ML061780540

Vernon Vermont Annual Report, Year Ending December 31, 2003, Vernon School District Fiscal Year Ending, June 30, 2003

ML061780540
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Site:	Vermont Yankee
Issue date:	12/31/2003
From:	Vernon, VT
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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Download: ML061780540 (72)

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Vernon, Vermont 2003 Vernon Annual Report Vernon School District year ending fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 June 30, 2003

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e7 ANNUAL REPORT VERNON, VERMONT for the year ending DECEMBER 31, 2003 PLEASE Bring This Report with You to Town Meeting MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2004 AT 6:30 P.M.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2,2004 AT 7:30 P.M.

250th Celebration Pictures Courtesy: Lynda Starorypinski Joyce Goodnow Anita Parker

2 VERNON TOWN REPORT 2 VERNON TOWN REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS TOWN INFORMATION Cheer Fund .................................................................................. 50 Auditors' Statement .................................................................... 2 School Balance Sheet & Revenue Summary .......................... 51 Town Officers ............................................................................. 3 Budget Summary Comparison ..................... 52 Office Hours .............................................................................. 5 School District Budget ................................................................... 53 Town Property Inventory ....................... 6 WSESU Budget Summaries ....................................................... 56 WSESU Special Education Funding Summary ..................... 56 TOWN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Special Revenue Funds ............................................................... 7 MINUTES AND WARNINGS Capital Project Funds ................................................................ 10 Annual Town And Town School District Meeting .............. 59 Fiduciary Funds ............................... .............................................. 13 Town Warning for 2004 ........................................................... 66 Cemetery Trust Funds .............................................................. 15 Statement of Taxes Raised ...................................................... 16 Statement of Delinquent Property Taxes ............................... 17 Town General Fund Comparative Balance Sheet ................. 18 AUDITORS' STATEMENT Selectmen's Six Months Budget .............................................. 19 Selectmen's Budget 2004 FY 04/05 ........................................ 21 In accordance with Section 1681 title 24 V.S.A. we have exam-ined the accounts of the Town and School District:

REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS General Fund Vernon Free Library AND ORGANIZATIONS Capital Projects Funds Town Clerk Animal Control Annual Report .............................................. 27 Special Revenue Funds Delinquent Tax Collector Cemetery Committee ......................... 27 Fiduciary Funds Vernon Seniors ý Elderly Assistance Board ......................................................... 27 Volunteer Fire Department ...................................................... 28 To the best of our knowledge, the financial statements and reports show the financial activity and position for the kear ended as Forest Fire Warden ................................................................... 28 stated.I Report of the Health Officer .................................................... 29 Vernon Historians, Inc .............................................................. 29 A School District audit was performed by Jack Laakso &

Report of the Listers ................................................................... 30 Associates, PC for the school year ending June 30,f 2003. In the 250th Committee Report ............................................................ 30 following areas of transportation, secondary tuition arid 504 tuition, Librarian's Report ...................................................................... 31 the budget was overspent, resulting in a deficit at year end.

Vernon Free Library Trustees' Report ..................................... 31 I /

Vernon Free Library Financial Reports .................................... At the time of the printing of this Annual Report, the School 32 Board was actively making changes to the proposed 2004-2005 Recreation Director ...................................................................

Pre School Report .....................................................................

Personnel Policy Committee ....................................................

33 33 33 budget. We anticipate that a revised budget handout "willbe avail-able at a later date. I Vernon Tax Committee ............................................................ 33 The actuarial study was completed by Baseline Consulting, Report of the Vernon Police Department ................................ 34 Inc. on the Town's retirement plan but some revisi6ns are being Vernon Senior Housing, Inc .................................................... 35 considered by the Selectboard.

Vernon Senior Citizens .............................................................. 35 The Statement of Delinquent Property Taxes was audited and Selectmen's Report .................................................................... 36 the tax amounts still due are listed as of December 31,2003. If a listing Treasurer's Report ..................................................................... 36 is questioned, please contact the Town Auditors through the Town Town Clerk's Report ................................................................ 37 Offices prior to March 15,2004.

Vernon Newspaper Committee ............................................... 38 Rescue Inc .................................................................................. 38 At last years Town Meeting, by Article 36, it was voted for the Vermont Department of Health .............................................. 39 Town to change from calendar year to fiscal year commencing July Windham Regional Commission ............................................ 40 1, 2004. In order for this change to take place, a six month budget was passed on November 18,2003 forJanuary 1,2004 to June 30, 2004" and is included in this report as well as the Selectmen's twelve month VITAL STATISTICS fiscal year budget, from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths, Civil Unions ......................... 41-42 We wish to thank all those who helped in the preparation of this Town Report. We appreciate the assistance provided by Vernon VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT Elementary School and the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union Superintendent's Report ........................................................ 45 in compiling school reports. Several reports are not included this BUHS School Board Attendance ............................................ 45 year as they were not submitted, even though we made sevýeral School Board Report ................................................................. 46 requests to obtain them.

Faculty and Staff ........................................................................ 47 Enrollment .................................................................................. 47 MARTHA DUNKLEE PHYLLIS NEWTON, Chairman School District Funds ................................................................ 48 Capital Plan Funding Projections ............................................ 49 CAROL HAMMOND Capital Fund Status ................................................................... 49 Tornado Account ...................................................................... 50 Vernon Lunch Program & Balance Sheet ............................... 50

VERNON TOWN REPORT 3 VERNON TOWN REPORT 3 TOWN INFORMATION TOWN OFFICERS 2003-2004 LIBRARY TRUSTEES Christine Fredericks ............................................................. 2004 TOWN MODERATOR Kenneth Swanger-(Ch) ......................................................... 2005 Timothy Arsenault ............................................................... 2004 Nancy Burrington, Treasurer............................................... 2006 Sallie May, Secretary ............................................................. 2007 TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT MODERATOR Elizabeth Eriksson ................................................................ 2008 Timothy Arsenault ............................................................... 2004 MARSH FUND COMMITTEE TOWN AND TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT CLERK James Brown Sandra B. Harris, CVC ......................................................... 2004 Barbara Moseley TOWN AND TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT TREASURER MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE Sally Stearns ........................................................................... 2005 Barbara Sprague Edward Sprague SELECTMEN - (3 Year Term)

Leonard Peduzzi ................................................................... 2004 (The above voted at Town Meeting)

Michael Ball-(Ch) .................................................................. 2005 Douglas Fletcher ................................................................... 2006 WINDHAM-5 DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Patricia O'Donnell SELECTMEN - (1 Year Term)

Margaret (Peggy) Farabaugh JUSTICES OF THE PEACE James Polhemus Susan Arsenault Donald L. Holland Timothy Arsenault Patricia O'Donnell LISTERS Sandra B. Harris James Polhemus Carol Hammond ................................................................... 2004 Edward Sprague Phyllis Newton ..................................................................... 2005 William Hammond-(Ch) ...................................................... 2006 BOARD OF CIVIL AUTHORITY AUDITORS Susan Arsenault Michael Ball Martha R. Dunklee ............................................................... 2004 Timothy Arsenault Douglas Fletcher Phyllis Newton-(Ch) ............................................................. 2005 Sandra B. Harris James Polhemus-(Ch)

Carol Hammond ................................................................... 2006 Donald L. Holland Leonard Peduzzi Patricia O'Donnell Edward Sprague 1st CONSTABLE ................................................ Peter C. Crossmon Margaret (Peggy) Farabaugh 2nd CONSTABLE ...................................................... Jason Johnson TOWN CLERK AND TREASURER APPOINTMENTS TOWN AGENT ...................... Robert Miller Jr.

ASSISTANT TOWN CLERKS GRAND JUROR ..................................................... Robert Miller Jr. Susan Miller Ann Doe (resigned)

DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTOR ................. Marylynn Scherlin ASSISTANT TREASURER SCHOOL DIRECTORS - (3 Year Term) Jennifer Holton Laura DeVincentis-(Ch) ........................................................ 2004 Deborah Hebert ..................................................................... 2005 Michael Hebert ....................................................................... 2006 APPOINTMENTS MADE BY SELECTMEN SCHOOL DIRECTORS - (I Year Term) ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER....................... Police Department Pamela Gobeille Leeanne Shover BCTV RECORDERS Georgia Boyce UNION SCHOOL DIRECTORS - (3 Year Term) Joyce Goodnow (resigned)

• ?Ar*al 1-TAharf 2006 CEMETERY COMMITTEE Evelyn Edelson Leonard Peduzzi (resigned)

(The above voted by Australian Ballot) Frank Johnson Sr. Marylynn Scherlin-(Ch)

Ann Doe Francis Serviss Michael Walsh

4 VERNON TOWN REPORT 4 VERNON TOWN REPORT CONSERVATION COMMITTEE POLICE DEPARTMENT Richard Castine Peter Crossmon Chief of Police ............ Th3n Me-rn11Bn Ted Castine Michael Worden Walter Zaluzny Officers .................................................. Steven Holton (resigned)

Bruce Gauld COUNCIL ON AGING - TOWN REPRESENTATIVE DARE Officer Kevin Turnley Dawn Manch Tarina Swanger Special Officers DRUG &ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM CONTACT Richard McNary (resigned) Steven Bird PERSON ............................................. Roland D. Walker Jr. Terry Parker David Manch Edward Wilson E-911 CONTACT PERSON ...................................... Sandra Harris Office Manager................... Lorena Castricone EAP CO-ORDINATOR .............................. James Polhemus POUND KEEPER ELDERLY ASSISTANCE BOARD Marylynn Scherlin ................................................................ 2004 Windham County Humane Society Jean Waite (resigned)............................................................. 2005 Marion Watson .................................................................... 2006 Jack Arensmeyer ................................................................... 2007 PUBLIC ACCESS TV REPRESENTATIVE ........... Michael Hebert Joel Tidd ................................................................................. 2008 RECREATION BOARD VERNON SENIOR HOUSING, INC. M aureen Ketcham ................................................................ 2004 Carol Mikuski - Ch Arlene Castine Leeanne Shover ............................ 2004 Betty Bailey George Brown Karen Carroll ............................. 2005 Brad Pfenning John (Fred) Green Sr. Ken Farabaugh (ch) ......................... 2006 Kathy H ale ............................................................................. 2006 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Director (through Nov. 17,2003) ........ Michael Class RECREATION DIRECTOR ................... Justin Williams (resigned)

Ken Farabaugh - appointed Seth Deyo (appointed)

T I FARMLAND PROTECTIONADVISORY COMMITTEE f-1Z1~LCULL ........................................ anceCut er Warren Lathe ......................................................................... 2004 Keith Franklin (resigned) ...................................................... 2005 RECYCLING COMMITTEE Dean Shover (appointed)....................................................... 2005 Kelly Wunsch Alexander Shover Michael Zaluzny ................................................................... 2006 Shane Shippee Peter Miller-Ch ...................................................................... 2007 Perley Sparrow ...................................................................... 2008 RESCUE INC. - TOWN REPRESENTATIVE Dale Merritt (resigned)

FENCE VIEWERS - vacant Michael Sorensen (appointed)

GREEN-UP DAY ............................... Co-ordinated by Boy Scouts ROAD COMMISSIONER ........................... Roland D. Walker, Jr.

HEALTH OFFICER John Skibniowsky ............................................................... 2005 SECRETARY TO BOARD OF SELECTMEN .............. Sandra B. Harris E. James Roberts ........................................................... Assistant SEWER RESEARCH COMMITTEE Leonard Peduzzi Lynda Starorypinski INSPECTOR OFWOOD, SHINGLES AND LUMBER ............................... vacant I Jerry Unaitis NEWSPAPER COMMITTEE VERNON TAX COMMITTEE Nancy Burrington Sandra Sweet Michael Rosner William Hammond (ch) Arthur Miller Lynda Starorypinski Richard Vesper Douglas Fletcher Patricia'O'Donnell James Polhemus OFFICIALNEWSPAPERS .......................... Brattleboro Reformer

.......................................................................................... Tow n Crier TOWN ATTORNEY ............................... Charles Cummings, Esq.

TOWN FOREST- SUPERVISOR ............................... Ted Castine PERSONNEL POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE Georgia Boyce (Ch) Nancy Evans Assistant .............................................................. Richard Castine Joyce Goodnow Christiane Howe (resigned)

Phyllis Newton Peter Crossmon (resigned) 250th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE Sally Stearns David Walker (appointed)

Georgia Boyce Joyce Goodnow Lynda Starorypinski (appointed)

Christiane Howe Marylynn Scherlin Peggy Farabaugh (liaison to Boardof Selectmen) Lawrence Shippee Sr. Sonya Shippee Tarina Swanger PLANNING COMMISSION Todd Chisholm Robert Miller Jr. TOWN SERVICE OFFICER vacant Thomas Revene - Ch James Edelson TREE WARDEN ........................................... Roland D. Walker, Jr.

Richard Kee i

VERNON TOWN REPORT 5 VERNON TOWN REPORT 5 REGULAR MEETINGS*

VAN DRIVER ............................................................ Carol M ikuski Assistants ................................................................. Taeko Bruce BRATTLEBORO UNION HIGH SCHOOL BOARD Edward Sprague First and Third Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M.

VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMITTEE FIRE EXPLORERS POST MEETING Edward L. Class Sr. Robert Howe Each Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

Marylynn Scherlin Walter Zaluzny FIREFIGHTERS - REGULAR MEETING WEIGHER OF COAL ............................................................. vacant Each Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

WINDHAM COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TOWN REPRESENTATIVE - vacant Second and Fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

WINDHAM REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS SELECTBOARD First and Third Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

Len Peduzzi one vacancy SENIOR CITIZENS VERNON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY Second Monday of each month at Noon-Potluck (Officers elected by Company - Chief election ratified by Board of (Business Meeting)

Selectmen) Fourth Monday of each month at 1:00 P.M.

Chief... (through 10/07/2003 ............................... Steve Holton (Blood Pressure & Birthday Social)

Terrance Parker (elected 10/07/2003)

Officers .................................. Assistant Chief- Sheldon Shippee VERNON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Captain/TrainingOfficer- James Liebfried Third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 P.M.

Captain/TrainingOfficer/EMT - Mark Snow Treasurer- Sheldon Shippee WINDHAM REGIONAL COMMISSION (WRC)

Lieutenant - Alex Dunklee Last Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M.

David Maxwell/FR Safety Officer - Harold Bradeen WINDHAM SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Firefighters DISTRICT (WSWMD)

Nathaniel Barnes, FF William Moye, EMT/RN Second Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

Jacob Hardy, FF Paul Shedd, FF Jennifer Holton, FF/FR Michael Slyk, FF *Subject to change Steven Holton, FF/EMT John Wheelden, Jr., FF Christopher Kempf, FF John Wheelden, Sr., FF/EMT Support Staff VERNON TOWN OFFICE HOURS*

Mario Buisa - Dispatcher Connie Faulkner - First Response Squad Manager TOWN CLERK Anita Parker - Photographer/FR Monday through Friday 8:00A.M.- 4:00 P.M.

Arni6 Williams - Mechanic TOWN TREASURER Monday through Friday 8:00A.M.- 4:00 P.M.

Explorers Keith Franklin, Captain Joshua Griffus LIBRARY Joshua Carr Lt. Jacob Liebfried Sgt. Monday, Wednesday & Friday 2:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Tim Call Joseph McNary Tuesday 9:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M.

Zachary Clark Dakota Waters & 2:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Michael Faulkner David Williams Thursday 2:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Nathaniel Franklin Beth Zuraw Sgt. Saturday 9:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M.

Capt. James Liebfried - Advisor

• Subject to change FIRE WARDEN ........................................ Walter Bruce Deputy ...................................................................... Raym ond Capen SENIORS President.......................................................................... Ann Doe Vice-President ......................................................... Marion Bruce Secretary ................................................................. Shirley N okes Treasurer............................................................ Barbara Sprague

6 VERNON TOWN REPORT 6 VERNON TOWN REPORT HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT, FURNISHINGS, ETC.

POLICE 254-6962 1988 Caterpillar Grader with Plow & Wing 2000 International 2574 Dump Truck with Frink Sand FIRE 603-352-1100 Body & Plow; Henderson Wing TOWN OFFICERS 257-0292 1995 Ford L9000 Dump Truck with Everest Sand Body 2003 Ford One Ton Truck (Dump Body with Plow and*

VERNON ELEMENTARY 254-5373 . Torwell Sander VERNON FREE LIBRARY 257-0150 1997 Case Loader Model 621B 1980 Ford Tractor with 1982 Backhoe TOWN GARAGE 254-9428 1983 Frink Snow Plow RECREATION AREA 254-9251 1997 Frink Snow Plow HEALTH OFFICER 254-8211 1997 Frink Snow Plow 1990 Everest Reversible Snow Plow FIRE WARDEN 254-4181 1988 Triumph Mowing Machine ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 254-2398 1981 International Tractor with 1999 Alamo Rotary Mower 1994 Morbark Chipper 1991 Sweepster Model P84 Radios HTC Shoulder Machine IBM Computer & Okidata Printer Miscellaneous Garage, Office & Highway Equipment TOWN PROPERTY INVENTORY

• POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS AND LAND 2002 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Pickup Town Office Building 2000 Chevy Impala Cruiser Gazebo 1997 Ford Crown Victoria Cruiser North School Base Station & Other Radios South School Radar Units Fire Station Office Equipment & Furnishings Recreation Area Other Miscellaneous Equipment Garages & Salt Shed J. Maynard Miller Forest FIRE DEPARTMENT Cemeteries 2000 Custom KME Pumper Truck Miscellaneous Land Parcels 1996 Chevy Blazer 4x4 Squad/Utility 1994 Freightliner Pumper/Tanker TOWN OFFICES 1985 Ford FMC Pumper Truck Computers & Printers 1974 Ford Brush Truck Umax Scanner Scott Breathing Systems Photocopiers Radios Safes Computers Office Equipment & Furnishings Gas Detector Sound System Station Equipment & Furnishings Custodial Equipment Other Miscellaneous Equipment Thermal Imaging Camera LIBRARY Scott Air Packs and Cylinders Computers & Printers Photocopier, Scanner & Typewriter VERNON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Equipment & Furnishings Radio System Contents, Books, etc. Radios & Generator Portable Generator RECREATION Siren Area Equipment Office Equipment, Books & Furnishings Pool Equipment Tools & Equipment MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Games & Activity Equipment 1998 Chevrolet Pickup Truck Mowers 1994 Ford E350 Van & Radio Office Equipment & Furnishings

• Detailed Inventories on File

VERNON TOWN REPORT 7 VERNON TOWN REPORT 7 SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS FARMLAND PROTECTION FUND REAPPRAISAL FUND BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 253,928.56 BALANCE January 1,2003 $ 124,402.08 ADD:

ADD: Interest $ 218.77 Interest $ 91.76 Net Investment Gains 5,350.32 2003 Appropriation 25,000.00 Net Investment Gains 2,022.08 State of Vermont Annual Reappraisal Aid BALANCE December 31, 2003 $ 284,497.65

• 8,371.84

• Of this amount $4,070.57 is left to be used for expenses of the DEDUCT: Farmland Protection Advisory Committee, as voted at Town Meet-Listers 2003 Software Upgrades $ 1,048.00 ing on March 6, 1984.

Listers Seminar 99.00 (1,147.00) The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 131,626.92 The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

TOWN CLERK RESTORATION RESERVE FUND TOWN UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FUND BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 49,581.81 BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 4,924.97 ADD: ADD:

Interest $ 53.81 Interest $ 22.48 Net Investment Gains 760.47 2002 Accounts Receivable 446.00 814.28 Town Clerk Remittance 2,992.00 DEDUCT: 3,460.48 Unemployment Payments DEDUCT:

(9,703.61)

Record Preservation (356.53)

BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 40,692.48 BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 8,028.92*

The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

This reserve fund is to be used only for the purpose of record preservation.

J. MAYNARD MILLER FOREST FUND BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 53,832.19 *At year end, the amount of $475.00 was owed to the fund as an accounts receivable from Town Clerk remittances, leaving an ADD: Interest $ 5.95 available balance of $8,503.92.

Net Investment Gains 1,123.38 1,129.33 DEDUCT:

Painting of Boundary Lines $ 450.00 Forest Management Plan Update and Inventory 1,524.00 (1,974.00)

BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 52,987.52 This Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

VERNON TOWN REPORT 8 VRO ONRPR DOG FUND EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 5,811.12 BALANCE January 1, 2003 $96,670.31 ADD:

Interest $ 14.93 ADD:

Kennel Fees 46.00 Interest $ 3.80 Vet Bill Reimbursement 40.00 Net Investment Gains 2,292.77 Licenses 1,893.00 1,993.93 BALANCE December 31,2003 $98,966.88 DEDUCT:

2002 Accounts Payable $ 1,765.25 Vet Services 295.05 The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

Dog Tags, Food, Supplies

.& Misc. Expenses 477.64. At Town Meeting on March 6,1990, Article 28 voted to establish this Windham County Humane Society 700.00 fund for all Vernon residents and to authorize $50,000.00 with (3,237.94) interest earned to date that was raised under Article 23 at March 6, 1989 Town Meeting to be placed in this Fund. Said money to be BALANCE December 31, 2003 $ 4,567.11* invested by the Town Treasurer, DOG LICENSES: All dogs six months old or older should be At such time when the balance in this Fund has reached $100,000.00, licensed annually by the Town Clerk on or before April 1st. the interest earned each year may be used upon vote of the Town to support the cost of emergency medical and ambulance service for all I*Atyear end, the amount of $9.00 was owed to the fund as an Vernon residents.

accounts receivable from Town Clerk remittances, leaving an avail-able balance of $4,576.11.

The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

TOWN OF VERNON - JAMES CUSICK I

SCHOLARSHIP FUND I PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FUND BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 194,244.04 BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 4,570.06 ADD:

Interes st $ 33.03 ADD: Net In,vestment Gains 3,037.32 Interest $ 40.15 3,070.35 Coalition Dues Reimbursement 100.00 2003 Appropriation 30,000.00 DEDUCT 30,140.15 2002 Sicholarships Q.0,000.00)

BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 167,314.39 DEDUCT Entergy: Sale and Uprate $ 9,995.43 At Town Meeting March 6,2000, it was voted by Article 13 that US Gen Bankruptcy 1,361.51 the following restriction be placed upon this fund:

Professional Services 100.00 (11,456.94) No more than $30,000.00 shall be disbursed in any year and after five (5) years the Board of Selectmen shall review the disburse-BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 23,253.27 ment guidelines, as well as the appropriation disbursement levels.

At Town Meeting on March 1,1999, this fund was established by Article 11 with the remaining monies from the Act 60 Legal The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

Services appropriation that had been raised under Article 2 in May 1997.

