Will the votes of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Wuerthele. Discussion: none. A motion was made to approve this article by Mike Wuerthele, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 12: To discuss any non-binding business which may properly come before the meeting? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Ann Kuendig. Discussion: Mark Begin came forward to thank everyone for their support during their recent fire that resulted in their home being destroyed. Ann spoke about the need for Volunteer positions to be filled, please look at the volunteer postings. Mike Moran spoke about the taxing of shipping containers, why wasn’t this on the warning. Jeremy Rayner explained it was decided in a public warned meeting. Mike feels it was out of order to do it that way and it should have been listed as an article. Brian Moe is questioning the tax; it is explained that it will be valued as part of your property. If it is removed, you should notify the listers to take it off tax record. The date of the annual assessment is April 1st.
With no further business to discuss, George moved to adjourn the 2025 Town meeting at 7:29pm. A motion was made by Terry Manley, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, all in favor, meeting adjourned.
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo, Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2025
Approved (s) Ann Kuendig, Select Board Chair
Approved(s) George Deblon, Moderator
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Annual School Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 4, 2025
Article 1. To elect a Moderator for the year ensuing. A motion was made to accept this article by Terry Manley, 2nd by Jennifer Howard.
George Deblon was nominated by Terry Manley, 2nd by Herb Kuendig.
Bruce Shaw moves to close nominations, 2nd by Herb Kuendig.
All in favor George Deblon was elected School Moderator for 1 year.
Tricia Abbondelo administered the Oath of Office to George Deblon.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the auditor’s report. A motion was made to accept this article by Jennifer Howard, 2nd by Terry Manley. Discussion; none.
A motion was made to approve this article by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Terry Manley. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 3. To see if the Pittsfield School District will vote to pay taxes in the same manner as the Town. A motion was made to accept this article by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Jennifer Howard. Discussion; none. Ann Kuendig motioned to approve this article, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 4. To hear reports of the School Directors. A motion was made to accept this article by Terry Manley, 2nd by Randy Strong. Discussion; none.
A motion was made to approve this article by Mike Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, all I favor, article approved.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $965,270, which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? The Pittsfield School District estimates that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in a Long Term Weighted (LTW) per pupil education spending of $10,345.84 which is 13.71% lower that the per pupil education spending for the current year. A motion was made to accept this article by Terry Manley, 2nd by Judy Manley. Discussion: Jennifer Howard question: can you define Long Term Weighted (LTW)? Response from Ray Rice: term from State of Vermont, speaks to distance and number of students in the town. The state uses it to help smooth out smaller towns. We now have 46 students. Ann Kuendig question: is the budget number an estimate, Ray Rice answered, yes, it is always an estimate. Judy Manley question: if what Governor Scott is proposing will change things locally, Ray Rice answered yes but a year out, not this budget. Jeremy Rayner, question: how do you come up with 13% savings. Ray Rice answered because we are down on children and how it is weighed. Peter Dubois answered that because of the way taxes are due we have been able to invest in short term CD’s. Bruce Shaw question: average cost per student, Ray Rice answered the $10,345.84. Vaughn Micciche question: So why is it double? There are other costs included. Bruce Shaw question: Home schooling would be saving town, why are we not getting that reckoned back to taxpayer. Ray Rice explains he does not know about home schooling. Vaughn Micciche question: why do you not know about it? A short discussion over the cost for home schooling.
George has ended the conversation offering for individuals to join a school board meeting.
A motion was made to accept this article by Mike Moran motioned , 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three-year term. A motion was made by Ray Rice, 2nd by Joyce Stevens to accept the article and nominate Peter Dubois, hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
Article 7. To do any other proper or necessary business. A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Jeremy Rayner. No other business
With no other business, the 2024 School meeting was concluded at 6:28pm
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2025.
Approved by (s) Ray Rice, School Board
Approved by (s) George Deblon, Moderator
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 4, 2025
Meeting Link https://bit.ly/4isIgJb
Moderator George Deblon called the Annual Town/School Meeting to order at 6pm on Tuesday March 4, 2025. There were 51 people in attendance at the Town Hall. George led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Representative Jim Harrison was invited to speak. He spoke about the following:
- Comments on new session, one of main agenda items is Education Reform
- New dynamic to state house, Dems still have majority in House and Senate but no longer a super majority
- Budget Adjustment Act
- Education- property taxes are too high! The challenge is a school system built for 125,000 students; we have 80,000 students. It is not easy to change the build of the system. The Governor has a plan out there, consolidation to 5 school districts with 5 are supervisory districts from 119 districts…STAY TUNED.