The purpose of the Professional Services Fund is to represent the Town of Vernon's position on issues relating to utilities.

The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

VERNON TOWN REPORT 9 VERNON TOWN REPORT 9 JAMES CUSICK SCHOLARSHIP FUND ELDERLY HOUSING BUILDING FUND TOWN OF VERNON REQUIREMENTS BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 539,910.36 1.An application shall be submitted to the Chairman, Board of ADD:

Selectmen, (or Town Clerk) no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 1st of each Interest $ 19.03 year. Net Investment Gains 10,327.67 10,346.70

2. Any Vernon resident as determined by VSA 16:1075 may apply for a scholarship for assistance for up to a total of four years, DEDUCT:

each year the resident may reagply. The purpose of the scholarship Engineer Fees:

fund is for the resident to furt er their education or training upon Initial Phase of Project $ 3,000.00 receipt of a high school diploma or an equivalent as determined by Financial Consultant 378.00 the Vermont Department of Education. The resident shall become Transfer to Elderly Assistance Fund:

eligible for the scholarship upon receipt of the application by the 2001 & 2002 Interest 18,512.10 Chairman of the Board of Selectmen within six years of the date of (21,890.10) graduation. A resident becomes ineligible at the end of the sixth year from when his /her high school diploma or equivalent certificate was BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 528,366.96 awarded.

At March Town Meeting on March 7,2000, Article 3 was voted by

3. Applicant must have been eligible to attend the Vernon Australian ballot to reestablish the Elderly Housing Building Fund School system for a minimum of five academic years as a resident for the original purpose of funding future costs associated with immediately prior to receipt of the high school diploma or the elderly housing, and with interest earned, to further extend neces-equivalent. sary assistance to the elderly as administered by the Vernon Elderly Assistance Program Guides.

4. Each full-time resident recipient shall receive $1,000.00 (or the amount voted) for two semesters at an institution of higher At a Special Town Meeting by Australian ballot on July 10, 2000, it learning, a certified training center or a vocational school. If the was voted to sell Vernon Senior Housing, Inc. a portion of a parcel amount of the appropriation is not sufficient, it shall be divided known as the former Streeter property. Said portion consists of 25.7 equally among the students selected. acres, more or less, on Huckle Hill Road. The Selectboard or its designee was authorized to sign all documents and perform all acts

5. For less than a full-time post secondary status, a pro-rata necessary to carry out the sale.

reduction in the amount of the scholarship will be made, but in no case will a less than 50% status for an academic year, as determined It was further voted to authorize the expenditure of the funds in the by the school be eligible for the scholarship. Elderly Housing Building Fund for the purpose of constructing elderly housing to be owned and operated-by Vernon Senior Hous-

6. The student is responsible to provide verification to the ing, Inc., a Vermont non-profit corporation, or a limited partnership Town ClerkbyJanuary 15 thatthey have completed the first semester controlled and managed by Vernon Senior Housing. Inc.Said expen-and are enrolled for the second semester. Acceptable forms of veri- diture to be subject to Vernon Senior Housing, Inc. receiving full fication are student grade report, tuition bill, letter of enrollment or financing for the balance of the project costs.

any other official document from the school that satisfies the enroll-ment verification. The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

7. Checks will be issued each year during the last two weeks of At year end, $19.03 was owed to the Elderly Assistance Fund per January, payable jointly to the Vernon resident and the post-second- Article 3 voted at Town Meeting on March 7,2000.

ar institution or training center. Checks willbe mailed directly to the school.

VERNON ELDERLY ASSISTANCE FUND

8. Any scholarship recipient whose status changes during or before the academic year is fully responsible for notifying the Town BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 9,969.17 Clerk of the change. Any scholarship recipient who receives an award for which they are ineligible due to status, residency or other ADD:

requirements outlined above, willbe responsible forreimbursing the Interest $ 30.88 town within ninety days. Reimbursement for Services 170.00 Interest from Elderly Housing Fund:

9. The Selection Committee is the Chairman of the Vernon 2001 & 2002 18,512.10 School Board, Chairman of the Vernon Board of Selectmen, and the 18,712.98 Principal of the Vernon Elementary School. All decisions of the Committee shall be by majority vote. The Selection Committee will DEDUCT:

review applications no later than July 15th. Students will be notified Assistance to Residents $11,290.55 within five days of the Committee's decision. 2002 Accounts Payable 367.50 Any request for reconsideration must be made in writing (11,658.05) within ten calendar days following the initial decision. The request must be made by the resident and must cite the specific details BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 17,024.10 needing to be reconsidered. Any reconsideration of the Committee's decision must be made by a majority vote of the Committee and the At Town Meeting March, 2000, Article 3 authorized the interest decision of the Committee is final. earned from the Elderly Housing Building Fund for the further purpose of assistance to the elderly.

Applications forms are available at the Vernon Town Offices.

The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

Revisions of the Requirements were approved by the Select-men February 5, 1998, with changes subject to ratification at the At year end, $19.03 was due from the Elderly Housing Fund for Annual Town Meeting. 2003 interest.

10 VERNON TOWN REPORT 10 VRO ONRPR TOWN ROAD UPGRADING FUND '

CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 324,097.44 EMERGENCY CAPITAL RESERVE FUND ADD:

Interest $ 2,272.20 BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 2,028,952.95 Net Investment Gains 1,533.65 ADD: State Aid 54,255.56 Interest $ 5.53 State of VT Highway Fines 4,002.01 Net Investment Gains 70,931.73 2003 Appropriation 80000.00 70,937.26 142,063.42 DEDUCT:

BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 2,099,890.21 Central Park Rd & Crestwood Estates:

Overlay $ 170,565.03 At Town Meeting on March 6,2000, Article 31 voted to establish an Line Striping 9,178.20 Emergency Capital Reserve Fund for the purposes of providing (179,743.23) perpetual funds for unanticipated and emergency Capital replacements or repairs and to help defray the cost of the annual BALANCE December 31, 2003 $ 286,417.63 appropriation of the Capital Plan.

The Selectboard shall be authorized to make expenditures from this At Town Meeting on March 7,1989, Article 38 voted that all restric-fund by majority vote for items of $10,000.00 or more in value. tions be removed and replaced with the following restriction: this fund will be used solely for the necessary surveys, land acquisitions At Town Meeting on March 7,2001, Article 23 voted to close out the and construction costs required for widening or upgrading existing Real Estate Reserve Fund and authorize deposit of said funds into the town roads. Disbursement from this fund shall onlybe authorized by Emergency Capital Reserve Fund. the Board of Selectmen.

At year end, the amount of $4,002.01 was owed to the Town checking The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

account.

VERNON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FUND This Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 360,375.48 Future projects planned for 2005: Overlay: Basin Road) south end of Pond Road and Sartwell Road.

ADD:

Interest $ 57.11 Net Investment Gains 5,779.27 5,836.38 DEDUCT:

Windham Solid Waste Management District Assessment (9,853.84)

BALANCE December 31, 2003 $ 356,358.02 The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank.

This fund was established in March 1987, for the purpose of funding a future study, operation, purchase or development of a landfill dump or other means of solid waste disposal.

AtTown Meeting onMarch 7,1989, Article 36 voted that expenditures of less than $10,000.00 may be authorized by the Board of Selectmen; greater expenditures will require town meeting approval.

I

VERNON TOWN REPORT 11 VERNON TOWN REPORT 11 TOWN SEWAGE OR WATER SYSTEM FUND VERNON FINANCE COMMITTEE BALANCE January 1, 2003 $1,254,923.89 The Capital Plan vision continues to be effective for the Town.

There have been a number of changes since last year: failure of ADD: the investments to yield enough interest for the Capital Plan to be Interest $ 1,884.07 self-funding, lack of personnel on the Finance Committee, and the Net Investment Gains 13,895.80 finalization of federal watershed protection act.

Town Loan Repayment 900,000.00 915,779.87 The drop in the stock market caused less interest to be gener-DEDUCT: ated by the Emergency Capital Reserve and the Capital Plan funds.

Loan to Town from Money Discussions before and during last year's annualmeeting deter-Market (900,000.00) mined a less aggressive investment policy. The result of this policy is that the Capital Plan will have to be funded via the tax base instead of investments.

BALANCE December 31,2003 $1,270,703.76 With the investment responsibilities being given to the Trea-The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank. surer, only one person volunteered to be on the Finance committee.

Thus, the responsibilities for the development of the Capital Plan fell At Town Meeting on March 7, 1989, Article 32 voted that this fund to the Selectboard.

will be used for the future study, engineering, bid evaluation and The federal government finally approved the bill in 2003 that construction of either a Town Sewage or Water System. Cost and will require two significant changes to the Town garage area: cover-payment for feasibility studies and option studies maybe authorized ing the sand pile and fuel pump station. The installation of the sand by the Board of Selectmen from this fund. Final selection and ap- shed had been scheduled to be installed in 2016 and had a current proval of contractor and system will be by Town Meeting vote. funding of $23,750.00. Neither the Selectboard nor the previous Finance Committee was aware that the fuel pumps would have to be covered. Vermont expects that Vermont towns will have a five year grace period to secure funding. If grants become available for this item, they will be actively pursued.

VERNON CAPITAL FUND The intent of the Capital Plan is to provide a plan to fund the BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 483,151.90 purchase of items costing over $10,000.00 in such a way that it minimizes the impact to the tax base. The Capital Plan spreadsheet ADD: was expanded this year so that we can look forward and distribute Interest $ 230.64 funding costs over a longer period of time. This way the Selectboard Net Investment Gains 8,442.02 can assure that we minimize the financial impact to all of us.

2003 Appropriation 45,970.00 54,642.66 DEDUCT:

Town Office Building Capital Planning Guidelines:

Heating System $ 96.00 South School Roof 2,646.95 All capital expenditures must be submitted for inclusion in the One Ton Dump Truck 41,533.00 Capital Plan in advance of the need based on the projected future cost Accounts payable 2002 794.00 and the following minimum schedule:

(45,069.95) .Projected cost Years in Advance of Need BALANCE December 31, 2003 $ 492,724.61 $10,000 - $20,000 2

$20,001 - $30,000 3 At Town Meeting on March 6, 1990, Article 35 voted to establish a Vernon Capital Fund for the purpose of providing funding for the $30,001 - $40,000 4 items authorized in the Vernon Capital Plan. $40,001 - $55,000 5 The Fund is invested with Chittenden Bank. $55,001 - $75,000 6

$75,001 - $95,000 7

$95,001 - $115,000 8

$115,001- $150,000 10

$150,001 - 15 Exceptions to this schedule will be considered for unusual circum-stances on a case by case basis.

12 VERNON TOWN REPORT 2004 CAPITAL PLAN FUNDING PROJECTIONS DESCRIPTION NEED CURRENT 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 PROJECTED CHANGES FROih YEAR FUNDING COST 2003 CAP PLAN Dump truck Diesel (1990) 2003 100,000.00 Bkhoe / trctr/jack hammer 2005 60,000.00 $80K dec Town Van-* 2006 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 80,000.00 $20K inc Dump truck Diesel (1995) 2007 50,000.00 18,750.00 18,750.00 18,750.00 18,750.00 125,000.00 $25K inc Frt End Loader (1997) Refurb 2007 7,500.00 $40K dec Sand Shed (Fed Req) 2007 23,750.00 27,811.00 27,813.00 27,813.00 27,813.00 135,000.00 $25K inc Gas Pump Cover (Fed Req) 2007 10.000.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 New Grader- efurbish 2008 3,000.00 13,000.00 13,000.00 11,000.00 25,000.00 65,000.00 $20K inc Pickup trk 3/4 ton (1998) 2009 12,500.00 12,500.00 12,500.00 50,000.00 $18K inc Dump truck Diesel (2000) 2012 10,556.00 15,552.00 556.00 14,556.00 20,556.00 140,000.00 $30K inc Dump truck 1 ton (2003) 2012 11,665.00 11,667.00 70,000.00 $15K inc Dump truck Diesel (2003) 2015 4,091.00 2,091.00 91.00 14,091.00 155,000.00 $40K inc Frt End Loader (1997) Replace 2017 13,125.00 3,125.00 1,125.00 2,125.00 13,125.00 185,000.00 $50K inc Tractor & Rotary Mower 2017 40,000.00 New Town Van-* 2018 90,000.00 New Dump truck Diesel (2007) 2019 4,333.00 11,333.00 8,333.00 11,333.00 170,000.00 New Pickup trk 3/4 ton (2009) 2020 60,000.00 New Dump truck 1 ton (2012) 2021 86,000.00 $31K inc Town Garage Roof (1991) 2021 New Dump truck Diesel (2014) 2024 192,000.00 New Engine #1 (1985 Ford refurb) 2005 54,250.00 7,750.00 8,000.00 70,000.00 Brush #1 (1974 Ford)*. 2010 33,250.00 4,536.00 4,536.00 4,536.00 4,536.00 4,536.00 65,000.00 $7K inc Engine #1 (1985 Ford-replac) 2015 45,000.00 14,584.00 584.00 14,584.00 14,584.00 14,584.00 220,000.00 Engine#2 (1994 refurbish) 2017 100,000.00 Brush #1 (2010 replace)* 2020 80,000.00 Engine #3 (2002 refurbish) 2022 100,000.00 Engine #2 (1994 replace) 2027 350,000.00 Cruiser-Ford (1998) 2004 27,000.00 9,000.00 36,000.00 Cruiser-Chevy (2000) 2006 8,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 32,000.00 Cruiser Dakota (2002) 2008 9,750.00 9,750.00 9,750.00 9,750.00 39,000.00 Cruiser (2004) 2010 8,750.00 8,750.00 35,000.00 Cruiser (2006) 2012 8,400.00 42,000.00 Cruiser-Dakota (2008) 2014 42,000.00 $4K inc Cruiser (2010) 2016 45,000.00 Cruiser (2012) 2018 45,000.00 new Town Office Bid HVAC Sys. 2003 18,476.51 Town Clerk Copier 2004 14,000.00 14,000.00 Town Office Roof 2005 14,000.00 7,000.00 7,000.00 28,000.00 Vault Storage System 2005 10,000.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 new TOTALS 154,112.00 154,534.00 154,038.00 154,453.00 154,292.00

• = Brush #1 formerly Engine #5

-*= Contract vs. Purchase OR average # of people carried = smaller van BUT needs lift 2003 CAPITAL FUND STATUS ITEM NEED PREVIOUS 2003 TOTAL 2003 FUND EXCESS YEAR BALANCE APPROPRIATIONS AVAILABLE EXPENDITURE BALANCE FUNDS Town Office Bld HVAC 1992 $18,572.51 $ - $18,572.51 $96.00 $18,476.51 South School 1995 2,646.95 2,646.95 2,646.95 0.00 Police Cruiser-Ford(1998) 2004 18,000.00 9,000.00 27,000.00 27,000.00 Police Cruiser-Chevy(2000) 2006 0.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 Brush#1 (1974 Ford) 2010 27,250.00 6,000.00 33,250.00 33,250.00 Engine #1 (1985 Ford-refurb) 2005 46,500.00 7,750.00 54,250.00 54,250.00 Engine#1 (1985 Ford-replace) 2015 30,000.00 15,000.00 45,000.00 45,000.00 Dump Truck I Ton (1994) 2001 50,000.00 50,000.00 41,533.00 8,467.00 8,467.00*

Dump Truck Diesel (1990) 2003 87,500.00 12,500.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 Dump Truck Diesel (1995) 2007 37,500.00 12,500.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 Bkhoe/trcr/jack hammer 2005 45,000.00 15,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 Frt End Loader (1997) Refurb 2007 7,500.00 7,500.00 7,500.00 Town Clerk Copier 2004 7,000.00 7,000.00 14,000.00 14,000.00 Town Office Roof 2005 7,000.00 7,000.00 14,000.00 14,000.00 Senior Van 2006 10,000.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 Sand Shed 2007 11,000.00 12,750.00 23,750.00 23,750.00 Subtotals $397,969.46 $130,000.00 $ 527,969.46 $ 44,275.95 $ 483,693.51 $8,467.00 Excess Funds 358.44 358.44 358.44 Totals $398,327.90 $ 130,000.00 $528,327.90 $44,275.95 $ 484,051.95 $8,467.00 2003 Interest & Income 8,672.66 8,672.66 Totals $ 537,000.56 $44,275.95 $ 492,724.61

• Designated for dump truck puchased in Jan. 2004

VERNON TOWN REPORT 13 VERNON TOWN REPORT 13 FIDUCIARY FUNDS ALICE J. BROOKS FUND TOWN EMPLOYEE PENSION FUND Mrs. Alice J. Brooks left $5,000 in 1941, for the relief of poor children and aged persons in the Town of Vernon. The Selectmen BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 669,655.77 were instructed to invest this, and interest or income alone, could be used per the will.

ADD:

Investment Income 22,033.54 Total Shares 1957-2003 Realized Gains 44,053.75 Mass. Investors Trust 1,682.816 held on deposit Unrealized Gains 83,579.49 George Putnam Fund 728.887 held on deposit 149,666.78 Chittenden Bank DEDUCT:

Payments to Participants 14,136.48 BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 10,994.80 Fees 7,448.90 Realized Losses 12,520.62 ADD: Receipts Unrealized Losses 45,045.51 Dividends $ 409.72 Actuarial Study 5,000.00 Interest 5.97 Actuary Fee for Employee Statements 1,000.00 Net Investment Gains 177.19 Miscellaneous Expenses 118.45 592.88

( 85,269.96) BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 11,587.68 BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 734,052.59 MARSH FUND TOWN OF VERNON GRANGE #228 SCHOLARSHIP This fund was a result of a $2,000 legacy to the Town of Vernon TRUST FUND in the will of Mrs. Anna Marsh in 1835. The interest is to be appropri-ated annually for the "Preaching of the Gospel in said Town." Each BALANCE January 1, 2003 $24,224.58 year a committee is chosen at the Annual Meeting for disbursement of the fund.

ADD:

Interest $ 1.88 Total Shares 1957-2003 220 & 18.096 held on deposit in American Mutual Fund Net Investment Gains 495.61 497.49 BALANCE December 31,2003 $ 24,722.07 Chittenden Bank Guidelines and applications will be available at a later date BALANCE January 1, 2003 341.99 when the interest income is sufficient to provide one or more awards. ADD: Receipts Dividends and Capital Gains $ 145.23 This fund is invested with Chlittenden Bank. Interest 1.27 146.50 DEDUCT: Expenses Vernon Advent -

Christian Church, Inc. $ 101.54 Vernon Union Church 101.54

( 203.08 BALANCE December 31, 2003 $ 285.41 Trustee-Selectmen

14 VERNON TOWN REPORT 14 VERNON TOWN REPORT SCOTT & NOYES MEMORIAL FUND The executor for the Mary A. Scott estate was directed by Probate Court, October 29, 1927, to pay $10,513.18 to the Vernon Town Treasurer. This was to be held in trust and invested with income only to be used annually for preaching the Gospel and for the Advent Christian Home at South Vernon.

After a committee representing the beneficiaries met to inves-tigate changes in disbursement, it was recommended in 1976, that the Trustee's judgment be used regarding disbursement in accordance with the will.

Total Shares 1957- 2003 N

Mass. Investors Trust 653.555 held on deposit P~

George Putnam Fund Chittenden Bank (base sum non-expendable- $ 217.18) 424.000 held on deposit I; ~ -

IF

-'-.~-'

BALANCE January 1, 2003 $ 491.86 ij~

ADD: Receipts Dividends Interest

$208.72 1.90 210.62 vz - ~.-

DEDUCT: Expenses Vernon Union Church' $ 71.42 Vernon Advent Christian Chapel 71.42 Vernon Advent Christian Church, Inc. 71.42 Wi.ý Vernon Advent Christian Homes, Inc. 71.42 (285.68)

BALANCE December 31, 2003 $ 416.80 Trustee-Town Treasurer I A&

UI .~

KZ

~

I

VERNON TOWN REPORT 15 TRUST FUNDS Cemetery Trust Funds Trustees-Selectmen TYLER NORTH SOUTH ALEXANDER-PERRY December 31, 2003- Shares (held by Town and on Deposit)

Mass. Investors Trust 2,900.977 George Putnam Fund 275.00 55.00 American Mutual Fund 151.516 Investment Co. of America 298.088 102.084 Balance January 1, 2003 Chittenden Bank Original Deposit $ 2,815.11 $ 1,747.15 $ 222.16 $ 239.78 Accumulated Income 39,822.12 36,839.46 2,036.74 2894.08

$ 42,637.23 $ 38,586.61 $ 2,258.90 $ 3,133.86 Add: 2003 Receipts Dividends & Capital Gains 360.82 310.04 74.52 19.36 Bank Interest 5.53 5.80 2.29 11.65 Cemetery Lots Sold 1,050.00 300.00 Net Investment Gains 769.53 692.70 30.78 Deduct:

Cemetery Expenses (700.00)

Balances December 31, 2003 Original Deposit $ 2,815.11 $ 1,747.15 $ 222.16 $ 239.78 Accumulated Income 41,308.00 38,148.00 2,144.33 2,925.09 Polly A. Lee Cemetery Lot Whithed Cemetery Fund Chittenden Bank Deposit Interest Balance January 1, 2003 $ 125.00 $ 473.79 $ 232.40 2003 Interest 2.19 0.86 2003 Expenses (-3.13)

Balance December 31, 2003 $ 125.00 $ 472.85 $ 233.26 Trustees Treasurer Selectmen

16 VERNON TOWN REPORT 16 VERNON TOWN REPORT STATEMENT OF TAXES RAISED 2003 Grand List Taxes To Be Raised Per Vote at the March 4,2003, Town Meeting:

Appraised Value - School $ 119,446,940 Appraised Value - Town 330,763,525 School $ 4,692,965.00 Less:

1% of Grand List $ 1,194,469.40 State Aid and Revenue 3,160,749.00 3,307.635.25 2003 Tax Rate Total State Education Property Tax 687,159.00 Total Local Share Property Tax 845,057.00 Town $ 0.5212 School Education Tax 0.5753 Total School Taxes To Be Raised $ 1,532,216.00 School Local Share Tax 0.7075 Total Town Taxes To Be Raised 1,723,967.85 Total Tax Rate $ 1.8040 Total Taxes Needed $ 3.256.183.85 Add Amount Overbilled 20.97 Total Taxes Billed 3,256,204.82 Less VELCO Adjustment (59,397.87)

Total Taxes Billed - Due 10/15/03 $ 3,196,806.95 Current Taxes Received 10/15/03 $ 3,165,402.77 Total Delinquent Taxes Collected 2003 37,452.56 Total Delinquent Taxes Owed 2003 53,349.49 Less VELCO Adjustment (59,397.87)

Total Taxes Accounted For $ 3,196,806.95 TOTAL PROPOSED EXPENSE TO TAXPAYERS FOR TOWN AN D SCHOOL 2004)2005 Selectmen's Budget + Library $ 1,913,551.00 Articles* $ 227,460.00 Appropriations** $

• 384,112.00 School Budget $- 5,344,686.00 School Capital $ 48,100.00 Total $ 7,917,909.00

• Articles minus library

-Appropriations= $200,000 by Australian Ballot plus $184.112 by article for appropriation only

VERNON TOWN REPORT 17 VERNON TOWN REPORT 17 Real STATEMENT OF DELINQUENT 2003 PROPERTY TAXES Ames, Teri M. 1,650.66 Bailey, Philip & Jo Ann 1,190.64 Outstanding Taxes January 1,2 $ 77,353.78 Bartlett, Lois & Reginald (Est.) 23.45 Boston &Maine Corp. 72.16 ADD: 2003 Delinquent Taxe 90,802.05 Boyce, James L. & Georgia A. 231.83*

Brooks, Todd A. & Maureen G. 956.12 Cadwalader, Dylan & Geraldine 939.88 LESS: 2003 Collections (93,489.88) Casey, Jean A. (Est.) 1,215.90 Clark, Archie S. &Lorrie A. 2.32*

Total Delinquent December 31, $ 74,665.95 Clews, Thomas E. & Stephanie A. 1,607.36 Davidson, Hen W. & Birdie L(Est.) 853.29 Dawson, Roy J.Jr. - 1,109.46 Faulkner, Todd 1,610.97 Forcier, Constance 498.31*

To 2003 Balance Forrett, Darren K. & Laura L. 3,176.84 Collector Collections December 31, 2003 Gale, John C. & Sabrina A. 1,760.70 Gannon, Thomas W. (Est.) &

1998 $ 266.27 $ 266.27 $ Rawson-Gannon, Anna S. 2,884.60 Hebert, Michael J. &Deborah J. 2,475.76 632.71 Howe, Christiane A. 277.37*

1999 632.71 Jalbert, Marcel A. &Helen 1,661.48 Jones, Scott R. & Charity R. 1,908.63 2000 2,847.47 2,847.47 Lee, Stephen H. & Monica P. 1,956.76*

Martin, Donald 2,895.42 2001 18,195.51 13,353.49 4,842.02 McAllister, Daniel H. & Kelley A. 1,302.49 Mercier, Terry J. 620.58 2002 55,411.82 38,937.38 16,474.44 Miner, Arnold E.(Est.) 36.08 Paquette, Robert & Patti 405.90 Plumb, Kenneth W. Jr. & Deborah 1,867.14 2003 90,802.05 37,452.56 53,349.49 Rawson, Jeffrey H. & Terry 2,796.20

$168,155.83 $93,489.88 $74,665.95 Raymond, Mark J. 247.15 Sage, Stanley S. & Laura M. 1,558.66 The following Delinquent Taxes are charged against the names Scott, Arthur B. / Lester, Pamela J. 2,980.21 below on the Tax Collector's books as of December 31, 2003. Scully, Donna M. 1,354.80 Shippee, Thurman G. (Est.) 323.64*

Unless the Auditors are notified to the contrary before March Shippee, Thurman N./Todd B./Dean E. 413.46*

15, 2004, it will be assumed the tax amounts listed are correct. Smith, Timothy S. 2,687.96 Penalties are added by the Tax Collector according to the Vermont Tidd, Joel P. & Gail E. 786.59*

Statutes. Tosi, Jeffrey L. & Donna M. 1,699.43*

Unaitis, Jerald A. & Marcella L. 1,134.86*

1%interest is also added monthly pervote at Town Meeting, March 1996. Washburn, Elliott S. 24.06*

Winter, Tanya 505.12 ANY PAYMENT RECEIVED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2003, IS NOT Young, Duane M. & Gay M. 1,645.25 REFLECTED IN THIS LISTING.

Balance Delinquent 2001 Real December 31, 2003 $74,665.95

$ 188.82* *Balance Outstanding Casey, Jean A. (Est.)

Dawson, Roy J. Jr. 972.68*

McAllister, Daniel H. & Kelley A. 1,015.15*

Mercier, Terry J. 212.95*

Miller, Robert J. Jr. 241.52*

Miner, Arnold E. (Est.) 32.40 Paquette, Robert & Patti 364.50 Scott, Arthur B. / Lester, Pamela J. 1,814.00*

2002 Ames, Teri M. 935.58*

Bailey, Philip & JoAnn 547.94*

Brooks, Todd A. & Maureen G. 422.95*

Casey, Jean A. (Est.) 1,000.89 Davidson, Hen W. & Birdie L. (Est.) 261.72*

Dawson,-Roy J.Jr. 888.32*

Lee, Stephen H. 1,223.21*

May, Timothy A. & Laurie M. 1,569.65 McAllister, Daniel H. & Kelley A. 1,072.17 McCarvill, Robert E. & Dauna C. 1,498.37 Mercier, Terry J. 510.84 Miller, Robert J. Jr. 2,001.70*

Miner, Arnold E. (Est.) 29.70 Paquette, Robert & Patti 334.13 Sclierlin, Judith A. 443.99*

Scott, Arthur B. /Lester, Pamela J. 2,453.22 Winter, Tanya 415.80 Young, Duane M. & Gay M. 864.26*

18 VERNON TOWN REPORT 18 VERNON TOWN REPORT TOWN GENERAL FUND COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET DEC.31,2002 DEC. 31,2003 DEC. 31,2002 DEC. 31,2003 CURRENT LIABILITIES CURRENT ASSETS AND FUND BALANCE Cash on Hand or in Bank Accounts Payable $ 7,505.66 $ 26,044.7 Town Checking Account $ 44,205.00 $ 18,959.66 Accrued Salaries & FICA 5,720.46 8,518.31 Invested Sweep Account 80,800.49 Due to Delinquent Tax Collector 261.84 Treasurer's Change Fund 100.00 100.00 Prepaid Taxes 905.00 5,445.7 Office Petty Cash 50.00 50.00 Due to VELCO 73,788.05 Town Clerk's Petty Cash 50.00 50.00 Due to Other Funds Recreation Change Fund 25.00 25.00 Professional Services Fund 100.00 Emergency Management Petty Cash 50.00 50.00 Restoration Fund 446.00 475.0(

Police Petty Cash 25.00 25.00 Dog Fund 9.0(

Prepaid Gas &Diesel 10,798.75 11,803.97 $ 88,727.01 $ 40,492.8&

$ 136,104.24 $31,063.63 Appropriation Commitments Delinquent Taxes Receivable Vernon Historians, Inc. $ 10,194.98 $ 3,741.6!

Real & Personal (Current) $ 55,411.82 $ 53,349.49 Vernon Historians, Photos & Supplies 149.74 198.8(

Real & Personal (Prior Years) 21,941.96 21,316.46 Town Audit 750.00 750.0(

$ 77,353.78 $ 74,665.95 Recreation-Playground Equipment 17.08 Town's 250th Celebration 4,200.00 Accounts Receivable Town Picnic 551.81 3,405.2-Vernon School District Town Veteran's War Memorial 2,000.0(

Gas $ 98.36 $ 153.36 Fire Department Storage Tank 12,592.50 12,592.5(

Treasurer's Supplies 1,045.13 325.38 Treasurer's Dental 292.29 315.66 Total Appropriations Committed $ 28,456.11 $ 22,688.21 Town Clerk's Remittances 3, 538.57 4,146.23 Library Payroll & Benefits 9, 148.64 1,741.12 Total Liabilities & Appropriations $ 117,183.12 $ 63,181.0ý Employees 16.00 37.69 Vendor Reimbursements 158.67 E 911 279.68 279.6:

Health Insurance 895.18 Farm Daze Committee 523.18 523.1 Prepaid Expenses 1,043.91 21,500.38 FEMA Emergency Management Reimbursement 185.46 185.4 Due from Delinquent Tax Collector 44.89 Designated Funds (Reserves) 9,519.70 40,536.6 Due from Fire Dept Homeland Sec Grant 87,260.44 Vernon Newspaper 10.00 Fund Balance 105,248.61 121,262.9 Entergy: EOC Phone & Fax Reimbursement 212.47 Net Fund Balance 105,248.61 121,262.9 St of Vermont: Civil Fines 330.00 Due From Other Funds Total Liabilities & Fund Balance $ 232,939.75 $ 225,968.9 Polly A. Lee Cemetery Lot Fund 3.13 1.10 Dog Fund 1,765.25 Designated Fund Balance:

Unemployment Compensation Fund 473.77 Canine Donation $ 50.08 Town Road Upgrade Fund - 4,002.01 EOC Emergency Radios: Entergy 1,000.00 Elderly Assistance Fund 367.50 2004 RERP (EOC) Award 5,000.00 Capital Fund 794.00 EOC Budget Reserve 6,813.65

$ 19, 481.73 $ 120,239.40 Fire Pond Maintenance 7,429.64 Grade Adjustments 8,811.17 TOTAL ASSETS $232, 939.75 $ 225,968.98 Pre-school Fundraiser 673.73 Tax Listing 2,500.00 GASB 34 Compliance 8,000.00 Recycling Bin 258.34 Total Designated Fund Balance $40,536.61 NOTE: The Town of Vernon has no long term indebtedness, therefore, a schedule of maturities is not included.

VERNON TOWN REPORT 19 VERNON TOWN REPORT 19 SELECTMEN'S SIX MONTHS BUDGET GENERAL EXPENSES JANUARY 1, 2004 - JUNE 30,2004 Secretaries (Floaters) 1,000.00 FICA 77.00 This budget was voted by Article 7 At a Special Town Meeting on General Office Supplies 3,000.00 November 18, 2003, with a vote by Article 5 to have the Town collect taxes on Advertising 2,000.00 it without discounts payable on orbefore April 15, 2004. A motion was passed Telephone 3,000.00 at the January 5, 2004 Selectmen's meeting to set a Municipal tax rate only of Postage 1,300.00

$ 0.2537 per hundred. Landfill (Tipping Fee) 36,000.00 Refuse Collection 20,500.00 i' TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE Disposal 3,600.00 Town Clerk $18,429.00 Dues and Subscriptions 400.00 Assistant Town Clerks 17,950.00 VT. League of Cities and Towns 1,785.00 Ballot Clerks 2,000.00 County Tax FICA 2,936.00 Contracts Maint. & Repair 6,000.00 Health Insurance 12,186.00 Insurance and Bonds 30,000.00 Dental Insurance 848.00 108,662.00 Life Insurance PLANNING

• Disability Insurance 536.00 Supplies, Postage, Misc. 100.00 New Office Equipment 2,000.00 Windham Regional Plan. Comm.

Ballots 100.00 Professional Assistance 250.00 Tapes 25.00 350.00 Postage for Ballots 200.00 RECREATION DEPARTMENT

• Town Meeting Sound System 600.00 Director 14,431.00 Travel and Conferences 2,400.00 Assistant Director 12,437.00 Miscellaneous (Elections) 300.00 Arts and Crafts Coordinator 200.00 60,510.00 Maintenance Foreman 1,400.00 TOWN TREASURER'S OFFICE Water Safety Instructors/Lifeguards 2,800.00 Treasurer 17,099.00 Day Camp Staff 1,600.00 Assistant Treasurer 11,354.00 Customer Service 650.00 FICA 2,082.00 Pre-School Instructor 7,800.00 Health Insurance 15,193.00 Pre-School Assistant 6,100.00 Dental Insurance 1,263.00 Counselors in Training 225.00 Life Insurance Weekend Supervisor

• Disability Insurance 660.00 FICA 4,000.00 Treasurer's Supplies 1,800.00 Health Insurance 27,658.00 New Office Equipment 500.00 Dental Insurance 1,714.00 Telephone 400.00 Life Insurance 600.00 *Disability Insurance 513.00 Travel and Conference 50,951.00 Supplies 11,425.00 AUDITORS Utilities/Fuel Oil 4,700.00 Auditors 13,176.00 Telephone 1,000.00

• Dues and Subscriptions 150.00 FICA 1,008.00 *Contracts and Rentals Health Insurance 10,643.00 1,400.00 Dental Insurance 844.00 Repairs and Maintenance 4,000.00 Equipment 2,000.00 Life Insurance New Equipment *Programs 7,000.00 Printing of Town Report 4,617.00 Travel and Conference 700.00 Postage 300.00 Communication and Education Travel and Conference 150.00 Reimbursable Activities 4,000.00 30,738.00 117,903.00 SCHOOL RENTAL: Not Needed LISTERS Listers 20,000.00 BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Listers' Admin. Assistant 7,OO0.00 Custodian 14,660.00 FICA 1,913.00 Assistant Custodian 10,700.00 Health Insurance 10,643.00 FICA 1,810.00 Dental Insurance 844.00 Health Insurance 8,520.00 Life Insurance Dental Insurance 857.00 Tax Listing Life Insurance Revision of Tax Maps *Disability Insurance 268.00 Travel and Conference 1.500.00 Uniforms 41,900.00 Supplies 1,000.00 SELECTMEN Grounds 1,200.00 Selectmen Fuel Oil 3,000.00 Selectmen's Secretary 3,091.00 Electricity: Town Office, North School 8,000.00 Pound Keeper Electricity: South School 200.00 Grade Adjustment 2,500.00 Repairs to Equipment 1,000.00 581.00 Repairs to Building 2,000.00 FICA Legal Services 12,000.00 Repairs & Maint. South School 100.00 GASB 34 Compliance 2,ooo.00 Custodial Equipment 500.00

• Travel 800.00 Travel and Conference 200.00 Miscellaneous 500.00 Miscellaneous: South School 200.00 500.00 54,215.00 Contributions and Gifts Green Up 350.00 CEMETERIES Memorial Day Committee Caretaking 4,626.00 22,322.00 Supplies 25.00 Repairs and Maintenance 25.00 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Not needed 4,676.00

20 VERNON TOWN REPORT 20 VERNON TOWN REPORT SENIORS TOWN GARAGE OPERATION Van Drivers 2,500.00 Road Commissioner 21,590.00 FICA 192.00 Equipment Operator 16,801.00 Gasoline 300.00 Operator/Mechanic 18,330.00 Activities 1,200.00 Part-time Operator 1,800.00 4,192.00 FICA 4,477.00 THE VERNON NEWSPAPER Health Insurance 16,640.00 Supplies 600.00 Dental Insurance 1,281.00 New Equipment 500.00 Life Insurance Postage 800.00 *Disability Insurance 939.00 Contracts and Maintenance 1,050.00 Uniforms 1,600.00 Miscellaneous Drug and Alcohol Testing 500.00 2,950.00 Supplies 2,500.00 POLICE DEPARTMENT Fuel Oil 3,500.00 Chief 22,580.00 Electricity .2,600.00 Sergeant 19,862.00 Telephone 1,300.00 Patrolmen 16,570.00 Dues and Subscriptions 200.00 Office Manager 9,615.00 Gas and Diesel 4,500.00 Special Police Officers 11,340.00 Road Tools and Supplies 3,000.00 FICA 6,118.00 Safety Equipment 1,100.00 Health Insurance 25,873.00 Building Repairs &Maintenance 5,000.00 Dental Insurance 1,902.00 Travel and Conference 400.00 Life Insurance 108,058.00

• Disability Insurance 1,238.00 ROAD EQUIP. REPAIR & MAINT.

Uniforms *900.00 Trucks 6,000.00 Supplies 700.00 Grader 2,000.00 Inoculations 815.00 Tractor 700.00 New Equipment 600.00 Town Van 300.00 Telephone 3,500.00 Snow Plows and Sanders 1,700.00 Postage 100.00 Front End Loader 700.00 Support Services 8,000.00 Small Equipment 1,000.00 Prisoner Lodging 375.00 Radios 500.00 D.A.R.E. 500.00 12,900.00 Gasoline 2,500.00 *New in 2004 Auto Repairs and Maintenance 3,000.00 Radio Repairs and Maintenance 500.00 TOTAL BUDGET $ 837,717.00 Other Equipment Repairs 1,250.00 ADJ VELCO DECISION 14,390.00 Training ESTIMATED INCOME (36,800.00)

Training, Travel and Conference 2,000.00 139,838.00 TOTAL AMOUNT TO BE RAISED $ 815,307.00 FIRE DEPARTMENT Lost Wages 500.00 Uniforms 1,500.00 Inoculations 800.00

• EAP 180.00 Supplies 1,500.00 New Equipment 7,500.00 Fuel Oil Electricity 1,800.00 Telephone 1,000.00 Southwest Mutual Aid 700.00 Gasoline Equipment Repairs & Maintenance 5,000.00 Fire Pond Maintenance Building Repair & Maintenance 1,300.00 Training, Travel and Conference 3,000.00 24,780.00 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Not Needed RESCUE'S OPERATING BUDGET Subscriptions & Amb. Service 2,600.00 Monthly Payment 4,872.00 7,472.00 OTHER PUBLIC SAFETY Health Officer 1,500.00 Sewage Officer Fire Warden - Permits 1,500.00 HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE Equipment Rental 6,000.00 Guard Rails 900.00 Culverts 2,000.00 Gravel 5,000.00 Chloride 6,100.00 Asphalt 800.00 Salt 20,000.00 Sand 2,000.00 Tree Warden 1,000.00 43,800.00

VERNON TOWN REPORT 21 VERNON TOWN REPORT 21 SELECTMEN'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005*

Budget Proposed Title Budget Expenses Receipts Balance Budget, 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004/2005 TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE Town Clerk 36,100.00 35,828.87 271.13 38,410.00 Assistant Town Clerks 27,000.00 28,438.92 (1,438.92) 32,000.00 Ballot Clerks 5,600.00 2,192.39 3,407.61 6,000.00 FICA 5,260.00 5,048.31 211.69 5,846.00 Health Insurance 20,182.00 20,475.40 (293.40) 17,331.00 Dental Insurance 1,650.00 1,500.68 149.32 1,864.00 Life Insurance 500.00 323.34 176.66 433.00

• • • Disability Insurance - - - 645.00 New Office Equipment 4,000.00 2,569.87 1,430.13 6,000.00 Ballots 50.00 89.00 (39.00) 150.00 Tapes 50.00 Postage for Ballots 300.00 115.92 184.08 500.00

• • • Town Meeting Sound System - - - 600.00 Travel & Conferences 2,000.00 3,876.01 (1,876.01) 4,000.00 Miscellaneous (Elections) 500.00 Income 27100.35 27,10.35 102,642.00 100,458.71 27,100.35 29,283.64 114,329.00 TOWN TREASURER'S OFFICE Treasurer 31,010.00 29,984.16 1,025.84 37,831.00 Assistant Treasurer 17,350.00 20,224.56 (2,874.56) 22,563.00 FICA 3,700.00 3,844.28 (144.28) 4,453.00 Health Insurance 12,582.00 17,970.21 (5,388.21) 21,773.00 Dental Insurance 1,170.00 1,036.62 133.38 2,759.00 Life Insurance 350.00 489.84 (139.84) 588.00

• • • Disability Insurance S- 725.00 Treasurer's Supplies 3,500.00 1,856.01 1,643.99 3,500.00 New Office Equipment 2,500.00 1,130.96 1,369.04 2,500.00 Telephone 600.00 708.81 (108.81) 800.00 Travel & Conference .. 150.00_ 663.95 836.05 __ __ -1500.00 74,262.00 77,909.40 (3,647.40) 98,992.00 AUDITORS Auditors 25,200.00 25,778.95 (578.95) 26,775.00 FICA 1,928.00 1,972.09 (44.09) 2,049.00 Health Insurance 34,905.00 35,253.12 (348.12) 15,220.00 Dental Insurance 3,280.00 2,987.28 292.72 1,855.00 Life Insurance 400.00 366.18 33.82 200.00 New Equipment Printing of Town Report 4,482.00 4,462.00 20.00 4,800.00 Postage for Town Reports 300.00 235.79 64.21 300.00 Travel & Conference 250.00 201.36 48.64 250.00 70,745.00 71,256.77 (511.77) 51,449.00 LISTERS' OFFICE Listers 24,000.00 27,420.56 (3,420.56) 35,000.00 Listers'Admin. Assistant 8,000.00 7,216.88 783.12 10,000.00 FICA 2,448.00 2,649.76 (201.76) 3,443.00

• • • Health Insurance

• • • Dental Insurance 15,220.00

• • • Life Insurance 1,855.00

- 200.00 Tax Listing 2,000.00 2,000.00 2.000.00 Revision of Tax Maps 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Travel & Conference _2,500.00 3,324.49 .