- Questions:
Town Meeting adjourned to School meeting.
Town Meeting was called to order at 6:29pm.
Article 1. To elect a Town Moderator for the ensuing year
Sue Wuerthele moved to accept the article, 2nd by Micheline Bissell.
George Deblon was nominated by Terry Manley, 2nd by Jen Howard.
Jennifer Howard moved to close nominations, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele, all in favor, George Deblon elected Town Moderator for 1 year.
Tricia Abbondelo administered the Oath of Office to George Deblon.
Article 2. To elect the following officers, as required by law, for the terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant:
- Select Person for three years. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Randy Strong for AJ Ruben for Select Person for three years. The motion was made by Patty Haskins and 2nd by Jen Howard to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot for AJ Ruben. Voice vote, all in favor, AJ Ruben elected Select Person for three years.
- Lister for three years. A nomination was made by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Terry Manley for Jeremy Rayner for Lister for three years. The motion was made by Herb Kuendig 2nd by Randy Strong to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot. Voice vote, all in favor, Jeremy Rayner elected Lister for three years.
- Lister for one year. A nomination was made by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Jeremy Rayner for Jennifer Howard for Lister for 1 year. The motion was made by Herb Kuendig and 2nd by Terry Manley to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot. Voice vote, all in favor Jennifer Howard elected Lister for one year.
- Auditor for three years. A nomination was made by Jennifer Howard 2nd Randy Strong for Beth Stanton for Auditor for 3 years. The motion was made by Ann Kuendig, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot. Voice vote, all in favor, Beth Stanton elected Auditor for three years.
- Collector of Delinquent Tax for one year. A nomination was made by Jeremy Rayner 2nd by Jennifer Howard for Janice Stumpf for Delinquent Tax Collector for one year. Hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
- Trustee of Public Funds for three years. A nomination was made by Jeremy Rayner, 2nd by Jennifer Howard for Mark Stugart for Trustee of Public Funds for three years. Hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
- Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for three years. A nomination was made by Ann Kuendig, 2nd by Kim Barber for Micheline Bissell for Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for three years. Hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
- Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for three years. A nomination was made by Micheline Bissell, 2nd Kim Barber for Doreen Morin for Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for 3 years. Hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
- Cemetery Commissioner for three years. A nomination was made by Jennifer Howard, 2nd by Joyce Stevens for Connie Martin for Cemetery Commissioner for three years. Hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
- First Constable for 2 years. A nomination was made by AJ Ruben, seconded by Randy Strong for Tim Hunt for first constable for two years. Hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
Article 4. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November, by physical delivery to the tax collector by 5pm? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd
by Herb Kuendig. Sue Wuerthele, question: would it benefit us at all to spread the tax payments out more, she feels it would benefit taxpayers but asking about town. Trish Abbondelo, Treasurer, responded it would not benefit the town since we have changed to a fiscal year, we are getting the 1st payment just after year starts and 2nd shortly after. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 5. Shall the town provide notice of the availability of the annual report by postcard, mailed to all registered voters at least 30 days before annual meeting instead of mailing or otherwise distributing the report to the voters of the town pursuant 24 V.S.A. §1682(a)? A motion was made to accept the article by Sue Wuerthele 2nd by Jake Hunt. Sue Wuerthele question: how will this work? Ann Kuendig explained the process of mailing postcards; voter will then have to request a copy by phone or visit the office. The Town Report will be posted on the town website-pittsfieldvt.com and available to be downloaded or printed. This is to try to reduce the printing and mailing costs.
Ann asked if there are things in Town Report that people don’t feel necessary or things that should be in that are not.
Sue would like to discuss additions/deletions to the town report.