-824.9_l .30.0 39,948.00 40,611.69 (663.69) 72,218.00 SELECTBOARD Selectmen 16,610.00 16,610.00 16,610.00 Selectmens' Secretary 6,060.00 6,086.08 (26.08) 6,405.00 Pound Keeper 3,000.00 923.04 2,076.96 Grade Adjustment 5,000.00 5,000.00** - 1,500.00 FICA 2,730.00 2,380.88 349.12 2,700.00 Legal Services 25,000.00 3,309.63 21,690.37 25,000.00 GASB 34 Compliance 8,000.00 8,000.00** - 4,000.00

• • • Travel - - 1,000.00 Miscellaneous 1,000.00 1,768.58 (768.58) 1,000.00 Contributions & Gifts 1,200.00 430.00 770.00 1,000.00 Green-up 400.00 303.01 96.99 400.00 Memorial Day Committee 500.00 458.88 41.12 500.00 69,500.00 45,270.10 24,229.90 60,115.00

22 VERNON TOWN REPORT 22 VERNON TOWN REPORT Budget Proposed Title Budget Expenses Receipts Balance Budget 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004/2005 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Incentives 2,000.00_... 1+/-227.32 772.68 2000.00 2,000.00 1,227.32 772.68 2,000.00 GENERAL EXPENSES Secretary Service (Floater) 2,500.00 2,636.85 (136.85) 3,500.00 FICA 192.00 201.64 (9.64) 268.00 General Office Supplies 7,000.00 8,158.01 (1,158.01) 7,500.00 Advertising 6,000.00 1,793.47 4,206.53 6,000.00 Telephone 8,500.00 5,173.49 3,326.51 6,000.00 Postage 4,000.00 3,352.01 647.99 4,000.00 Landfill (Tipping Fees) 67,000.00 76,024.80 (9,024.80) 93,000.00 Refuse Collection 37,500.00 34,888.00 2,612.00 40,000.00 Disposal 7,500.00 6,431.33 1,068.67 4,500.00 Dues & Subscriptions 750.00 565.40 184.60 750.00 VT. League of Cities & Towns 1,684.00 1,684.00 - 1,785.00 County Tax 16,000.00 12,933.55 3,066.45 16,000.00 Contracts Maint. & Repair 10,000.00 11,628.91 (1,628.91) 12,000.00 Insurance & Bonds 50000.00 _- 42_,_930.00, - -,0700 65,50000 218,626.00 208,401.46 10,224.54 260,303.00 PLANNING Supplies, Postage, Misc. 500.00 26.33 473.67 500.00 Windham Regional Plan. Com. 2,482.00 2,976.00 (494.00) 2,976.00 Professional Assistance 500.00 500.00 500.00 3,482.00 3,002.33 479.67 3,976.00 RECREATION DEPARTMENT Director's Salary 30,021.00 31,247.59 (1,226.59) 29,966.00 Assistant Director 23,530.00 26,678.42 (3,148.42) 26,396.00 Arts & Crafts Co-ordinator 1,140.00 1,276.18 (136.18) 1,340.00 Maintenance Foreman 4,200.00 2,675.37 1,524.63 2809.00 Water Safety Instructors 22,625.00 20,205.99 2,419.01 21,616.00 Day Camp Staff 15,565.00 11,958.02 3,606.98 12,556.00 Customer Service 5,040.00 4,150.17 889.83 4,358.00 Preschool Director 11,900.00 14,482.26 (2,582.26) 15,475.00 Preschool Assistant 8,600.00 11,084.69 (2,484.69) 12,595.00 Counselors in Training 2,100.00 1,825.00 275.00 2,000.00 Weekend Supervisor 1,020.00 128.93 891.07 500.00 FICA 10,179.00 10,192.33 (13.33) 10,750.00 Health Insurance 23,088.00 22,648.26 439.74 34,670.00 Dental Insurance 2,850.00 2,119.20 730.80 4,642.00 Life Insurance 600.00 531.24 68.76 650.00

• • • Disability Insurance 720.00 Supplies 13,221.00 19,010.82 (5,789.82) 16,775.00 Utilities 7,110.00 7,971.24 (861.24) 7,150.00 Telephone 2,200.00 2,117.15 82.85 2,200.00

• • • Dues & Subscriptions 150.00

• • • Contracts & Rentals 10,700.00 1,345.00 Repairs & Maintenance 6,760.80 3,939.20 5,000.00 Equipment 5,910.00 1,393.94 4,516.06 5,250.00

'Programs 16300.00 Travel & Conference 1,779.00 247.78 1,531.22 2,500.00 Communication & Education 1,868.38 (1,868.38)

Reimbursable Activities 22,131.86 (22,131.86)

Income 51,562.54 51,562.54 Note: Reimbursable Activities will be re-placed with Programs 203,378.00 222,705.62 51,562.54 32,234.92 237,713.00 RECREATION SCHOOL RENTAL 997344.00 97,344.00 111,522.00 97,344.00 97,344.00 l1,522.00

VERNON TOWN REPORT 23 VERNON TOWN REPORT 23 Budget Proposed Budget Expenses Receipts Balance Budget 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004/2005 BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Custodian Salary 29,200.00 21,382.39 7,817.61 30,968.00 Assistant Custodian Salary 16,200.00 25,493.35 (9,293.35) 17,567.00 FICA 3,474.00 3,320.33 153.67 3,713.00 Health Insurance 14,400.00 14,257.94 142.06 12,431.00 Dental Insurance 645.00 1,306.17 (661.17) 1,885.00 Life Insurance 250.00 244.02 5.98 275.00

• • • Disability - - - 300.00 Uniforms 300.00 149.95 150.05 300.00 Supplies 4,500.00 4,394.54 105.46 4,500.00 Grounds 3,000.00 1,792.73 1,207.27 3,000.00 Fuel Oil 5,000.00 3,483.61 1,516.39 5,000.00 Electricity - Town/Lib/North 16,000.00 13,485.98 2,514.02 16,000.00 Electricity - South School 500.00 352.85 147.15 500.00 Repairs to Equipment 2,500.00 914.04 1,585.96 2,500.00 Repairs to Building 8,000.00 5,677.76 2,322.24 8,000.00 Repairs & Maint. -South School 300.00 - 300.00 300.00 Custodial Equipment 1,000.00 1,010.98 (10.98) 1,000.00 Travel & Conference 300.00 166.44 133.56 300.00 Miscellaneous - South School _- -_0-0. -- 32__

• -- -- - - ------ --- _-_8.*Q...-. - - _ 60.

106,169.00 97,753.08 8,415.92 109,139.00 CEMETERIES Caretaking 8,500.00 8,500.00 - 10,124.00 Supplies 600.00 259.12 340.88 600.00 Repair & Maintenance .2000.00 2,264.75 .....-- 2q_-_.75j 2 000.00 11,100.00 11,023.87 76.13 12,724.00 VERNON SENIORS Van Driver Salaries 8,500.00 4,726.24 3,773.76 8,500.00 FICA 651.00 367.67 283.33 651.00 Gasoline 1,000.00 500.25 499.75 1,000.00 Activities 2545.00 2545.00- - 2,545.00 12,696.00 8,139.16 4,556.84 12,696.00 THE VERNON NEWSPAPER Supplies 1,350.00 1,126.65 223.35 1,350.00 New Equipment 500.00 67.96 432.04 750.00 Postage 1,350.00 1,485.57 (135.57) 1,500.00 Contracts & Maintenance 1,200.00 1,115.27 84.73 1,350.00 Miscellaneous 100.00 - 100.00 50.00 Income _ 1.82o _ __ -0_2- -

4,500.00 3,795.45 1,828.00 2,532.55 5,000.00

24 VERNON TOWN REPORT 24 VERNON TOWN REPORT Budget Proposed Title Budget Expenses Receipts Balance Budget 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004/2005 POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief's Salary 44,302.00 44,136.68 165.32 47,237.00 Sergeant Salary - - 37,682.00 Patrolmen's Salaries 62,400.00 58,153.36 4,246.64 32,316.00 Office Manager Salary 18,600.00 15,559.95 3,040.05 20,220.00 Police Specials, 21,000.00 4,600.49 16,399.51. 23,360.00 FICA 11,193.00 9,266.46 1,926.52 12,303.00 Health Insurance 32,800.00 41,279.00 (8,479.00) 36,883.00 Dental Insurance 2,300.00 3,254.05 (954.05). 4,375.00 Life Insurance

• • • • Uniforms 900.00 578.15 321.85 900.00 Inoculations - - 900.00 1,625.00 71.25 1,553.75 1,650.00

• • • Disability Insurance 1,500.00 Supplies 1,200.00 1,353.19 .(153.19) 1,200.00 New Equipment & Uniforms 5,000.00 3,838.77 1,161.23 3,100.00 Telephone 6,000.00 6,720.28 (720.28) 5,000.00 Postage 200.00 135.01 64.99 200.00 Support Service 15,000.00 14,691.18 308.82 15,500.00 Prisoner Lodging 750.00 160.00 590.00 750.00 D.A.R.E. 750.00 697.65 52.35 850.00 Gasoline 5,000.00 4,155.45 844.55 5,000.00 Auto Repairs & Maintenance 3,500.00 4,136.39 (636.39) 3,500.00 Radio Repairs & Maintenance 1,000.00 438.89 561.11 1,000.00 Other Equipment Repairs 2,500.00 807.57 1,692.43 2,750.00 Training 4,000.00 931.40 3,068.60 Travel & Conference 500.00 509.07 (9.07) 4,500.00 Income 240,520.00 215,474.26 2,487.10 27,532.84 262,676.00 FIRE DEPARTMENT Lost Wages 5,000.00 140.57 4,859.43 5,000.00

• • • FICA - - - 100.00 Uniforms 5,000.00 4,756.92 243.08 4,384.00 Inoculations 1,625.00 1,625.00 1,625.00

• • • EAP - - - 350.00 Supplies 1,500.00 2,677.73 (1,177.73) 3,400.00 New Equipment 18,000.00 21,978.98 (3,978.98) 14,000.00 Fuel Oil 3,000.00 3,729.60 (729.60) 3,000.00 Electricity 3,500.00 3,543.53 (43.53) 3,500.00 Telephone 2,000.00 2,491.82 (491.82) 2,000.00 Southwest Mutual Aid 6,800.00 6,700.00 100.00 13,416.00 Gasoline 1,300.00 1,120.31 179.69 1,300.00 Equipment Repair & Maintenance 10,250.00 11,375.61 (1,125.61) 10,000.00 Fire Pond Maintenance 6,000.00 6,000.00** - 6,000.00 Building Repair&Maintenance 8,000.00 3,808.15 4,191.85 4,000.00 Training, Travel & Conference 736,9700 74,628.644 _2,85.44)_

1 _ 05.00 76,975.00 74,608.66 2,366.34 77,075.00 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Director's Compensation 1,800.00 1,800.00 - 1,800.00 Secretary's Compensation 500.00 500.00 - 500.00

• • • RadiologicalOfficer - - 500.00 Supplies 500.00 500.00** - 500.00 New Equipment/Safety Equipment 4,000.00 4,000.00** - 4,000.00 Equipment Repair & Maintenance 1,000.00 1,000.00-* - 1,000.00 Building Repairs & Maintenance 500.00 _500.00** - 500.00 8,300.00 8,300.00 - 8,800.00 RESCUE'S OPERATING BUDGET Subscriptions & Ambulance Service 4,500.00 6,160.68 (1,660.68) -

Monthly Payment 9 100.00 .9-10. 11241.00 13,600.00 15,260.68 (1,660.68) 11,241.00 OTHER PUBLIC SAFETY Health Officer 1,500.00 1,500.00 - 1,500.00 Sewage Officer 850.00 250.00 600.00 850.00 Fire Warden - Permits 28500.0_0_ 2,7O17.00 -

-3. -- 68 _250.00 2,850.00 2,167.00 683.00 2,850.00

VERNON TOWN REPORT 25 VERNON TOWN REPORT 25 Proposed Title Budget Expenses Receipts Balance Budget 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004/2005 HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE Equipment Rental 12,000.00 7,110.00 4,890.00 12,000.00 Guard Rails 1,800.00 1,244.00 556.00 1,800.00 Culverts 5,000.00 2,815.54 2,184.46 5,000.00 Gravel 10,000.00 8,918.80 1,081.20 12,000.00 Chloride 5,500.00 6,003.36 (503.36) 6,200.00 Asphalt 1,500.00 1,286.48 213.52 1,700.00 Salt 28,000.00 27,697.17 302.83 29,000.00 Sand 6,000.00 5,988.00 12.00 6,100.00 Tree Warden 20000 2,00500 295.00 2300.00 72,100.00 63,068.35 9,031.65 76,100.00 TOWN GARAGE OPERATION Road Commissioner Salary 41,091.00 41,903.18 (812.18) 43,551.00 Equipment Operator 32,668.00 32,687.87 (19.87) 34,614.00 Operator/Mechanic 35,400.00 35,695.37 (295.37) 38,103.00 Part-Time Operator 3,000.00 2,801.60 198.40 6,000.00 FICA 8,581.00 8,651.01 (70.01) 9,354.00 Health Insurance 27,559.00 28,099.33 (540.33) 27,722.00 Dental Insurance 2,490.00 2,267.85 222.15 2,677.00 Life Insurance 700.00 635.16 64.84 733.00 Uniforms 2,500.00 2,436.83 63.17 2,600.00

• • • Disability Insurance - - - 1,033.00 Drug & Alcohol Testing 1,000.00 435.00 565.00 1,000.00 Supplies 4,500.00 4,636.53 (136.53) 4,600.00 Fuel Oil 7,000.00 5,559.40 1,440.60 7,000.00 Electricity 3,000.00 3,199.23 (199.23) 3,200.00 Telephone 2,500.00 2,060.08 439.92 2,500.00 Dues & Subscriptions 400.00 252.00 148.00 400.00 Gas & Diesel 6,500.00 7,096.53 (596.53) 6,700.00 Road Tools & Supplies 4,000.00 3,916.39 83.61 4,100.00 Safety Equipment 2,000.00 1,439.98 560.02 2,000.00 Build ingRepair & Maintenance 8,700.00 8,740.64 (40.64) 8,700.00 Travel & Conference 800.00 245.00 555.00 800.00 Income ~lo lfi5AlL..-.---. ~O- ..- -..

194,389.00 192,758.98 105.00 1,735.02 207,387.00 ROAD EQUIPMENT REPAIR & MAINT.

Trucks 12,000.00 16,836.18 (4,836.18) 12,000.00 Grader 2,000.00 3,890.30 (1,890.30) 2,500.00 Tractor 800.00 1,661.44 (861.44) 1,000.00 Town Van 600.00 562.34 37.66 800.00 Snow Plows & Sander 3,000.00 2,961.62 38.38 3,000.00 Front End Loader 1,500.00 360.89 1,139.11 5,900.00 Small Equipment 2,200.00 1,297.02 902.98 2,200.00 Radios U000.00 652.23 347.77 1_,000.00 23,100.00 28,222.02-- (5,12_.2.02) 28,400.00 TOTAL BUDGET $ 1,648,226.00 $ 1,588,758.91 $ 83,082.99 $ 142,550.08 $ 1,826,705.00 INTEREST EARNED 2,169.06 ADJ VELCO DECISION (59,397.87)

DEDUCT SURPLUS (107,669.15) (85,321.27)

ESTIMATED INCOME 2003 (86,000.00)

ESTIMATED INCOME 2004 (86,000.00)

TOTAL AMOUNT TO BE RAISED $ 1,454,556.85 $ 1,588,758.91 $ 83,082.99 $ 85,321.27 $ 1,655,383.73

• Subject to change before Town Meeting

• • Note: The following budgeted accounts shown as fully expended in 2003 have been placed in Reserve Funds for spending in 2004/2005:$5000 in Grade Adjustments, $8,000 in GASB 34 Compliance and $4,429.64 in Fire Pond Maintenance. In addition, $6,813.65 is in a Reserve fund for Emergency Management's use from January to June, 2004.

• • • New Line Items

26 VERNON TOWN REPORT 26 VERNON TOWN REPORT Balance Transfers and Previous Appropriation Expenses Donations Balance Years 2003 2003 MISCELLANEOUS APPROPRIATIONS LibraryAdministration & Operation $ $75,691.00 $75,691.00 $

Vernon Historians, Inc.-Storage Bldg. 10,194.98 6,453.29 3,741.69 Vernon Historians, Inc.-Photos 149.74 750.00 700.94 198.80 Town Picnic 551.81*

Volunteer Fund of Rescue Inc. 1,000.00 1,000.00 Rescue Inc. Ambulance/Medical Equipment Replacement Fund 4,000.00 4,000.00 Town Audit 750.00 750.00 Water Storage Tanks with Dry Hydrants 12,592.50 12,592.50 Vernon 250th Anniversary Celebration 4,200.00 5,000.00 13,206.36 6,859.76 3,405.21**

Recreation Playground Equipment 17.08 17.08 Veteran's Memorial 2,000.00 2,000.00

• Voted by Article 19 at March 2003 Town Meeting to be allocated to the Vernon 250th Anniversary Celebration

• • Voted by Article 1 at the November 18, 2003 Special Town Meeting to allocate this balance for use toward the 2004 Annual Town Picnic PROPOSED 2004/2005 TOWN BUDGET BY DEPARTMENT Town Clerk S 114,329 Treasurer $ 98,992 Auditors $ 51,449 Listers $ 72,218 Selectmen S 60,115 General $ 260,303 Recreation S 237,713 Rec Sch Rental $ 111.522 Bldgs/Gmds $ 109,139 Police $ 262.676 Fire S 77,075 Highway $ 311.887 Misc* S 59,287 Library $ 86,846 Total $ 1,913.551 Library Town Clerk

• 5% 6% Treasurer 3% 5% Auditors 3%

Highway o, AdUsters 15% A Selectmen 3%

Fire ' " * .,..

4% C General

~ 14%

BldgslGmds Rec Sch Rental 6% 6%

Misc. includes Planning,. Employee Benefits, Cemeteries, Seniors, Vernon Newspaper, Emergency Mgmt, Rescue's Operating Budget Other Public Safety

VERNON TOWN REPORT 27 BOARDS AND ORGANIZATIONS ANIMAL CONTROL AND ORGANIZATIONS BOARDS CEMETERY COMMITTEE REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2003 The Committee would like to thank PeeWee for his excellent The year 2003 has come and gone! How time flies! The Vernon Police work in taking care of our cemeteries this past year. The Committee Department has been handling any and all animal complaints for the would also like to thank Francis Serviss for the assistance he pro-past year. vided.

To date, we have seen only one confirmed case of rabies in town, this This past year, the Whithed Cemetery fence was painted and was a raccoon shot by a Governor Hunt Road resident this past one tree was replaced.

summer. The critter was sent to the State Laboratory for testing, and proved positive for rabies. This is also evident in surrounding towns, The 2004 and 2005 Cemetery Caretaking Contract was awarded so, hopefully, this dreaded disease is finally winding down after to Marion (PeeWee) Edwards.

seeing it peak in 2001/2002.

We want to remind anyone having shrubs by headstones that We still deal with numerous dogs running at large, where owners let it is your responsibility to keep them trimmed as needed. It is also their pets out to do their business and then fail to bring them in, your personal responsibility to remove any potted plants, pots and consequently, the animals run all day long. The police receive a call any floral arrangements whether real or artificial when they have from citizens concerned about the animal's safety and welfare. gone by. Decorative rocks are also not allowed in the cemeteries.

Again, I cannot stress the importance of an animal wearing a collar Anyone may get a copy of the Cemetery Regulations upon request to with license and rabies tags attached. Then when the dog is picked the Town Clerk.

up, we can return it home to its rightful owner instead of lodging the canine at the town animal pound, sometimes with considerable The Committee meets the second Wednesday of each month expense to the owner. As in the past, I still maintain that Vernon is a from April through November.

"dumping ground" for dogs which are abandoned in townby owners who cannot be bothered to take their pet to an appropriate adoption MARYLYNN SCHERLIN, Chairman shelter. MIKE WALSH, Vice Chairman FRANK JOHNSON, SR.

This past year has seen an increase in stray cats, which again, land up at the Humane Society for adoption. Most of the stray cats we have picked up appear to be domesticated and not the "barnyard" type, which are not very friendly, to say the least. This past winter, we did ELDERLY ASSISTANCE BOARD not receive too many reports about missing cats, so perhaps, the Fisher Cats did not have a stable diet of felines on their food chain! The Elderly Assistance Board would like to thank everyone who helped provide assistance to our Seniors this year.

We have seen an increase in horses breaking out of their pastures and wandering along the highways in different areas of town. I would The primary purpose of the Vernon Elderly Assistance Pro-gram is to help older and disabled residents to remain in their homes like to remind owners to check your fences on occasion and check for in independent living situations, especially those with limited in-broken fence panels or is the electric fence functioning properly? Is comes and in danger of depleting their savings. The by-laws have not the battery dead? Remember, if Trigger gets hit by a motor vehicle included residents in conjugate living where services are provided and causes a serious accident, you may have a dead horse on your by their facilities. -

hands, and some serious liability issues.

Often we rely on family, friends and neighbors to lend a The Town of Vernon now has a contract with the Windham Humane helping hand. Area churches have been very helpful and there are Society, whereby any stray dogs are lodged at the Town Pound for many more who continue to silently assist those in need. Our greatest two days and then taken up to the Humane Society where their need is for volunteers. A little help is often sufficient to enable someone to stay at home.

owners can claim them after paying boarding fees, or if unclaimed, they will be available for adoption. Due to the fact that our Pound Services provided this year included snow removal, help with does not have any facilities for boarding cats, these will be trans- housekeeping, putting on storm windows and transportation to ported to the Humane Society immediately. medical appointments.

We have been active in connecting people to agencies for help Rpectf submitted, with fuel assistance, supplemental food programs and other social services. We are committed to confidentiality for all.

The Board meets the third Tuesday of each month.

Police Chief, Ian McCollin MARYLYNN SCHERLIN, Chairman JACK ARENSMEYER JOEL TIDD JEAN WAITE (Resigned)

MARION WATSON

28 VERNON TOWN REPORT 28 VERNON TOWN REPORT THE VERNON In November, Connie Faulkner was voted in as a member VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT and has been appointed as the Department's First Response Squad, Manager. She has recently helped the Fire Department to apply to the Vermont Department of Health to become a licensed

"'EIGHBORS ANSWERING THE CALL " Emergency Medical Service First Response Squad. The Vernon Volunteer Fire Department has been responding to medical The Fire Department "answers the call" for many reasons; emergencies in the town for the past several years to aid Rescue various fires, flooded basements, lost persons, filling swimming Inc. in offering care to the sick and injured in our community. In pools, motor vehicle crashes, and the list goes on. Usually when the near future, Vernon Volunteer Fire Department will begin people don't know where to go or who to call, they call their responding to 911 calls in Vernon as a licensed Emergency "Neighbor". There were a total of 129 calls in 2003 with the Medical Service providing medical care by certified First Respond-following breakdown: ers and Emergency Medical Technicians qualified to render medical care under the license of a Medical Director.

Broken Pipes 3 Brush Fires 3 Burnt Food 4 Car Fires 3 My goals as Fire Chief are to recognize and encourage each Chimney Fires 2 Electrical Fire 1 member's strengths, to facilitate a "family" friendly Department. I Fallen Trees 2 Flooded Basements 2 hope to provide more community services such as monthly blood Fire Alarms 3 Hazardous Materials 2 pressure checks and lastly it is my utmost desire to model positive Illegal Bums 3 Legal Burns 4 leadership and to honor the community in my service. In closing, I Mutual Aid 6 Motor Vehicle Accidents 15 would like to thank the volunteers and families for their dedica-Rescue Assistance 57 Odor/Smoke Investigation 6 tion and talents. Each person plays an important role in order to Wires Down 3 Tree on Elec.Wire/Fire 1 make this Fire Company a successful entity to this town. We are Miscellaneous 9 your "NeighborsAnswering the Call."

The most important parts of any organization are team- TERRANCE PARKER, Chief work, training and dedication. The men and women of the Vernon Volunteer Fire Company each have something very special to bring to the team and when we are called, we pull together as one.

Training is an ongoing part of each member's evolution as a FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT - 2003 firefighter. Training consists of in house classes, hands on drills, how to's for running and operating trucks, pumps, and hose lines. "The 2003 fire season proved to be a wet one keeping fire occurrence It also includes specifics for various accidents, hazardous material low" so states a memorandum received from the State of Vermont.

incidents, the many fire incidences, carbon monoxide, search and rescue, as well as a host of other areas. Aside from the training They received 101 reports of fires that burned almost 100 acres but that occurs during our Tuesday night meetings, we currently have reported "0 Fires, 0 Acres Burned" for the Town of Vernon.

9 Members and Explorers taking Fire Fighter One and 3 Members taking EMT-Basic Training and 2 of these take both. This is a huge 417 people called for fire permits. The firemen checked a few fires undertaking for these men and women as courses are one or two that were started without permits.

nights weekly and many Saturdays and sometimes Sundays, adding more time away from families in order to make themselves Thank you for obeying the law and calling before you bum.

better servants for this community.

Our Explorer Post, chartered by the Boy Scouts of America WALTER L. BRUCE, Forest Fire Warden and directed by Captain Liebfried, has proven very successful. RAYMOND CAPEN, Deputy Recently Jacob Hardy graduated to Fire Fighter and we expect Joe McNary, Joshua Carr and Keith Franklin to be moving up in the next few months.

An Explorer is a 14-21 year old who has an interest in exploring fire service. They learn the same things as Fire Fighters and work side by side with them in many cases. They do not do any interior fire fighting but can help just about anywhere else under close supervision. Captain Jim Liebfried has been working with this group since the inception a number of years ago. If you or anyone you know may be interested, the meetings are usually on Thursday evenings 7-9 p.m.

VERNON TOWN REPORT 29 VERNON TOWN REPORT 29 VERNON HISTORIANS, INC. The January quarterly meeting featured a programby Courtland Dunklee on the Walnut Grove Dairy Farm. In April, a slide presen-The Vernon Historians, Inc. is dedicated to realizing a better tation of past Vernon celebrations, namely 1974 in Northfield, Mass.,

appreciation of our heritage. Membership is open to everyone. 1976 and 1991 in Vernon, took place and July's program was the joint Annual dues are: $5 for adult, $1for junior members under 18, $10 for presentation with the Library. In October, the Annual Meeting sustaining members, $25 for institutional members and $100 for life shared billing with an exhibit of post cards and vintage "Life" membership. magazines.

The Vernon Historians had a very busy year. 2003 marked the On September 26, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the 250th anniversary of the charter which established Vernon. The Charter, the Vernon Post Office used a special Vernon pictorial Historians commemorated the occasion in several ways. Their big- cancellation stamp designed byBarbara Moseley. The annual Memo-gest undertaking was to raise funds to restore the interior of the Pond rial Day service and one wedding were held at the Pond Road Road Chapel. In 1968, efforts to save and restore the Chapel were the Chapel.

catalyst for the formation of the Historians. The Historians bought the Chapel from the Advent Christian Church for $1.00 and restored Officers for 2004: Trustees:

the exterior, but the interior remained mostly in its original condi- PHILIP NELSON, President RICHMOND TRIPP, Chairman tion. The sad state of the historic ceiling paper, wall border and carpet CAROL POOLE, Vice President WALTER ZALUZNY discouraged wider use of the building. Restoring the interior of the RUTH TRIPP, MARTHA DUNKLEE Chapel to its former glory would be a birthday present that current CorrespondingSecretary STEPHEN MOORE residents and future generations could enjoy. CAROL HAMMOND, CAROLYN MOORE RecordingSecretary CAROL HAMMOND Many events were scheduled throughout the year to call atten- BARBARA SPRAGUE, Treasurer ANN DOE tion to the Chapel and raise funds toward the $23,000 needed to ANN PARKER complete the interior restoration. In May, a town-wide solicitation of CAROL POOLE residents and businesses was begun. At the beginning of June, a tag sale was held at the Chapel. During Vernon's birthday celebration in June, the Pond Road Chapel, bedecked in bunting, was open to the public and served as headquarters for sales of commemorative T-shirts as well as Historians' wares. To mark Vernon's birthday REPORT OF THE HEALTH OFFICER year, the Historians were represented in the town parade by Evelyn and Jim Murray riding in their 1926 Model T Ford. In co-operation One of the duties of the Health Officer is to respond to with the Vernon Free Library, a program was presented in July at the complaints of health hazards occurring in rental units. The Health school on the founding of New England towns in general, and Officer works with the Department of Health to insure that these Vernon specifically, by Dartmouth Professor Emeritus Jere Daniell. hazards are managed properly. The goal is to insure that both tenant and landlord work together in resolving any problems. In some In August, an Antiques Appraisal took place at theTown Office cases, such as lead paint contamination, the State Health Department Building. In September a Craft Fair was held adjacent to the Chapel takes the lead in managing the problem.

and ball fields, during which Barbara Moseley hosted and narrated tours of Vernon's historic sites via the town's minibus. In October, a Again, I would like to remind residents that any alteration in tour of Historic Homes offered people a chance to see the interior of an existing system, such as replacing a septic tank or opening a five of Vernon's older homes. Throughout the year, the Historians replacement area requires a Health Permit. These permits are ob-sold commemorative Christmas ornaments and Christmas cards tained at the Town Clerk's office, and are good for one year from the depicting the Chapel plus raffle tickets for a hand carved and painted date of issue.

decoy.

Copies of the Town Sewage Ordinance are available at the By the end of 2003, with the addition of a $5,000 Historic Town Clerk's office. Residents who are considering changes or new Preservation Grant from a partnership of the Preservation Trust of construction are advised to consult either the Health Officer or the Vermont and the Freeman Foundation, $16,000 had been raised. The Town Clerk for clarification of regulations. This will help avoid electrical service at the Chapel has been updated, the plaster walls delays and / or additional expense. New construction requires both a have been repaired by a historic conservator, primer coats have been permit and a plan drawn up by a Vermont licensed engineer or site applied to the restored walls, and some minor repairs have been technician. The plan and the permit are recorded with the Town made to the "deacons" benches. Restoration of the ceiling paper and Clerk.

wall border is scheduled for Spring with window repairs, painting, drainage improvements and installation of a security system to Rabies complaints are handled by the Police Department. In follow. Finally, the Historians are working with the Town Highway cases where there has been contact between the suspected animal Department to erect signs identifying Vernon's brooks as they cross and a human, the Health Officer works with the Police Department under our roadways. to insure compliance.

Besides all the birthday related events, the Historians main-

SUMMARY

OF ACTIVITIES tained their regular schedule of quarterly meetings and kept the Museum in the old South School open on Sunday afternoons from New systems installed 7 June through September. Programs at the Museum included a plant Alterations to existing systems 1 sale, exhibits of advertising stoneware, old children's toys and games Final inspections pending 8 as well as handmade Shaker boxes and an ice cream social. The annual Classic Car Exhibit was rained out. JOHN M. SKIBNIOWSKY, Health Officer

30 VERNON TOWN REPORT 30 VERNON TOWN REPORT If anyone has questions about their property, please contact REPORT OF THE LISTERS our office and we will do our best to help you.

The Listers' vision is to determine the fair market value of all real and personal property and maintain equity throughout the town to produce a defensible grand list each year. WILLIAM HAMMOND, Chairman PHYLLIS NEWTON Listers compile and maintain the Grand List, which is a listing CAROL HAMMOND of all properties and their assessed values. In order to receive state aid to education, towns are required to assess all properties at 100% of Fair Market Value. The State studies the sales in every town every year. As of December 2003, our CLA (Common Level of Appraisal) dropped to 90.14%. If this percentage drops below 80% of Fair 250th COMMITTEE REPORT Market Value, the Town is required by the State to do a town wide reappraisal. We continue to watch our sales closely as an indicator to The Committee worked diligently to put together one of the when we need to reappraise. biggest events the Town of Vernon has seen. Committee members made telephone calls to area businesses and sent letters to get The Legislature, in its infinite wisdom, in an effort to revise donations of food, drink or monetary assistance. A bake sale was Act 60, the Equal Education Law, passed a new bill, Act 68 which will held at the Interstate 91 Welcome Center. All of this volunteerism be effective April 1, 2004. Under this law, the Listers are required to gave the Town an event to be talked about for a long time.

split the Grand List between residents who declare their Vermont HomesteadsbyApril15 and non residents.Thisnonresidentcategory Sonya Shippee and Tarina Swanger organized the parade from includes all commercial, rental properties, second homes, utilities start to finish. The parade was assembled at the intersection of Pond Road, Newton and Lily Pond Road. As the parade passed by the and miscellaneous properties. Failure to declare a homestead will Chapel, Georgia Boyce narrated from cue cards put together by result in penalties by the State. Even if a property owner is not Tarina.

required to file an income tax return he or she MUST file a Homestead Declaration, Form HS-131. by April 15. There is NO -Marylynn Scherlin organized and supervised the Penny Car-grace period for late filing. nival that was once again a huge success.

Listers are not responsible for tax increases. The data we The Potluck Supper was enthusiastically received with more collect on each property determines its assessment. The total value of people than usual. Most of those attending stayed to enjoy the all the properties is the Grand List. After the Select Board and School dancing to live music and then to watch the Fireworks (a big portion Board set their budgets, which are voted at Town Meeting, the of the display was courtesy of Entergy Vermont Yankee).

Budget amounts are divided by the Grand List to determine the tax Behind the scenes, during the preparation and on the event day rate. Due to the Town's vote to change to a fiscal year to coincide with itself was Larry Shippee, Sr. He made signs, flags, and carted items the School, we will be having an extra municipal tax bill due April 15, to and from the Recreation Area. The flags that so proudly waved up 2004. and down Pond Road were handmade by and hung by Larry.

In 2003, two of the Listers had the opportunity to continue In the coming year and years to follow, our tax rate will be their educationby takingbothbeginner and advanced CAMA classes steadily rising, so please consider this event when you decide what taught by Property Valuation and Review, an Excel class, sponsored should stay and what should go. If a reduction in the amount raised by VLCT, and the Fundamentals of Mass Appraisal Course offered and appropriated is smaller, the committee will have a greater need by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). We of volunteers and donations. Volunteers are one of the most needed commodities for the future of all our committees, boards, and events.

also attended the annual Municipal Officers Meetings and Vermont Won't you step forward and join one or more of the committees that Association of Listers and Assessors (VALA). These meetings are work hard to make our town a great place to live?

invaluable to Listers as they provide forums for questions and concerns that all Listers share throughout the State. Mark your calendar for the last Saturday in June, 2004 and we will see you there.

Because of the increased activity in the real estate market, we have seen a greater volume in requests for information. We have 250th Committee Members assisted a large number of bank appraisers, real estate agents, GEORGIA BOYCE, Chair prospectivebuyers, and people with inquiries onhouses and land for JOYCE GOODNOW sale, (and in some cases, not yet for sale), who have come into our SONYA SHIPPEE MARYLYNN SCHERLIN office as well as those who contact us by telephone or through the CHRISTIANE HOWE mail. Again this year, the Listers were able to do all the necessary TARINA SWANGER appraisals for the many new homes, additions, etc. in house. This has resulted in savings for the Town.

We would like to encourage any property owner who has had recent surveys of their properties done to please submit them to the Town Clerk's office for recording. This will insure accuracy in our tax maps.

VERNON TOWN REPORT 31 VERNON TOWN REPORT 31 LIBRARIAN'S REPORT VERNON FREE LIBRARY We have changed the appearance of this report as we automate.

TRUSTEES' REPORT Number of items circulated and cataloged: The Vernon Free Library had a wonderfully eventful year in Including BOOKS, BOOKS ON TAPE, and 2003. The Summer Reading Program was, once again, very success-VIDEO TAPES ful. Sixty-four children, pre-school through 8th grade finished the 8,536 Number of Items circulated but not cataloged: program and were rewarded with a book of their choice. They were Including PERIODICALS, PUZZLES, RECORDS also able to participate in a fun party with live entertainment pro-ART PRINTS, and some JUVENILE AUDIO vided by Magician Tom Joyce, face-painting by Jo and Meghan 532 STATE BOOKS Astley and lots of snacks.

245 Number of items Purchased: You may remember seeing your favorite librarians and trust-BOOKS ees at the Penny Carnival held at the Vernon town park right before 339 BOOKS ON TAPE the town picnic. Hopefully you were one of the many people who 53 PERIODICAL SUBSCRIPTIONS came to the Library during the year to utilize the many services 22 NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS provided to our users. We have successfully applied for and received 3

CD'S 29 the second year of the Freeman Grant. This grant will be utilized to VIDEOS renovate the Library's bathroom to make it handicap accessible and 3

to rework and update the Library interior to increase useable area Number of Items Donated: and overall workplace efficiency.

BOOKS 450 BOOKS ON TAPE 22 The Library has sponsored several popular classes for the PUZZLES 200 ProQuest Genealogy database taught by Arleen Huesman. This is PERIODICALS (MONTHLY) just one of the great offerings available on the computers at the 25 PAPERBACK BOOKS library. Also, Gale InfoTrac and MedLine are on-line databases, 345 VIDEOS games, email and research opportunities. The Library is filled with 145 CD'S many new fiction and non-fiction books, periodicals for one and all, 12 DVD'S 7 computers, videos and books-on-tape. You can have copies made, send a fax, get your tax forms, borrow Storytime boxes, do puzzles, We are so proud to have nearly completed our project to get the and take out works of art to adorn your walls. We sponsor a story media all cataloged and in our Athena Database. hour on Mondays for children ages 0-6 years old.

Story hours with Lisa have been so popular that we now offer them each Monday from 10 to 11:15 a.m. This playgroup is free All five trustees (Elizabeth Eriksson, Christine Fredericks, Nancy and open to anyone with children up to 6 years of age. We enjoy Burrington, Sallie May, and Kenneth Swanger) from last year re-Free Play, Story, Simple Craft and Snack. turned for another year of fun and service.

Thanks to all who have made such great donations. We have begun a very nice video collection with your generous gifts this There are many opportunities now available for young, old year. and everyone in-between at your Library. As always, if you have We appreciate your continued support as we go forward. The questions, please call the Library (257-0150) or check out the Vernon Vernon Free Library is 99 years old in 2004. Let's plan a great Free Library web site for more information at celebration in 2005! www.Vernonfreelibrary.org.

Arleen, Jean and Cheryl have been a great team this year. We are fortunate to have them on staff and we appreciate the great work and dedication of our Trustees.

KENNETH SWANGER NANCY I. EVANS, Director Chairperson Library Board of Trustees

32 VERNON TOWN REPORT 32 VERNON TOWN REPORT VERNON FREE LIBRARY VERNON FREE LIBRARY FINANCIAL REPORT PROPOSED BUDGET Balance January 1, 2003 $ 34,553.36 FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 - JUNE 30, 2005 ADD: Gross Wages $42,967.00 Appropriation for 2003 $ 75,691.00 Library's Share of FICA 3,450.00 Interest on Checking Account 44.40 Books 8,000.00 Copier Receipts 297.25 Renewals & Periodicals 2,000.00 Book Sale 167.00 Audio . 500.00 Miscellaneous Income 120.00 Telephone 2,100.00 Supplies - Office/ Computer 2,300.00 Technology 2,000.00 Total Funds Available $ 110,873.01 Software 1,050.00 Internet Access 240.00 DEDUCT: New Equipment 300.00 Gross Wages $ 47,232.49 Repairs/Maintenance 1,500.00 Library's Share of FICA 3,613.29 Dues 450.00 Books 7,846.72 Workshops, Conferences, & Mileage 450.00 Renewals & Periodicals 2,429.36 Postage 500.00 Audio 752.16 Bonding Treasurer 100.00 Telephone 1,356.95 Programs 750.00 Supplies (Office & Computer) 2,015.76 Miscellaneous /Contingency 100.00 Internet Access 323.00 Employee Insurances 13,089.00 Software 744.00 Capital Budget 5,000.00 New Equipment 1,956.63 Repairs & Maintenance 762.00 Total $86,846.00 Dues 275.00 Workshops, Conferences, &Mileage 290.59 Postage 378.57 Bonding Treasurer 100.00 Programs 782.98 Employee Insurances 11,445.90 FREEMAN GRANT (82,305.40)

FINANCIAL REPORT Balance December 31, 2003 $ 28,567.61* First Year Freeman Grant

• Committed for expenses January, February and March 2004. Financial Report Balance January 1, 2003 $3,397.28 Expenses to Date:

Library Materials $ 386.99 Contractual Services 945.00 Supplies & Equipment 1,808.62 VERNON FREE LIBRARY BUDGET Training 256.67 (3,397.28)

APRIL 1, 2004 - JUNE 30, 2004 Balance December 31, 2003 $ 0.00 Gross Wages $11,386.00 Library's Share of FICA 872.00 Second Year Freeman Grant Books 2,155.00 Renewals & Periodicals 222.00 Financial Report Audio 127.00 Telephone 324.00 Grant Received November 4, 2003 $36,284.00 Supplies - Office/Computer 758.00 Software 95.00 No expenditures to date New Equipment 100.00 Repairs/Maintenance 735.00 Balance December 31, 2003 $ 36,284.00 Workshops, Conferences, & Mileage 139.00 Postage 68.00 Programs 55.00 Employee Insurance 3,295.00

$20,331.00 This was voted on at the November 18, 2003 Special Town Meeting by Article 4.

VERNON TOWN REPORT 33 VERNON TOWN REPORT 33 REPORT OF THE RECREATION PERSONNEL POLICY COMMITTEE DEPARTMENT In mid 2003 the Selectboard saw the need to update and refine "To promote recreation services that the Personnel Policy Handbook that employees use for benefit will foster and encourage the criteria, leave of absences definitions, and any job/employment development of related information.

a healthy lifestyle for the community" The Committee which is comprised of seven people- two As most of you know the Recreation Department has under- employees, two elected officials, and three residents, meets the first gone personnel changes in the last year. DirectorJustin Williams has and third Thursdays of the month. Each member brings to the moved on and Ihave taken on the task of filing his shoes. Iwould like committee knowledge and expertise in one or more of the areas that to thank those responsible for giving me this opportunity. Along the handbook covers.

with newly hired Assistant Director Lance Cutler we look forward to working with all of you. Our task is to have the Personnel Policy consistent and compre-hensive for all of the employees, department heads, and Selectboard.

Respectfully Yours, After we have reviewed and refined each section, the employees are SETH1 DEYO given the opportunity to make suggestions, comments and/or cor-My name is Lance C. Cutler.

rections. Once this has happened and we have their input, we then I am the new Assistant Director in send the section to the Selectboard for review. After the Policy the Recreation Department. I am a Handbook has been through the Committee, the employees, and lifetime resident of West Selectboard, it will go to the Town's legal advisor for final approval.

Brattleboro. Some of my many It will then be used for all employees and reviewed yearly.

hobbies include music, movies, hiking, and athletics. I enjoy play- Personnel Policy Committee Members ing basketball and softball in the GEORGIA BOYCE, Chair Brattleboro area. During my High School career, I was SALLY STEARNS fortunate to be part of the Lacrosse program for four years. Including PHYLLIS NEWTON being Captain my junior and senior years. NANCY EVANS Over the past two years the Brattleboro Rec. and Parks Depart-DAVID WALKER ment employeame as the Program Supervisor at the Gibson Aiken JOYCE GOODNOW Center. It was there that my interest in recreation and coaching LYNDA STARORYPINSKI

,started and grew into my goal as a career. I am extremely excited for MARGARET FARABAUGH, the oportunity to work in a positive environment such as Vernon. (liaison to Selectboard)

My st five months on the job have completely exceeded my expectations, and have reinforced my desire to be in the recreation field. I feel the sky is the limit for what we can achieve as a department and a community. I am looking forward to getting to know many more residents of Vernon through our programs. Thanks to all who have made my transition here as smooth as possible. THE VERNON TAX COMMITTEE The Vernon Tax Committee was appointed by the Selectboard Respectfully Yours, in June, 2002. The Committee published an extensive report which LANCE CUTLER included ten years of historical data on Town and School expenses and corresponding tax rates, and a ten year projection of expenses, grand list and tax rates based on the historical data. This report was VERNON PRESCHOOL REPORT made available at the 2003 Annual Town Meeting.

In 2003, the Vernon Tax Committee was commissioned by the The Recreation Pre-school Program is committed to providing a Selectboard to work with Entergy in drafting a new agreement. This quality, diversified curriculum to meet .the needs of children be- would take into consideration the Uprate as well as reflecting the tween the ages of three and five. increasing viability of nuclear power nationwide.

It is designed to prepare children to enter Kindergarten and the In December, 2003, two new members, Patricia O'Donnell and elementary grades that follow. We will work to develop a trusting Doug Fletcher were appointed to the Committee.

relationship with each child and foster the development of indi-vidual talents, healthy self esteem and good social skills that will aid WILLIAM HAMMOND, Chairman their future schooling. ARTHUR MILLER JAMES POLHEMUS This past year we have had two fundraisers to offset pre-school PATRICIA O'DONNELL program expenses. In March, 2003, we held a Chinese Auction at DOUGLAS FLETCHER Town Meeting raising $1322.00. In November, 2003, we promoted a candle fundraiser resulting in $601.00 which also went toward pre-school program expenses.

With all the help and support from our pre-school parents and the community, we are able to continue this great program.

LINDA SHIPPEE SHARON RICHARDSON

34 VERNON TOWN REPORT 34 VRO ONRPR enforcement agencies and the private sector. ',able-top"drills of-fered by Vermont Yankee have been attended by department per-sonnel. Classes in terrorist activities and weapons of mass destruc-tion have been first and foremost in officer's training priorities, due to the fact that Vernon is the host town to the state's only nuclear' power facility.

-r The department continues to act as the town's Animal Control agency, and has been dealing with the usual cases of dogs running at REPORT OF THE VERNON large, barking dog complaints, and an increase inboth cats and dogs POLICE DEPARTMENT being dropped off in town for disposal. 4 The year 2003 saw some changes in the Vernon Police Depart- At the annual town employee's appreciation B-B-Q, sponsored ment. In February, 2003, veteran part-time officer, Richard "Dick" by members of the Selectboard in August, former police officer, Dick McNary, resigned after 12 years of dedicated and faithful service to McNary, was presented an engraved plaque by Chief Ian McCollin' the town. Dick will be sadly. missed, both as a "team player and a in recognition of his service to the town over the past twelve years.'

friend!" Dick's long-time K-9 friend and companion, "Beau" passed away peacefully on May 5, after a courageous battle with cancer. In August, 2003, the department was awarded a grant from the Beau assisted many of the surrounding area police enforcement Homeland Security in the amount of $15,521.00, with no matchingt agencies, and had numerous successful arrests to her credit. During funding required. This money will be used to update a much needed the last couple of years during her life, Beau was also certified as a base radio at the department office, new portable radios for the patrol drug detection K-9. officers, night vision binoculars, three respirators- one assigned t6o each cruiser, and a multi-channel radio for the new cruiser which will In April, the Vernon Selectboard offered me the position to be purchased after the new fiscal year commences in July, 2004. This become the new Police Chief, after being the acting chief/ new radio will eliminate the need to have additional radio systems officer-in-charge since November, 2002, a position I was honored to installed in the new vehicle. In addition to this federal funding, the, accept and will perform to the best of my ability. department received a $1,100 law enforcement block grant for FY, 2003/2004.