Motion made to approve this article by Mike Moran, 2nd by Terry Manley. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 6. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve closing the Paving Reserve Fund and transfer the remaining balance to the Recreation Reserve Fund. A motion was made to accept this article by Jake Hunt, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Don Bass question: How much is there? Ann Kuendig responded as of December 2024 $14,044.00. We have paved Village Green and the court, and there are no other areas to use funds. Don Bass question: can’t we transfer to the Highway or Fire or somewhere else where it is needed. Joyce Stevens responded that after ARPA funds were exhausted the next thing on the priority list from residents was Recreation. Discussion around Recreation needs and importance. Jordan Stevens spoke about other areas that would be added, community garden walking path, etc. Rec is not only focused on the “playground”, but it is also important to invest in our children. Motion made to approve this article by Jennifer Howard, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved
Article 7. Shall the town assess a one percent (1%) tax on rooms and meals and alcoholic beverages pursuant to V.S.A. § 138(b)? A motion was made, to accept the article by Ann Kuendig, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Mark Stugart question: this does not apply to sales tax and what is the reasoning behind this? Ann Kuendig replied that we are joining 28 other communities who impose a 1% tax on meals and rooms and alcohol. The department of taxes says that it could supply us with $70,00.00 of which we keep 70%, the state takes 30%. She says that every $1.00 we gain from the local option tax a property owner will save $.70 in property tax. Our effort is to try to diversify our revenue and reduce taxes. Mark Stugart asked why excluding the sales tax. Well, we wanted more visitors to pay rather than community members. Amy Alton said Killington voted it in and then later out. Should we learn from this? Air BB and other room and meal platforms collect state taxes and will be subject to 1% local option but state cannot provide estimates. Yes, 1% is on top of 8%. AJ said they spoke to the business before it was put on the agenda. Vaughn asked about income and is it budgeted. It will take at least one full cycle to know what to budget for this line. Christi Bowman wants clarification; it will not affect sales tax for other businesses. Answer-that is correct. Mike Moran confirming quarterly payments to town from state. Bruce Shaw, Killington was in and now out how many counties have it, Ann again reiterated how many communities are doing this taxing.
Motion made to approve this article by Judy Manley, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, majority in favor, article approved.
Article 8. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $2,000 into a Town Tree Reserve Fund to preserve and plant trees on Pittsfield public spaces? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Wuerthele. Discussion, what kind of trees, pretty trees. George Deblon spoke about Norway maples not holding up. Judy Manley spoke about some pretty flowering trees planted recently in Rutland. Judith Lively wants to know if it is individually or collectively. Ann Kuendig explained we are setting up a tree fund, $2,000 this fiscal year. Motion was made by Jennifer Howard, 2nd by Micheline Bissel to approve the article. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 9. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $5,000 into a PVFR Building Reserve Fund for the design and permitting phase of renovating and/or replacing the Fire House? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Wuerthele. Discussion: do we need more space? Ray Colton question: is there anyone here from the Fire Department to talk to us about it, no one was present. Ann Kuendig offered information, as PVFR has modernized their equipment they have outgrown the building. They have worked with the PVFR for a preliminary sketch. The question is do we add onto or start over. This fund would cover the cost of survey and septic design if necessary so they can put numbers on retro fitting or creating a new building This could be a 10-year process. Ray Colton asked if public entities fall under same regulations as private individuals, such as stormwater. The answer is yes. Joyce spoke about washer, dryer and shower which could require a new septic. Aston asked about further estimates. Not yet, we have to do this part first to find out property line and septic information. Christi Bollman asked if a state permit specialist is involved, answer is no. Septic engineer would tell us what is needed for permitting and if this is possible. Time frame for this part is this coming fiscal year. A motion was made to approve this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 10: Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed 12-month budget beginnings July 1, 2025 to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town? Motion was made by Jennifer Howard and 2nd by Sue Wuerthele to accept this article. Question: Terry Manley asked about reno on Town Clerks office. Joyce explained about the safety issue. She explained the project, taking out the wall and extending the counter to use the front door. The Select Board feels that they need to keep the staff safe. They had many meetings regarding this. Patty asked if there were two forms of egress. We explained that there would be a gate for access to either side. Colby Shaw asked if bullet proof glass would be installed. Patty Haskins asked about the $500 under Select Board salary line. Trish explained that there was an error, and an updated report was offered tonight. Patty asked about the $4,000 in office supply line item, answer was it will cover new desks. A motion was made to approve this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Randy Strong. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 11: Will the votes of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Wuerthele. Discussion: none. A motion was made to approve this article by Mike Wuerthele, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 12: To discuss any non-binding business which may properly come before the meeting? A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Ann Kuendig. Discussion: Mark Begin came forward to thank everyone for their support during their recent fire that resulted in their home being destroyed. Ann spoke about the need for Volunteer positions to be filled, please look at the volunteer postings. Mike Moran spoke about the taxing of shipping containers, why wasn’t this on the warning. Jeremy Rayner explained it was decided in a public warned meeting. Mike feels it was out of order to do it that way and it should have been listed as an article. Brian Moe is questioning the tax; it is explained that it will be valued as part of your property. If it is removed, you should notify the listers to take it off tax record. The date of the annual assessment is April 1st.