May, 2003, also saw the resignation of Officer Steve Holton as a member of the department. In August, the department was fortu- The department is further updating their "less-than-lethal" use nate in hiring Bruce Gauld, as a full-time officer. Bruce was formerly of force equipment by training officers in the use of the ASP expand-a sergeant with the Ashland, Massachusetts Police Department, and able baton; pepper spray; three shotguns that have been modified for, recently retired after twenty one years of service. Moving north, the use and firing of rubber bullets and beanbag rounds. Hopefully; Bruce and his wife, Sandy, purchased a renovated farmhouse in this spring will see the purchase of a Taser unit to be carried in thei town where they raise Boston Terriers. Sandy is an obedience trainer duty cruiser. The Taser is a device that shoots two probes up to a' and has participated in dog shows around the New England area. distance of 21 feet, and uses an electrical impulse to stun the target.

After fulfilling his waiver training requirements, Bruce is now a fully This piece of weaponry can reduce injuries to both the officer and certified Vermont police officer. With Bruce's law enforcement knowl- suspect and reduces liability costs in litigation cases vs. the use of edge and expertise, he is certainly a welcome addition to the depart- deadly force. The department also received a generous grant of ment and we are fortunate in hiring a man of his caliber. Welcome, $1,000 from Vermont Yankee/Entergy Nuclear Power Corporation Bruce. to up-grade one of the antiquated office computers. Sincere thanks goes to Corporate & Community Relations Representative, Larry During the summer months, which were fairly quiet, the Smith, for his assistance in obtaining this donation.

department participated in the Safe Kids Program, offering bicycle helmets for sale to both juveniles and adults at great savings. This The department is currently staffed by the following officers:

program will again be offered in the coming year.

Ian McCollin, Police Chief Fall saw the department participate in a National Child I.D. Kit Kevin Turnley, Senior Patrolman program, sponsored by businesses in town. These kits are available Bruce Gauld, Patrol Officer upon request from the Vernon Police Department at no cost. Finger- Lorena Castricone, Office Manager prints will be done by department officers, but the cards will be the responsibility of parents or guardians for safe-keeping. Part-time officers:

Terry Parker Project "Childsafe", a national program to promote the han- Edward Wilson dling and storage of firearms in the home, made available free cable Steven Bird (undergoing his FTO training) locking devices to any Vernon resident. The locks can be picked up David Manch at the Vernon Police Department upon request at no charge.

I wish to thank the above mentioned staff for their support and Senior Patrolman, Kevin Turnley, taught the D.A.R.E. Pro- dedication this past year, and look forward to continuing this sup-gram involving the two fifth grade classes at the Vernon Elementary port for the coming year. On behalf of the members of the Vernon School this past year and will be involved again this coming school Police Department, we are honored to "Protect and Serve!"

year.

IAN MCCOLLIN Department officers have been continuing their law enforce- Police Chief ment training by attending classes at the Vermont Police Academy and participating in courses and training offered by other law

VERNON TOWN REPORT 35 EN ON O R T VERNON SENIOR HOUSING, INC. VERNON SENIOR CITIZENS Ninety seven Vernon Seniors have enjoyed another year of fun Those persevering folks on the Vernon Senior Housing Com-and comradeship. Our Pot-luck Luncheon/Business Meetings have mittee (VSHI) are continuing to work hard on the design and build- given us spectacular food to enjoy the second Monday of each month ing of a Senior Housing facility at the "Streeter Property" (corner of at noon. We hope that those Seniors, who are unable to furnish food Huckle Hill Road and Pond Road). Did you know that these efforts for our pot-luck, will come anyway. Ifthey wish, they may contribute

,havebeen underway for some 15 years or more! It has been a difficult no more than $1.00 each meal toward coffee, tea and cream. Our challenge, given the skyrocketing cost of building and the scarcity of Birthday Party meetings are the fourth Monday of each month at funds for such a venture. The good news is that VSHI was awarded 12:45 p.m., except December when we have our Annual Meeting the lalmost one million dollars in funding from HUD (Department of first Monday and our Christmas Dinner the second Monday.

iHousing and Urban Development) and is being favorably consid-ered for additional monies from various other agencies. We apolo- We have enjoyed many Van trips, Fairbanks Museum, Flower gize for the delay in receiving these funds, but it literally took an Act shows at Smith College and U. Mass., the coast of Maine and of Congress to get HUD to be able to follow through on their award shopping.

of funding!

This year we had a special trip to Steele Hill Resort as a I The "Mixed Finance Rule" that we needed was published in the memorial trip for Anna Smith. Funds had been donated to us in her FederalRegisteronDecember 1, and it paves the way for construction name that her family wanted us to use for a trip back to the resort that of the project. Committee members will continue to work with she enjoyed with us on our overnight trip in 2002.

experts from Housing Vermont, the Brattleboro Area Community Land Trust and State Representative, Patricia O'Donnell to get the We had a wonderful Picnic in August at the Town of Vernon reaining funding in hand in order to start building. Recreation Center Shelter, catered by Arlene Castine. The Castines also catered ourbountiful Thanksgiving Dinner atthe Vernon Union If you live near the "Streeter Property", you may have noticed Church and our delicious Christmas Dinner at the Vernon Town that initial engineering activities are already under way, including Hall.

'well drilling and monitoring. Adjacent property owners will have eir water supplies monitored during these tests to ensure that the Many good things are being planned for this coming year. You w well does not adversely affect others in the area. We are optimis- must agree that our $2.00 membership fee is a great bargain.

.icthat the project will break ground in the fall of 2004.

rfenning, If you bump into the VSHI members (Carol Mikuski, Brad Arlene Castine, Fred Green, George Brown, Betty Bailey),

lease remember to thank them for their continued hard work.

We welcome new members to come to our activities, be it a Van trip or meeting. Any of our officers will gladly answer questions. The officers for 2004 are:

ANN DOE, President MARNIE BRUCE, Vice President BARBARA PETRIE, Secretary BARBARA SPRAGUE, Treasurer CAROL MIKUSKI, Chair BRAD PFENNING GEORGE BROWN VERNON SENIOR ACCOUNT ARLENE CASTINE FRED GREEN Balance January 1, 2003 $ 756.65 BEITY BAILEY EVELYN EDELSON, RecordingSecretary ADD: Receipts Dues $ 168.00 Donations 11.50 Anna Smith Donations 440.00 Bank Interest 9.01 Town Budget Funds

...2,545.00 Town Receipts 3,173.51 DEDUCT: Disbursements Supplies $ 298.40 Donations 75.00 Driver/Van Expense 552.23 Meals/Programs 1,929.00 Miscellaneous 299.00 (3,153.63)

Balance December 31, 2003 $ 776.53

36 VERNON TOWN REPORT 36 VERNON TOWN REPORT SELECTBOARDS'S ANNUAL REPORT 2003 TREASURER'S REPORT The minutes of our meetings speak for themselves: 2003 was a "Change" is the word of choice when describing whathas taken place productive year for the board. We have challenged ourselves as well in the Treasurer's Office over the past year.

as others to do the best job that they can. To that end we have established the following vision statements that the board will use as At the March 4, 2003 Town Meeting, Vernon residents voted to guidance while conducting business: change the Town from a calendar based year to a fiscal based yearl This vote resulted in the need to calculate a six month town-wid(

- To support the Departments and work together to cut costs, only budget which was voted and approved at the November 18, eliminate waste, and maintain or improve the quality of service. 2003 Special Town Meeting. What this means to the taxpayers and tc the Treasurer's Office is a tax billing which will be due on April 15, 2004. This bill will cover the six monthbudget ON THE TOWN SIDt'.

a Ongoing development of a management process so that employees are empowered to improve their work environment. ONLY which will take us to a fiscal year beginning July 1, 200!

through June 30,2005. When we meet again in March, 2004, we wil, e To actively support appropriate wages for honest work. vote the fiscal year budget, both for the Town and the School We will' also vote whether or not to change our payment from once a year to Each department was then asked to establish vision statements twice a year, which has been a voiced request from many taxpayer that capture the mission and vision that is to be considered when they over the years. Working on two budgets has been quite a task, but I do business. These vision statements will be included in department firmly believe that the Town is moving in the right direction. t correspondence and will be posted in prominent places where that Our Investment Policy was revised to invest our monies mord department does business.

conservatively, and after interviewing a number of sources, th4 What it comes down to is that the Selectboard, as well as the Selectboard chose to investwithChittenden Bank. The currentpolicy departments, need to provide services to the Town's citizens in an will be reviewed on a yearly basis, and I am confident that we have efficient manner so as to minimize the impact to the tax base. One made the right decision in protecting the Town's money whil4 example of this is the Board's support of the Treasurer's work to yielding modest returns on our investments.

switch the Town employee's health insurance to a plan that will save the Town $60,000 in just the cost of the policy. In addition, the Town The Selectboard voted to change our current health insurance pol 4 employees will be paying 10% of the cost of the plan. The new plan from the Blue Cross Blue Shield JY plan to the Blue Cross Blue Shiel$

will start on 7/1/04. Based on this change, even though health plan Vermont Health Partnership plan with an employee contribution o*

costs are expected to go up by 20% this year and next, the tax payers 10%, beginning fiscal year 2004/2005.

A should not see an increase in health costs from the Town employees The actuarial study on the Town's Retirement Fund was completel for at least two years.

favorably, and the Selectboard is looking at bringing the fund docuj Based on the recent sale of VY to Entergy, the testimony ment up to ERISA standards as well as offering employees a con1 provided by Entergy to the PSB during the Extended Power Uprate tributory plan. This plan would be an "employee only" contributor plan and would require no match from the Town.

hearings, as well as the capital investments made to the plant, the Selectboard no longer believes that the past tax stabilization agree-ment is in the best interest of the tax payers. The Selectboard has In December, all Vernon residents should have received a form front commissioned the Vernon Tax Committee made up of a cross section the Vermont Department of Taxes called a 'Declaration of Hom4 of individuals to negotiate a new tax agreementwith Entergy Nuclear stead" form. It is urgent that ALL residents fill one out and send it ii Vermont Yankee. This agreement needs to meet both State statutes by April 15, 2004 to avoid a penalty from the State. This form is sent and direction provided by the Vermont Supreme Court in regards to as a result of Act 68, which replaces what we know as Act 60. Th*

assessing utilities. requirements of the Act will result in more work for the Listers an4 for our office as well. As is often the case, changes made by the Stati The Board strongly supports the Listers in their effort to impact our workload and affect our budget.

maintain the Grand List in accordance with State mandates.

Looking ahead, I am anticipating another very busy year. We will b The Board will continue to be accessible to the Town's people adding the GASB 34 changes to our itinerary of tasks and wi-,

via phone, email and BCTV. We are working with BCTV to improve continue working closely with both the Selectboard and School sound quality so you can hear the meetings. board to retain fiscal responsibility in all areas of the Town and the School.

The board is very thankful to everyone who makes our town a SALLY M. STEARNS, Treasurer community. Vernon is a special place where neighbors care for each other and take the time to socialize. I look forward to 2004 and our time together.

MIKE BALL, Chair PEGGY FARABAUGH LENNY PEDUZZI DOUG FLETCHER JIM POLHEMUS

VERNON TOWN REPORT 37 VERNON TOWN REPORT 37 TOWN CLERK'S REPORT - Election Data for 2003 Guardingthe Past- Protectingthe Future Annual BUHS District #6 Meeting held on February 11, 2003 This is the vision statement we have adopted in our office. In Names on the Voter Checklist: 1522 those six words you can find the reason'we are as strict as we are Number attending and voting: 12

'bout the records that are given into our trust. You may come into the

'ffice and find documents from the 1800's in good condition. You Annual Town & Town School District Meeting

'will find minutes copied onto archival document pages and com- Monday night's meeting, March 3,2003 piled in books for easier searching. And in the near future you will be Names on the Voter Checklist: 1532 able to come in and search the Selectmen's minutes on a computer. Number attending and voting: 138 2003 has been a busy year in the Town Clerk's Office. We Tuesday night's meeting, March 4,2003 I )rocessed deeds for $5,068.038.12 in property sales, sending $52,581.64 to Names on the Voter Checklist: 1532 he State of Vermont for the Property Transfer Tax Returns. We Number attending and voting: 110 ecorded over 3700 pages of documents in the land records books as Nell as various liens and attachments. This year many clerks have Australian Ballot Voting - Tuesday, March 4,2003

• een tracking the amount of mortgages recorded in their offices. In Names on the Voter Checklist: 1532 ernon, we recorded $86,957,860.28 in mortgages, and those, along Number attending and voting: 892 with the other recordings generated $20,705.00 in recording fees and

ý3,467.00 in restoration fees. We were informed that the vault in the Special Election for BUHS District #6 Union School

ýown Clerk's Office had reached the "critical" stage as far as storage Director held on May 8,2003 4-rea was concerned and we have researched options to expanding Names on the Voter Checklist: 1539 he existing storage area within the existing vault as well as expand- Number attending and voting: 60 4ng the entire vault.

Special Town Meeting November 18, 2003 We would like to thank all the volunteers and election workers Names on the Voter Checklist: 1486

ýs well as the Town Departments and Board of Selectmen for all their Number attending and voting: 78 Selp and support this past year.

Dogs are an important part of the families that own them and With the war in Iraq, we have the opportunity to also extend we held a rabies/licensing clinic in February with Dr. Pam Sorton

pecial thanks to the children in the playgroup as well and the adults again administering the shots which are required by law every 2

ývho work with them and others in the area. One of the Town Clerk's years. Road Commissioner Walker and his crew graciously allowed nons was sent to Iraq as a Chaplain's Assistant and asked for stuffed us space to hold the clinic and set up the tables for us. Please be sure animals to distribute to children in the hospitals as well as the streets your dog(s) is (are) registered on or before April 1st, each year, or pf that war torn country. The children opened their hearts and toy when the dog reaches six months of age. Thefee increases afterApril hests (as did some adults) and many boxes were sent. 1". Also, the State recommends that your cat's rabies shots be filed at the Town Clerk's Office. The Town Clerk's Office continues to serve

• Elected President of the Vermont Municipal Clerks and Trea- as a resource center distributing all sorts of information: e.g. the urers Association, I also attained my CMC - Certified Municipal Town Van and Senior Schedule, Committee and Department events; nlerk's status from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. roll off coupons; animal licensing; and various Town, State and Registry forms. We also do vehicle registration renewals for motor As President I have learned that some towns in Vermont are vehicle, boat, snowmobile, and trailer, and again we have volun-acing the loss of Title Insurance due to poor management of the Land teered to serve as a center for those who wish to join VAST and the

[,ecords (some have lost it and had to work very hard over a period Vernon Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club. Hunting and Fishing Li-

)f time to regain it). This knowledge enforces my determination to censes are still available through our Office as are notary services. We

.ontinue to be strict in our handling of these records. We have been distribute the NOA radios for emergency notifications and sold ortunate in the past and present with the Boards of Selectmen and ornaments and cards for the Historians this year to help raise funds roters who understood the value of these records and allow us to for restoration of the Chapel and t-shirts for the 250th. The Town's

ontinue to keep them microfilmed, restored, and safe. They also Newspaper continues to be copied here and we are still utilized as a kuthorized the use of "interns" during the year to help in the office. copy centerbyresidents and TownBoards and Committees. Look for

)ne of their jobs was putting card indexes into the computer for the informational notices posted at the Town Clerk's Office regard-

!asier searches. Scott Wilson and Lindsey Norse were two who put ing many subjects, including but not limited to; Fish and Wildlife n many hours helping us out. notices; Act 250 notices; Checklists and Election information; etc.

Please read and act accordingly, for example, the Checklist is posted

• We continue to attend workshops and seminars to try to keep prior to any meetings where you will be voting. Check to see if your

.=rent on the changing issues and laws that impact the Town. One name is on it, ifnot, please contact us and we will be happy to provide

)f the major changes this year was the implementation of the Help you with an application for addition. Please remember thatyourvote

ýamerica Vote Act (HAVA). This is a federal law that effects the way is your voice and one vote can make a difference in any election.

lections are run, especially federal elections. There will be many Maps of the cemeteries are maintained and cemetery deeds are lasses pertaining to this in the future which will be attended so that prepared and recorded by the Town Clerk after they are signed by he integrity of the election process in the Town of Vernon will the Board of Selectmen. Please be aware that the vault on Fort emain high. BridgmanRoad (a/k/a Route 142) is available for use if needed atno charge.

For your assistance the Town Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and by appointment if these hours are inconvenient.

SANDRA B. HARRIS, CVC/CMC, Town Clerk SUSAN I. MILLER, Asst. Town Clerk

38 VERNON TOWN REPORT 38 TOWN CLERK REMITTANCES RESCUE INC.

Burial Permits $ 145.00 Providing Rescue Inc.'s nine North Cemetery 300.00 00' "0*"communities with emergency, Tyler Cemetery 1,050.00 . medical services is a $1.5 million I dollar effort each year. Rescue's Copies 1,915.22 Certified Copies/Vitals 1,323.00 overall expenses reflect the costs) for preparedness. They include DMV Renewals 1,713.00 Fax 45.00 24-hour paramedic and volunteer Liquor Licenses 50.00 staffing, communications equip-ment, reliable emergency vehicles, vehicle maintenance, personnel Marriage Licenses 112.00 16.00 training, medical equipment and supplies, support for First Re-Civil Union Licenses Miscellaneous 7.25 sponse teams, medical supervision and maintenance of a physical plant. A team of over 40 volunteers from around the area contributes Postage 56.88 Recordings 20,705.00 over $225,000 worth of their time to offset the agency's operating Records Restoration Account 3,467.00 expenses. Without these dedicated volunteers, we would not be able Roll Off Coupons 2,750.00 to operate as we currently do. Fee for service comes from five main Search Fees 848.00 sources: Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance companies, private Septic Permits 160.00 paying clients and special service contracts.

Dog Licenses 1,902.00 Illegible Signature 4.00 Last year, Rescue responded to a total of 3,364 emergenciesýand>

$ 36,569.35 provided transport services for a total of 2,523 patients. 139 of these-.

calls were in Vernon.

Like many other nonprofit agencies, Rescue has been hard-hit by a significant decline in the amount of monetary contributions by VERNON NEWSPAPER COMMITTEE both individuals and corporations. At the same time, Federal rule changes, with which Rescue is required by law to comply, havy The Vernon Newspaper Committee is pleased to say we have resulted in a significant increase in costs and a decrease in income started our twelfth consecutive year of service to the Town. Our committee members are Nancy Burrington, who is our computer While our income has increased at a rate of about 3%per yea*

expert and who downloads all of our email articles and pictures, over the past five years, insurance and the cost of personnel benefits Sandra Sweet and Richard Vesper who willingly do typing upon (e.g. health insurance, workers comp. etc.) have increased by 103%

short notice, and Lynda Starorypinski, who is the editor, proof Requisite vehicle maintenance costs and dispatch fees have risen reader, consolidator and arranger. We make a fine paper preparer staggering 200%. We are in need of new vehicles, but have nol team. Speaking of team, we are only part of those who get the paper purchased them due to the current financial environment.

to you. Sandy Harris and Sue Miller in the office do all the copying, take in articles, flyers and ads, and direct people's questions to us. Despite generous contributions of time and money, combine Our faithful folders and tapers do the laborious work of actually with town subsidy payments, Rescue no longer finds it possible t' putting the paper together. There is a core group of dedicated Seniors cover its costs. Each town was asked to increase its subsidy for the" who take on this task and they are assisted by others who volunteer forthcoming fiscal year from $4.50 to $5.25 per capita. This is still a occasionally. Without all of our team members, we would not exist. bargain as some Vermont towns are paying as much as $21.00 pei capita for emergency services. Our subscription service continues tq Again this year we are under budget and have brought income be a source of income for us and a good value to the subscribe4 into the general fund. Our budget this year is up $500.00 for the Unfortunately, only about 14% of the eligible households participate anticipated purchase of a new printer. The one we are using is the in the Subscription Program. "4 original one purchased and it has been having problems lately. We have not had an increase in our advertising rates for several years. Rescue members, both paid and volunteer, continue to up, The cost of postage was over its line item budget, so after discussion grade their knowledge and abilities in order to make a difference ir with the Selectboard Chairman, we decided to raise our rates slightly" a life-threatening situation. Town residents can be assured thal to offset the increase in postage. It will also help make the paper a when they dial 911, they will receive timely, capable, and profes-little more self-sufficient. sional care.

Thank you for sending inyourarticles, foryourkind comments MIKE SORENSEN and foryour corrective comments. We thank all of you who faithfully Vernon Trustee Represeuztalive send in columns every month, those of you who send in your personal life stories, notices of events, poetry, informative articles and we thank those who advertise with us. We are proud of our little paper and we are happy to be of service to the Town. Keep youir articles coming in! That's what makes us the "Good News in our Good Community".

NANCY BURRINGTON SANDRA SWEET RICHARD VESPER LYNDA STARORYPINSKI

VERNON TOWN REPORT 39 VERNON TOWN REPORT 39 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women. Infants and VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Children ("WIC"): One of the most effective ways to improve the kNNUAL REPORT - TOWN OF VERNON 2003 health of the overall population is to improve nutrition and physical activity. WIC improves the health of pregnant and postpartum he Vermont Department of Health works to protect and improve women, infants andyoung childrenby assuring access to health care, e health of 'all citizens. The following are some of the essential teaching families about good nutritional practices, and providing an srvices available to residents of Vernon. individually designed package of nutritious food to eligible indi-viduals. During 2002, 40 women, infants and children living in oterrorism -' Emergency Preparedness: The Brattleboro District Vernon received foods as well as health screening and individual-ffice of the Vermont Department of Health is actively working with ized nutrition education through this program. The average value of I cal, state and federal agencies to assure a rapid and effective foods provided is $35.00 per person per month.

response to bioterrorism and other public health threats or emergen-c4es. Local health departments may be involved with: early New public health issues emerge every year. Some challenges being identification of disease entities; investigating disease sources; pro- addressed by the Health Department include emergency prepared-Siding accurate and timely information to the public and health ness and response to disease threats like SARS or potential acts of irofessionals; collaborating with other agencies during biological, bioterrorism; expansion of substance abuse prevention and treat-environmental or weather events; assuring availability of personnel ment; and improving health care for people with chronic conditions tfaining; planning regional responses with hospitals and LEPCs and; like diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease.

planning of and participation in joint exercise.

If you would like more information about these efforts, orif you have a public health concern, please call the Brattleboro District Office at Reportable Disease Case Investigations: Infectious diseases con- (802) 257-2880. Please visit our web site at tinue to be a inajor source of illness, disability and death in the U.S. www.HealthyVermonters.info for information on health topics, a*d Vermont, accounting for 25% of all doctor visits each year. The public health emergency preparedness and response, news releases, ealth Department investigates all cases of disease such as meningi- publications, reports and general public health information.

t s,hepatitis, pertussis (whooping cough), and infectious diarrhea to etermine their source, to recommend control measures (including rrent treatment standards) and to prevent further spread of the isease. In 2002, the department investigated 183 cases of disease in indham County.

est Nile Virus (WNV) Surveillance: WNV first appeared "n'he I ;S. in New York City in 1999 and has become well establish6d in the Inited States. Birds, mammals and people can get WNV from the ite of an infected mosquito. The Vermont Departments of Health d Agriculture conduct surveillance for WNV each year from June ntil cold weather limits mosquito activity in the fall. In 2003, five own Health Officers in different parts of the state also participated i the programn, assisting primarily with mosquito trapping. As of tovember 17, 2003, 450 mosquito pools were tested with none ositive for WNV. In Windham County, there were 132 dead bird rports, 52 weiretested and 23 were found to be infected with WNV.

hiee humans were positive (two from Addison County and one fom Windham County). Four horses have tested positive (three Fom Addison and one from Windham.)

t ood & Lodging Inspections: National surveys show that more ieople are eating out more often. Public health sanitarians inspect eing establishments (restaurants, schools, fairs) to decrease the risk f food borne disease outbreaks. The five greatest risks for food borne utbreaks are: keeping food too long at improper temperatures, iadequate cooking, contaminated equipment, food from an unsafe

- s )urce, and poor personal hygiene among food handlers. Inspec-t ons include review of a 44-item checklist to evaluate food storage, reparation and handling as well as to identify where there is a high kelihood of practices contributing to illness if left uncorrected. Of ie 3 establishments in Vernon, 3 inspections were completed by a sanitarian during 2002.

40

_v VERNON TOWN REPORT 40 VRO ONRPR Agency of Transportation, at the Agency's request, to tr3 and save the troubled transit provider, which efforts werf not successful. Since that time, we have helped to form a nev corporate entity, Connecticut River Transit, Inc. which i:

filling the important role of providing transportation fo:

human services, medical needs, and travel to work.

WINDHAM REGIONAL Other on-going work has included:

COMMISSION 0 Regional transportation efforts, which included work wil many towns to conduct Road Surface Management Systerm WINDHAM REGIONAL COMMISSION inventories; identification of bridge and culvert issues;help.,

2003 REPORT ing the Vermont Agency of Transportation to develop and implement its highway access management system; contin-ued work on the West River Trail project; continued man!

The Windham Regional Commission works with 27 towns in agement of the Route 121 reconstruction project ifA southeastern Vermont to address regional issues and help towns to Rockingham and Grafton (with phase 1 being completed i" provide effective local government. Each town annually appoints 2003 and phase 2 to follow withbids inDecember 2003); help two representatives to the commission. Vernon's current representa- to towns on lower-scale but important projects like side-tives are Peter Boemig and Tim Arsenault. Commissioners serve on walks and other bicycle/pedestrian improvements; and a number of committees that mirror the concerns of the region, others.

including both standing committees and ones that are formed on an .:

ad hoc basis to address specific issues.

C0 Natural resource planning, which is at the core of the WRC s mission and has included work with the West River Water,-

2003 brought with it some new and extensive work for the shed Alliance and other'"basin planning" groups, review WRC. Fitting those tasks into our already full schedule has not been state programs and policies aimed at improving energr easy, but we have nonetheless worked to address those important efficiency in Vermont; work to improve local and regiona issues, and we will continue those efforts in the coming year. Ex- programs and policies that affect water quality, such a, amples of new and unanticipated tasks have included: stormwater management and wastewater disposal rules and others.

U Energy issues:

Catamount Energy, Inc.-a Central Vermont Public Service U Community development and related planning wor 0 which included major efforts like the WRC's Brownfield subsidiary-is seeking to develop up to 50 megawatts of Reuse Initiative which now has completed assessments oI wind power on Glebe Mountain in Londonderry and 14 of over 20 nominated sites (the Brownfield progran Windham, which may mean construction of up to received its 3rd block of funding from the USEPA this yea) twenty-seven wind turbines. To date, the WRC has con- and will continue through 2004; municipal planning an I vened a series of public meetings to review and discuss land use regulation assistance, which included help witI major issues and worked with state and other regional municipal planning and land use regulation projects ii organizations to better understand the potential impacts eleven towns; increased work to provide education an, involved. We currently are participating in a series of information for local officials, including five "Cross-Tow community-based discussions, led by others, that are aimed Talks" educational sessions, four Zoning Administrato:

at resolving some of the difficult conflicts that such a devel- Workshops, sponsorship and participation in thre opment presents. state-wide sessions over Vermont Interactive Television help to the Vermont Environmental Board as it considereI O On a later schedule and therefore consuming less WRC staff changes to its rules and procedures; the "Livable Commu time at present, is an anticipated proposal by Green Moun- nities" education program which wrapped up later in calen tainPower to significantly expand the Searsburg wind farm, dar year 2003 with a highly successful two-day course fo currently consisting of eleven turbines rated at about 6 forty-six participants; continued help on Connecticut Rive megawatts, potentially adding up to 19 new turbines and 34 Scenic Byway projects, including the now completed Be]

additional megawatts of rated power. lows Falls Waypoint Interpretive Center; and others..

O Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee filed an application for O Support of regional emergency planning and preparatioi Vermont Public Service Board approval to increase its power efforts, which included continued work with towns an&

output by approximately 20%, from 540 to about 650 mega- support of the Local Emergency Planning Committee; watts. The WRC is participating in this proceeding, which creased efforts to assist local governments to coordinat, began in January 2003 and is expected to continue into their responses to ever-increasing federal anI spring 2004. At the same time, we anticipate that Entergy state-sponsored security and emergency preparedness pro will apply in 2004 for approval of dry cask, on-site storage of grams; efforts to continually improve homeland securit r spent nuclear fuel, which will extend this higher level of and pre-disaster mitigation planning, which aim to involvement well into 2005 or 2006. mize damage or disruption from reasonably predictabl, events, such as floods and severe storms; and others.

N Public Transportation:

The WRC's core budget is partially funded by member to EO This r egion, along with most of Windsor County, received assessments, which are essential to receiving other state and feder1 public transportationservices fromTown and VillageTrans- support. The $1.39 per resident rate for 2004, based on 2000 popula portation Services (TVTS) for several years. Also known as tion estimates, results in a total assessment of $2,976.00 from Vernoi

'Town & Village Bus," TVTS experienced severe financial for the new fiscal year. For information on the WRC and its programs difficulties and ceased to exist as a non-profit transit pro- contact your Town Representative or the WRC office at 139 Mah vider at the end of 2003.Throughout thefiscalyear, theWRC Street, Suite 505, Brattleboro, (802) 257-4547; e-mai and our counterpart to the north worked with the Vermont wrc@sover.net.Visit our website at www.rpc.windham.vt.us.

VERNON TOWN REPORT 41 VITAL STATISTICS VITAL STATISTICS Name of Child Sex Place of Birth Date of Birth Father'sName Mother'sMaiden Name Owen Riley Perry M Brattleboro,VT February 5, 2003 Kenneth Michael Perry Kirsten Margaret Goodband rara Cynthia Castricone F Brattleboro, VT February 7,2003 Joseph Ronald Castricone Lorena Lowell Elijah James Brow M Brattleboro, VT March 18, 2003 James Harvey Brow Brandy Shannon Slade Benjamin Scott Lane M Brattleboro, VT April 19,2003 Scott David Lane Jolene Mary Prouty Adrianna Lynn Howard F Brattleboro, VT April 20, 2003 Jesse James Howard Darcy Marie Hill Kierra McKenzie Hoague F Brattleboro, VT April 23,2003 Shane McCord Hoague Denise Lynne Kellom Nlina Elizalýeth Belliveau F Brattleboro, VT April 25, 2003 Glenn Robert Belliveau Heather Jean Hebert Austin Hannah Grace Haskins F Brattleboro, VT June 20, 2003 Paul Jeffrey Haskins Stacy Strange Brendan Francis Croke M Brattleboro, VT July 1, 2003 Bryan James Croke Penney Lee Evans Kiersten Alexis Jacobs F Brattleboro, VT July 11, 2003 Arthur Fred Jacobs IV Shari Denise Annis Senavie Nicole Cobb F Brattleboro, VT July 31, 2003 John Patrick Cobb Heather Marie Woodard Lacy Sharyn Slade F Brattleboro, VT August 3, 2003 Eric Justin Slade Christina Marie Brunelle karon Douglas Petrie M Brattleboro, VT August 12, 2003 Douglas Ernest Petrie Susan Ellen Lawrence 3amuel David Mattocks M Brattleboro, VT August 19, 2003 David Glenn Mattocks Monica Christina Vezza 3tephen Stone Haskins M Brattleboro, VT September 6,2003 Christopher Jason Haskins Laura Lynne Stone Iowan Donald Boudreau M Brattleboro, VT September 8,2003 Paul Joseph Boudreau Adrienne Elizabeth Dearden lulian Gomez-Mendez M Brattleboro, VT September 25,2003 Fermin G Gomez Mireya Mendez raatthew Zachary David Smith M Brattleboro, VT October 7, 2003 David W Smith Karen M Cretelle taron Zephaniah Slade M Brattleboro, VT October 10, 2003 Justin Aaron Slade Lucinda Marie Harvey 3rody Hayden Bogert M Brattleboro, VT December 19,2003 Hayden Monroe Bogert Jennifer Lauren Martino MARRIAGES Place Name of Groom Residence Name of Bride Residence nuary 17, 2003 Vernon, VT Corey Allen Scully Vernon, VT Corinne Marie Tudda Vernon, VT arch 20, 2003 Vernon, VT Kevin Michael Woods Sugarland, TX Nicole Kristine Green New London, CT May 11, 2003 Vernon, VT Richard L. Stevens Jr Ashfield, MA Lillian Sofia Martinez Amador Ashfield, MA May 11, 2003 Vernon, VT Kevin Matthew Fletcher Vernon, VT Sarah Lee Green Vernon, VT May 30, 2003 Vernon, VT Stanley N Cleaves Rockland, MA Margaret M Wheeler Rockland, MA A igust 11, 2003 Vernon, VT Alan Stanley Bernat Winnetka, CA Nydia Lissette Urbina Winnetka, CA A'ugust 23, 2003 Vernon, VT James Edward Bezanson Vernon, VT Melissa Jean LaValley Vernon, VT August 23,2003 Wilder, VT Kevin Mark Wright North Waterboro, ME Heather Maude Hardy Vernon, VT August 26,2003 Vernon, VT Barry Walter Latourelle East Windsor, CT Mary Alice Mutchier Greensburg, PA Zptember 20,2003 W Dummerston, VT Howard Scott Towle Vernon, VT Debra K Bessette Vernon, VT ptember 29, 2003 Vernon, VT Karl S Kenneway Athol, MA Charlene Francis Erwin Athol, MA November 3, 2003 Vernon, VT Robert Calvin Cramm Athol, MA Karen Jean Pereira Athol, MA November 22, 2003 Vernon, VT Carl Edward Blankenship Agawam, MA Cecilia Ubana Galiza Agawam, MA D.ecember 29,2003 Vernon, VT Michael Raymond Toomey Athol, MA Caaire Louise Lefebvre Templeton, MA CIVIL UNIONS 21 ate, Place PartyA Residence PartyB Residence 1aIay 23,2003 Vernon, VT Cassandra Ryan Vernon, VT Susan Vitelli Vernon, VT Jine 19,2003 Vernon, VT Taurie T Thayer Long Beach, CA Jeannie M White Long Beach, CA

4*

429 VERNON TOWN REPORT DEATHS Name Age Date of Death Residence Anna V Smith 77 January 1, 2003 Vernon, VT George Daniel Eliphalet Olmstead 85 January 9,2003 Dummerston, VT Dorothy Elizabeth Garrity 89 January 29,2003 Vernon, VT Roger William Kozyra Sr 85 January 30,2003 Hinsdale, NH William Howes ý94 February 12,2003 Vernon, VT Florence E Nelson 81 February 22,2003 Vernon, VT Arthur Arne Mattson 67 February 25, 2003 Brattleboro, VT Cecile O'Brien 82 February 26, 2003 Brattleboro, VT Shirley Ann Jones 65 March 9, 2003 Vernon, VT Mary Ahlers 98 March 14,2003 Vernon, VT Charles Walter Emerson 77 April 15, 2003 Vernon, VT Eva M Buchanan 95 May 12,2003 Vernon, VT Clarence Albert Pratt 99 May 12,2003 Vernon, VT Dorothy W Albright 94 May 20,2003 Brattleboro, VT.

Mary Teresa Cote. 76 June 7,2003 Brattleboro, VT Richard P Stickney 73 June 14,2003 Montague, MA Sharon Elizabeth Finn 57 June 15,2003 Vernon, VT Henry Ike Robinson 88 June 18,2003 Vernon, VT Shirley Anne Cutler 72 June 26, 2003 Brattleboro, VT Walter D Crossmon 84 June 26,2003 Vernon, VT Alexander Davidson Lyon 65 July 5, 2003 Vernon, VT Gertrude Norton Putnam 54 July 5, 2003 Westminster West, VT Shirley E Denyou 71 July 8, 2003 East Dummerston, VT Timothy Pelland 44 July 13,2003 Vernon, VT Alice Hazel Whitney 96 July 24, 2003 Marlboro, VT Marion C Osgood 97 July 30, 2003 Vernon, VT Kathfryn Agnes Lackard 85 August 1, 2003 Townshend, VT Jeanne M Mansur 70 August 2,2003 Vernon, VT Dorothy P White 96 August 11, 2003 Vernon, VT Floyd John Underwood 86 August 20,2003 Brattleboro,VT Walter Truslow Jr 83 August 22,2003 Vernon, VT Joseph Louis Rinfret Jr 81 August 30, 2003 Vernon, VT Robert Alan Johnson 77 September 13,2003 Vernon, VT Paul W Rutkiewicz 52 September 24,2003 Vernon, VT Ruth Estella Chappell 95 September 28,2003 Vernon, VT Sallie Gillespie 101 October 6,2003 Vernon, VT Norma Jane Bedard 79 October 23, 2003 Vernon, VT Lillian Sovner 87 November 1, 2003 Wilmington, VT Gordon Leonard Young 74 November 3,2003 Vernon, VT Walfred A Scherlin 81 December 26, 2003 Vernon, VT Stella Elizabeth Herbert 89 December 29, 2003 Dummerston, VT Dauna Carter McCarvill 55 December 30, 2003 Vernon, VT Marion E Looman 88 December 30, 2003 Brattleboro, VT

VERNON TOWN REPORT 43 VERNON TOWN REPORT 43 Town of Vernon School District PROPOSED 2004/2005 SCHOOL BUDGET Vernon Elementary School $ 1,912,929 WSESU Assessment $ 153,525 BUHS TuitionNocational $ 1,254,273 Other High School Tuition $ 605,428 Debt Service $ 376,887 Special Education* $ 744,016 Transportation $ 177,417 Food Service $ 33,211 Deficit $ 87,000

$ 5,344,686

• Special Education includes 504 Tuition, Scamp,& Essential Early Education fiscal year ending June 30, 2003

VERNON TOWN REPORT 44 VRO ONRPR VERNON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET Instruction+Other Instructional 1,266,810.00 Guidance 39,341.00 Health Services 66,050.00 Library 77,693.00 Administration 124,900.00 Operations & Maintenance 285,990.00 Food Service 33,211.00 Early Ed & SCAMP 51,634.00 Misc. 25,580.00 School Board 26,565.00 Total 1,997,774.00 Misc.

1%

School Board Food Service 3%

2% / 1%

Operations &

Ma1ntenan 14%A Administration 6%

Library' 4% Instruction+Other Instructional 3% 64%

Guidance 2%

VERNON TOWN REPORT 45 TOWN OF VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT LEADERSHIP

" Establish a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities OF SCHOOLS of the school board, superintendent, principals, and school staff in carrying out the schools' missions.

This has been an exciting time in the Windham Southeast " Promote positive, respectful, and supportive behaviors Supervisory Union. There have been many changes and program that are characteristic of a climate that nurtures a sense of improvements; our teachers and staff members are each committing pride and ownership of the school.

themselves to the cause of excellence; and, from my observations in

• Collect and analyze student data and other indicators of ihe schools, it is evident that our students are working hard and student success to guide our programs.

'discovering new challenges.

You can learn more about our schools by visiting the following I Due to the efforts of our teachers and administrators, the scores web sites: http://www.wssu.kl2.vt.us and htt.:/lcrs.uvm.edu/schlpti.

In Vermont's Statewide Assessment Program continue to show Please remember that our schools remain a communityresource, and positive results. There is much more to education than test scores, but we welcome involvement in programs and activities that will en-these benchmarks indicate that our students are mastering the basic hance learning for our students. Plan to join us at our schools as we 5kills. In addition, our teachers and administrators are developing continue to build a tradition that promotes An Educationof Excellence.

training programs in support of these activities. These initiatives, Stop by for a visit, attend a concert or a play, or offer to provide a Iwhen linked with strong parent and community support, will help workshop in an area of expertise. See first hand why we are proud of

ýnsure that we achieve our district mission: The WSESU mission is our schools, and help us plan for the future.

Ito develop students capable of thoughtfrl engagement in their own

'vic,economic and personaldevelopment, who will be successful RON STAHLEY members of society. Superintendent In order to fulfill our mission, the following district goals have een established to support school action plans, administrative team goals, and individual professional goals. BUHS DISTRICT #6 SCHOOL BOARD ATTENDANCE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS Safe and Healthy Schools In accordance with BUHS District #6 Board Procedures Policy

" Ensure equal access of students to educational opportuni- LBP5-Attendance at Board Meetings, below is a report of director ties by promoting a safe school environment and healthy attendance at regular and special board meetings.

climate conducive to learning.

" Allocate resources to close the gap of academic achieve- Current Board Member: Vernon ment of students from lower socioeconomic status and those from higher income families. January 1, 2003 to November 3, 2003 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Michael Hebert Attended 14 of 18 meetings

- Support implementation of WSESU Framework of Learn-ing guided by the Vermont Framework of Standards and January 1, 2003 to June 10, 2003 Learning Opportunities.

• Provide teachers with opportunities to support student Past Board Member: Vernon learning through effective instructional practices.

• Ensure that teachers' individual professional development John Moriarty Attended 4 of 8 meetings goals are aligned with schools' action plans and the district professional development plan.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

" Promote public engagement and family involvement as well as providing sufficient information to parents, school board members, and the community.

" Support consistent and systematic grade level transitions, i.e. from pre-school to elementary, elementary to middle school, high school to post-secondary opportunities.

" Communicate the requirements and implications of No Child Left Behind Act and align provisions to state and district Policies.

46 VERNON TOWN REPORT 46 VERNON TOWN REPORT VERNON TOWN SCHOOL BOARD REPORT important to remember that we are teaching children, not subject areas. As a result, we will continue to develop our abilities to reaclý We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of students here at out and meet the needs of our students, wherever that may be.

Vernon Elementary School. These children come to us with a wide range of talents, interests, strengths, and challenges. Every member We are also thankful for the many volunteers who help in so of our school community makes contributions to help make VES a many ways. The VES PTC/Spirit Club, ELF program, room parentsý safe and caring place to learn, take risks safely, and help each other and America Reads volunteers provide valuable service to all of usQ.

to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Expectationsfor Volunteerism is alive and well here, and we are always open to Community Members states that all of us will people willing to assist us. Please call 254-5373 if you are interested

1. Be the Best Learners We Can Be in being a volunteer. I

2. Be Safe

3. Be Respectful, and The Vernon Town School Board and the Vernon Select Board

4. Be Responsible For Our Actions continue to meet and work for open, two-way communication and It is our pleasure to help ensure that we all work toward for the benefit of the entire community. The school board meets o4 meeting these expectations to the best of our abilities. We began the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7PM at the school, using a new curriculum this year to give support for these expecta- The meetings are warned in the Town Office and in the local newsi tions. Second Step Violence PreventionCurriculumis designed to help paper. We encourage you to join us at any of these public meetings students learn empathy, impulse control and problem solving, and anger management skills. Development of these skills help children A great deal of thoughtful considerationwasput forward inthe learn to deal with problems and conflict in a positive and collabora- creation of the proposed budget. We are sensitive to the importance' tive way. of our children's education and our tax dollars being spent wisely',

We are grateful for the ongoing support you have shown over the There were three additions to our staff in the 2003-2004 year. years to keep our educational community strong and vital. Togethei We welcomed: we can work to ensure that each Vernon student reaches their fullesl potential. We encourage you to visit our school and contact us witl Patricia LaFrate, Paraeducator questions or concerns. Thank you for your consideration of ow Beth Weissmann, Fitz Vogt Hot Lunch Provider budget for the 2004-2005 school year.

Abbe Robichaud, Paraeducator Sincerely, This past year we were saddened by the untimely passing of Laura DeVincentis, Chairperson parent and former employee Clarinda Chisholm. By family request, Michael Hebert, Vice Chairperson the school board purchased a Sugar Maple tree and memorial stone, Pamela Gobeille, Clerk which was planted in front of the school in her memory. Jennifer Deborah Hebert Stavely, our guidance counselor currently in her second year, left us Leeanne Shover in February to take an extended maternity leave. We wish her well and will miss the good work she did here.

There were three major building improvement projects com-pleted during the summer and fall. The heating, ventilating, and air handling systems were upgraded to improve fresh air intake and overall heat control. This will help to ensure consistently healthy air within the school and reduce the risk of disease. New carpeting was installed in two classrooms, the entire length of the West Wing, and in the Recreation Department hallway. New roofing was laid on the Primary Wing and Library Media Center, along with minor repairs to other areas. The building looks terrific and is kept in excellent working order by our excellent and dedicated custodial staff. We all appreciate their efforts!

We dedicate 90 minutes of literacy instruction for grades 1-6 every school day. Phonemic awareness is developed in grades 1 and 2 to lay a strong foundation for overall language development. Staff members received professional development with Thinking Maps graphic organizers to help students develop stronger writing skills.

New federal guidelines require that individual schools make Ad-equate Yearly Progress (AYP) on standardized testing results. I am happy to report that Vernon made AYP for the past year, 2002-2003.