With no further business to discuss, George moved to adjourn the 2025 Town meeting at 7:29pm. A motion was made by Terry Manley, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, all in favor, meeting adjourned.
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo, Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2025
Approved (s) Ann Kuendig, Select Board Chair
Approved(s) George Deblon, Moderator
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Annual School Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 4, 2025
Article 1. To elect a Moderator for the year ensuing. A motion was made to accept this article by Terry Manley, 2nd by Jennifer Howard.
George Deblon was nominated by Terry Manley, 2nd by Herb Kuendig.
Bruce Shaw moves to close nominations, 2nd by Herb Kuendig.
All in favor George Deblon was elected School Moderator for 1 year.
Tricia Abbondelo administered the Oath of Office to George Deblon.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the auditor’s report. A motion was made to accept this article by Jennifer Howard, 2nd by Terry Manley. Discussion; none.
A motion was made to approve this article by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Terry Manley. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 3. To see if the Pittsfield School District will vote to pay taxes in the same manner as the Town. A motion was made to accept this article by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Jennifer Howard. Discussion; none. Ann Kuendig motioned to approve this article, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 4. To hear reports of the School Directors. A motion was made to accept this article by Terry Manley, 2nd by Randy Strong. Discussion; none.
A motion was made to approve this article by Mike Wuerthele, 2nd by Mike Moran. Voice vote, all I favor, article approved.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $965,270, which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? The Pittsfield School District estimates that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in a Long Term Weighted (LTW) per pupil education spending of $10,345.84 which is 13.71% lower that the per pupil education spending for the current year. A motion was made to accept this article by Terry Manley, 2nd by Judy Manley. Discussion: Jennifer Howard question: can you define Long Term Weighted (LTW)? Response from Ray Rice: term from State of Vermont, speaks to distance and number of students in the town. The state uses it to help smooth out smaller towns. We now have 46 students. Ann Kuendig question: is the budget number an estimate, Ray Rice answered, yes, it is always an estimate. Judy Manley question: if what Governor Scott is proposing will change things locally, Ray Rice answered yes but a year out, not this budget. Jeremy Rayner, question: how do you come up with 13% savings. Ray Rice answered because we are down on children and how it is weighed. Peter Dubois answered that because of the way taxes are due we have been able to invest in short term CD’s. Bruce Shaw question: average cost per student, Ray Rice answered the $10,345.84. Vaughn Micciche question: So why is it double? There are other costs included. Bruce Shaw question: Home schooling would be saving town, why are we not getting that reckoned back to taxpayer. Ray Rice explains he does not know about home schooling. Vaughn Micciche question: why do you not know about it? A short discussion over the cost for home schooling.
George has ended the conversation offering for individuals to join a school board meeting.
A motion was made to accept this article by Mike Moran motioned , 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three-year term. A motion was made by Ray Rice, 2nd by Joyce Stevens to accept the article and nominate Peter Dubois, hearing no other nominations, voice vote, all in favor.
Article 7. To do any other proper or necessary business. A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele, 2nd by Jeremy Rayner. No other business
With no other business, the 2024 School meeting was concluded at 6:28pm
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2025.
Approved by (s) Ray Rice, School Board
Approved by (s) George Deblon, Moderator
RSS Feed