To keep our school improving, we revise our Action Plan annually. This process helps us focus on specific areas to raise test scores through improved instruction. Two focus areas in our school Action Plan are to improve Writing Effectiveness and Math Problem Solving. We are working closely with WSESU curriculum coordina-tors to ensure we utilize current best educational practices. It is

VERNON TOVvW REPORT 47 VERNON TOWN REPORT 47 VERNON TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2003-2004 ENROLLMENT VERNON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2003-2004 FACULTY AND STAFF BAMS AND BUHS John Reed Principal BOYS GIRLS TOTAL Christine Nesbitt Administrative Assistant indergarten 13 4 17 Carol Richardson Kindergarten grade 1 14 19 33 Courtney Millerick Grade 1

.rade 2 17 16 33 Joan Green Grade 1 3rade 3 20 10 30 Barbara Borek Grade 2

rade 4 22 14 36 Erika Parker Grade 2

rade 5 13 26 39 Theresa Lewis Grade 3 3rade 6 21 17 38 Lisa McKenney 3rade 7 6 9 15 Grade 3 3rade 8 11 Nancy Aleksiewicz Grade 4 10 21 3rade 9 12 11 23 Deborah Patno Grade 4 Srade 10 12 8 20 Joan Cook Grade 5 3rade 11 12 10 22 Mickie Herbst Grade 5 grade 12 17 5 22 Noreen Cooper Grade 6 Marcia Palmer Grade 6 Vernon Elementary School - 226 Jennifer Stavely (60%) Guidance Counselor Brattleboro Area Middle School - 36 Jeffrey Loomis Resource Room

, Brattleboro Union High School - 87 Beth Kimball Resource Room Elizabeth Eriksson (90%) Readingf/Enrichment 2003-2004 Other Tuition - 64 Deborah Coombs (75%) ESL/Reading Deborah Mann (80%) Art Pioneer Grade 7- 9 Eileen Roach Library/Media Specialist Grade 8 -12 Joyana Damon Classroom Music/Instrumental Music Grade 9 - 13 John Stetzel Physical Education Grade 10 - 3 Fran Swanson (40%) Speech/Language Grade 11 - 10 Jill Johnson (Part Time) Speech/Language Assistant Grade 12 -3 Dawn Grobe Technology/Literacy Other Grade 7-1 Karen Barrett School Nurse Grade 8 - 2 Mayda Berg Paraeducator Grade 9 - 5 Sharon Brissette Paraeducator Grade 10 - I Patricia LaFrate Paraeducator Grade 11 - 2 Abbe Robichaud Paraeducator Grade 12 - 3 Lori Skibniowsky Paraeducator Peggy Stetzel Paraeducator Caitlin Tidd Paraeducator Christine Jefferson (Part Time) Paraeducator Cheryl Deyo (Part Time) Paraeducator Darrell Clark Head Custodian Robert Howe Custodian James Rittenhour Custodian Robert Willand Custodian Tim Walsh Fitz Vogt Gina Dyer Fitz Vogt Beth Weissmann Fitz Vogt CHILD FIND NOTICE All children need, deserve and have a right to an education. Federal Law states that this right to a free education should be available to all handicapped children too.

The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, including the school districts of Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, Vernon, Brattleboro, and the Brattleboro Union High School need to know if there are children or youth between the ages of three (3) years and twenty-one (21) years who are disabled, out of school, and are not receiving services..

In addition, the WSESU needs to locate infants, who maybe disabled, between birth (0) and two (2) years of age for evaluation and service under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

If you have or know of such a child in your home or neighborhood, please write or phone.

Superintendent of Schools 53 Green Street, Brattleboro 254-3731, for further information

48 VERNON TOWN REPORT 48 VERNON TOWN REPORT VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT FUNDS RESERVE FUND BALANCE July 1, 2002 $ 111,073.87 VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT RICHARD W. STEENBRUGGEN SCHOLARSHIP ADD: Interest 1,083.07 INVESTMENT TRUST & SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS DEDUCT: Transferrred Funds to Capital Fund (112,156.941 FUND BALANCE June 30,2003 $

BALANCE July 1, 2002 $ 139,977.52 At Town Meeting March 3, 2003, it was voted to authorize deposil ADD: of the funds held-in the Vernon School District Reserve Fund into Income $ 22,665.73 the fund balance of the Capital Fund. (All funds as of June 30, Unrealized Gain 23,860.33 46,526.06 2003)

DEDUCT:

Expenses $ 882.38 Unrealized Loss 46,677.32 (47,559.70) VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL PLAN FUND BALANCE June 30,2003 $ 138,943.88 BALANCE July 1, 2002 $683,189.80 ADD:

Interest $ 5,978.58 Loan Repayment $ 550,000.00 Transfer from Reserve Fund 112,156.94 668,135.52 VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT DEDUCT:

RAYMOND & ERMA PUFFER ACADEMIC Loan to School $ 750,000.00 IMPROVEMENT AWARD TRUST FUND Heating System 21,174.00 Lawn Tractor 9,527.00 BALANCE July 1, 2002 $ 1,732.15 Technology Upgrade 9,084.95 (789,785.95)

ADD: Revenue 38.15 DEDUCT: Awards 2002 / 2003 (5,0.300 BALANCE June 30,2003 $561,539.37, BALANCE June 30, 2003 $ 1,720.30 At year end, $200,000 was owed for loan reimbursement to this fund from the School Checking Account.

This Fund is for the purpose of rewarding the two most improved sixth grade students. It is invested at Chittenden Bank in a Certificate of Deposit.

VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FUND BALANCE July 1, 2002 $ 27,222.64 ADD: Revenue Interest 300.37 DEDUCT: Unemployment Payments (69.83)

BALANCE June 30,2003 $ 27,453.18

VERNON TOWN REPORT 49 VERNON TOWN REPORT 49 2004-2005 Vernon School District CAPITAL PLAN FUNDING PROJECTIONS Projected Projected Item 2( 103-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 Cost Need Year i

Boiler 40,000 $ 9,800 $ 9,800 $ 9,800 $ 9,800 $ 282,000 2013-2014

• Carpeting 72,000 2002-2003 Parking lot 5,300 5,300 5,300 5,300 5,300 45,000 2008-2009 Roof 25,000 33,000 33,000 33,000 33,000 928,000 2013-2014 Technology Upgrade 12,000 24,000 2003-2004 Tractor 20,000 2002-2003 10,000 Sewer 10,000 2003-2004 Building & Exterior 45,000 45,000 2003-2004

,TOTALS $137,300 $48,100 $48,100 $48,100 $48,100 $1,426,000 VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL FUND STATUS June 30, 2003 TOTAL FI'EM APPROP/INTEREST ACTUAL COST FUND BALANCE Boiler $ 102,899.89 $ (21,174.00) $ 81,725.89 Iarpeting 72,000.00 72,000.00 Curtains 5,000.00 5,000.00 Parking Lot 31,800.00 31,800.00 Roof 363,000.00 363,000.00 rechnology Upgrade 26,191.43 (9,084.95) 17,106.48 Tractor (Simplicity) 20,000.00 (9,527.00) 10,473.00 Excess Funds/Interest 68,277.06 68,277.06 Transfer from Reserve Fund 112,156.94 112,156.94 tOTALS $801,325.32 ($39,785.95) $761,539.37

50 v* VERNON TOWN REPORT 50 VRO ONRPR HOT LUNCH PROGRAM VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT CHEER FUND BALANCE: July 1, 2002 $12,506.89 ADD: Receipts BALANCE: July 1, 2002 $ 638.44 State Reimbursements $ 19,899.54 Other Reimbursements 835.60 ADD:

Deposits 882.50 Lunch Sales 38,897.79 59,632.93 DEDUCT:

DEDUCT: Expenses Expenses (703.93)

Fitz, Vogt and Associates $ 60,939.79 Bank Fee 20.65 BALANCE: June 30,2003 $ 817.01 (60,960.44) This fund was established in March 2001 through contributions by BALANCE: June 30, 2003 $11,179.38 staff and is used as determined by the Cheer Committee.

VERNON SCHOOL HOT LUNCH OPERATING FUND BALANCE SHEET VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT TORNADO ACCOUNT CURRENT ASSETS JUNE 30, 2003 BALANCE: July 1, 2002 $1,236.40 Hot Lunch Checking $ 11,179.38 ADD:

Interest $ 1.50 Total Cash $ 11,179.38 Income 4,232.60 4,234.10 Accounts Receivable DEDUCT:

Due from State of Vermont $ 9,310.22 Expenses (3,253.30)

Lunch Sales 134.95 BALANCE: June 30, 2003 $2,217.20 Total Accounts Receivable $ 9,445.17 This fund was established in May of 2000 with existing funds from TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $ 20,624.55 the Tornado jump roping team for the purpose of funding expenses CURRENT LIABILITIES associated with the team. Money is raised through donation, fund JUNE 30,2003 raising, and clothing and team equipment reimbursements.

Accounts Payable $ 2,365.22 Total Accounts Payable $ 2,365.22 Total Liabilities $ 2,365.22 i CURRENT FUND EQUITY JUNE 30, 2003 Unreserved and Undesignated $ 18,259.33 TOTAL FUND EQUITY $ 18,259.33 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $ 20,624.55

VERNON TOWN REPORT 51 VERNON SCHOOL OPERATING FUND VERNON TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT BALANCE SHEET REVENUE

SUMMARY

CURRENT ASSETS LOCAL BLUDGET2003-04 PROPOSED2004-05 JUNE 30, 2003 INTEREST $10,000.00 $ 7,000.00 School Checking TRANSPORTATION BUHS $ 51,480.00 $53,539.00 Sweep Account $165,587.44 Office Petty Cash 100.00 RENTAL -TOWN OF VERNON RECREATION DEPARTMENT $ 97,344.00 $111,522.00 Total Cash $165,687.44 SUB-GRANTS lAccounts Receivable Due from State of Vermont $ 96,898.00 EPSDT NURSE $28,500.00 $28,500.00 Due from WSESU 10,154.58 FED SE SUB GRANT $31,116.00 $32,720.00 Misc. Vendor Reimbursements 845.53 Prepaid Expenses 15,505.48 MEDICAID LITERACY ENRICH. $10,000.00 $10,000.00 MEDICAID SUB-GRANT $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Total Accounts Receivable $ 123,403.59 STATE otal Current Assets $ 289,091.03 STATE SE BLOCK GRANT $ 109,640.00 $ 118,640.00 CURRENT LIA BILITIES STATE SE INTENSIVE $ 266,360.00 $ 313,540.00 JUNE 30,: 2003 TRANSPORTATION GRANT $ 53,500.00 $ 65,271.00 Accounts Payable EEE BLOCK $18,444.00 $19,884.00 General Accounts Payable $ 17,311.16 Accrued Salaries 138,633.38 OTHER LOCAL Due to Capital Fund 200,000.00 FUND BALANCE $ 70,525.00 $0.00 Due to WSESU 1,888.26 Due from Unemployment Fund 0.46 TOTAL $ 756,909.00 $ 770,616.00 Total Liabilities $ 357,833.26 CURRENT FUND E QUITY June 30, 2003

$ 84,944.12 ITotal Prior Years Fund Balance Fund Balance Current Year (DEFICIT) (153,686.35)

Total Fund balance (68,742.23)

Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $289,091.03

52 VERNON TOWN REPORT 52 VERNON TOWN REPORT VERNON TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2004-2005 BUDGET

SUMMARY

2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 Budget Budget Budget Budget Proposed $ DIFF.  % DIFF.

Instruction $1,125,221.00 $1,120,833.00 $1,232,651.00 $1,262,910.00 $30,259.00 2.45%

Guidance $52,775.00 $53,581.00 $25,241.00 $39,341.00 $14,100.00 55.86%

Health Services $56,544.00 $59,218.00 $61,519.00 $66,050.00 $4,531.00 7.37%

Library $64,259.00 $66,933.00 $75,047.00 $77,693.00 $2,646.00 3.53%

Administration $122,741.00 $129,554.00 $116,299.00 $124,900.00 $8,601.00 7.40%

Operations & Maintenance $245,976.00 $252,307.00 $278,197.00 $285,990.00 $7,793.00 2.80%

All Other $61,638.00 $62,356.00 $66,010.00 $56,045.00 ($9,965.00) -15.10%

Total $1,729,154.00 $1,744,782.00 $1,854,964.00 $1,912,929.00 $57,965.00 3.12%

Secondary B.U.H.S. #6 Current Expense $1,501,558.00 $1,367,875.00 $1,235,152.00 $1,193,104.00 ($42,048.00) -3.40%

B.U.H.S. #6 Debt Service $0.00 $56,414.00 $125,594.00 $376,887.00 $251,293.00 200.08%

Vocational Block Expense $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $61,169.00 $61,169.00 Other Tuition $205,000.00 $241,000.00 $484,000.00 $605,428.00 $121,428.00 25.09%

$0.00 504 Tuition $0.00 $0.00 $27,000.00 $27,000.00 Total $1,706,558.00 $1,665,289.00 $1,844,746.00 $2,263,588.00 $418,842.00 22.70%

Food Service Nutrition Subsidy $33,211.00 $33,211.00 $33,211.00 $33,211.00 $0.00 0.00%

S.U. Assessment W.S.E.S.U. $143,894.00 $137,573.00 $145,699.00 $153,525.00 $7,826.00 5.37%

Transportation Contract $123,654.00 $132,000.00 $156,088.00 $176,417.00 $20,329.00 13.02%

Fuel $8,500.00 $9,500.00 $9,000.00 $0.00 ($9,000.00) -100.00%

Maintenance & Repair $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 0.00%

Total $132,154.00 $141,500.00 $166,088.00 $177,417.00 $11,329.00 6.82%

Special Education (K-12)

Special Education $578,784.00 $513,668.00 $592,480.00 $665,382.00 $72,902.00 12.30%

Early Education Essential Early Education $41,121.00 $45,281.00 $53,277.00 $49,134.00 ($4,143.00) -7.78%

SCAMP $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $0.00 0.00%

Total $43,621.00 $47,781.00 $55,777.00 $51,634.00 ($4,143.00) -7.43%

Deficit Appropriation $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $87,000.00 $87,000.00 Grand Totals $4,367,376.00 $4,283,804.00 $4,692,965.00 $5,344,686.00 $651,721.00 13.89%

VERNON TOWN REPORT 53 VERNON TOWN REPORT 53 VERNON TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2004-2005 PROPOSED BUDGET 2002-2003 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET PROPOSED EXPENSES INSTRUCTIONAL Teachers Salaries 741,928.00 757,917.00 807,336.00 830,194.00 403 B Benefit 0.00 5,944.00 8,644.00 8,409.00 Extracurricular Salary 2,500.00 1,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 Paraprofessional Salaries 78,961.00 84,532.00 83,608.00 85,043.00 ESL Teacher 0.00 22,446.00 0.00 22,394.00 Substitute Salaries 9,000.00 10,098.00 11,000.00 12,000.00 Teacher Health/Dental Ins. 142,739.00 115,200.00 150,824.00 143,588.00 Para. Health/Dental/Life Ins. 17,711.00 12,147.00 17,807.00 23,979.00 Teacher FICA 56,758.00 59,513.00 65,470.00 65,869.00 Extracurricular FICA 192.00 115.00 192.00 192.00 Paraprofessional FICA 6,041.00 6,480.00 6,396.00 6,701.00 Teacher Life Ins. 979.00 759.00 932.00 '1,029.00 Other Benefits 4,860.00 4,449.00 10,810.00 6,000.00 Paraprofessional Retirement 3,316.00 1,048.00 3,512.00 3,512.00 Travel & Conference 2,000.00 957.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Course Reimb. 5,500.00 3,284.00 6,720.00 5,500.00 Environmental Studies 2,000.00 1,100.00 2,000.00 1,500.00 Field Trips 2,000.00 1,162.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 General Supplies 19,948.00 19,013.00 22,500.00 21,000.00 Textbooks 5,500.00 4,415.00 5,500.00 3,000.00 New Instructional Equipment 1,400.00 0.00 1,400.00 1,000.00 Replace Instructional Equip. 3,000.00 770.00 5,500.00 3,000.00 Equip. & Copier Maint. 9,500.00 12,069.00 10,000.00 12,000.00 Misc. Supplies 5,000.00 5,000.00 6,000.00 500.00 TOTAL 1,120,833.00 1,129,918.00 1,232,651.00 1,262,910.00 OTHER INSTRUCITONAL Assembly Programs 2,000.00 1,113.00 5,000.00 3,000.00 Test/Evaluation Supplies 500.00 498.00 500.00 500.00 Music Equipment Repair 400.00 139.00 400.00 400.00 TOTAL 2,900.00 1,750.00 5,900.00 3,900.00 PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES Contracted Prof. Services 500.00 0.00 500.00 500.00 TOTAL 500.00 0.00 500.00 500.00 GUIDANCE SERVICES Salary 43,629.00 26,200.00 22,082.00 28,458.00 403 B Benefit 0.00 0.00 221.00 285.00 Health/Dental Ins. 5,807.00 733.00 300.00 7,618.00 FICA 3,338.00 2,001.00 1,690.00 2,199.00 Life Ins. 57.00 19.00 26.00 31.00 Travel & Course Reimb. 500.00 175.00 672.00 500.00 Supplies & Texts 250.00 333.00 250.00 250.00 TOTAL 53,581.00 29,461.00 25,241.00 39,341.00 HEALTH SERVICES Doctor Salary 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 Nurse Salary 45,936.00 48,818.00 50,809.00 54,839.00 Nurse Health/Dental Ins. 8,470.00 3,759.00 4,384.00 4,720.00 Nurse FICA 3,514.00 3,712.00 3,887.00 4,237.00 Nurse Life Ins. 63.00 50.00 56.00 56.00 Nurse Course Reimbursement 560.00 75.00 900.00 900.00 403 B Benefit 0.00 480.00 508.00 548.00 Nurse Travel 75.00 35.00 75.00 50.00 Nurse Supplies 400.00 297.00 700.00 500.00 TOTAL 59,218.00 57,426.00 61,519.00 66,050.00

54 VERNON TOWN REPORT 54 VERNON TOWN REPORT 2002-2003 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET PROPOSED IN SERVICE One Percent Fund 6,551.00 1,094.00 7,205.00 7,670.00 In-Service Training 2,000.00 1,939.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 TOTAL 8,551.00 3,033.00 9,205.00 9,670.00 MEDIAALIBRARY Media Specialist Salary 45,936.00 46,855.00 49,536.00 54,839.00 403 B Benefit 0.00 468.00 495.00 548.00 Health/Dental Ins. 8,470.00 5,798.00 11,775.00 9,313.00 FICA 3,514.00 3,557.00 3,790.00 4,237.00 Life Ins. 63.00 50.00 51.00 56.00 Course Reimbursement 500.00 57.00 700.00 700.00 Supplies 550.00 192.00 700.00 500.00 Subscriptions 900.00 843.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Library Books 5,000.00 5,232.00 5,500.00 5,000.00 Audio Visual 2,000.00 1,889.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 TOTAL 66,933.00 64,941.00 75,047.00 77,693.00 SCHOOL BOARD Salaries 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 FICA 765.00 765.00 765.00 765.00 Legal Services 1,000.00 761.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Audit 6,500.00 5,100.00 6,500.00 6,500.00 School Board Expenses 4,000.00 1,700.00 4,000.00 3,000.00 Advertisements 3,500.00 3,100.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 Dues & Fees 1,800.00 1,440.00 1,800.00 1,800.00 TOTAL 27,565.00 22,866.00 27,565.00 26,565.00 ADMINISTRATION Principal Salary 74,577.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 63,000.00 Secretary Salary 24,528.00 24,528.00 25,368.00 26,920.00 Principal Health/Dental Ins. 8,470.00 9,632.00 9,064.00 12,696.00 Secretary Health/Dental/Life Ins. 8,502.00 7,637.00 9,095.00 10,049.00 Principal FICA 5,705.00 4,669.00 4,590.00 4,896.00 Secretary FICA 1,877.00 1,820.00 1,941.00 2,142.00 Principal Life Ins. 1,140.00 1,116.00 250.00 195.00 Secretary Retirement 1,030.00 981.00 1,066.00 1,077.00 Principal Annuity 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Prof. Development & Travel 1,725.00 2,171.00 1,725.00 1,725.00 Principal Supplies 2,000.00 1,292.00 2,200.00 1,200.00 TOTAL 129,554.00 113,846.00 116,299.00 124,900.00 FISCAL SERVICES Treasurer's Salary 1,600.00 0.00 1,600.00 1,600.00 Treasurer's Ins. 3.00 0.00 3.00 0.00 Treasurer's FICA 123.00 0.00 123.00 123.00 Treasurer's Supplies 200.00 0.00 200.00 200.00 Bookkeeper's Salary 17,900.00 15,996.00 17,900.00 11,000.00 Bookkeeper's Ins. 945.00 605.00 945.00 945.00 Bookkeeper's FICA 1,369.00 1,224.00 1,369.00 842.00 Bookkeeper's Supplies 700.00 1,318.00 700.00 700.00 TOTAL 22,840.00 19,143.00 22,840.00 15,410.00 PLANT OPJMAINT.

Custodial Salaries 95,845.00 97,256.00 100,361.00 108,107.00 Health/ Dental /Life Ins. 21,374.00 27,185.00 22,843.00 34,180.00 FICA 7,332.00 7,189.00 7,678.00 8,545.00 Retirement 4,026.00 899.00 4,215.00 3,558.00 Building Repairs 6,000.00 4,904.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Insurance/Bonds 11,000.00 17,847.00 16,500.00 18,000.00 Telephone 6,300.00 3,838.00 6,900.00 4,200.00 Contracted Services 5,980.00 4,059.00 5,800.00 5,000.00 Custodial Supplies 12,000.00 14,098.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 Grounds Supplies 7,450.00 6,165.00 7,400.00 7,400.00

VERNON TOWN REPORT 55 VERNON TOWN REPORT 55 2002-2003 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET PROPOSED All Other Repairs 5,000.00 4,530.00 13,500.00 7,000.00 Electricity 43,000.00 42,970.00 44,000.00 44,000.00 Heat 17,500.00 16,050.00 18,000.00 18,000.00 Plant Operation Equipment 8,000.00 8,421.00 8,500.00 8,500.00 Replace Non-Instructional Eq. 1,500.00 253.00 4,500.00 1,500.00 TOTAL 252,307.00 255,664.00 278,197.00 285,990.00 ELEMENTARY TOTALS 1,744,782.00 1,698,048.00 1,854,964.00 1,912,929.00 TRANSPORTATION Transportation Contract 132,000.00 161,551.00 156,088.00 176,417.00 Fuel 8,500.00 403.00 9,000.00 0.00 Maintenance & Repairs 1,000.00 45.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 TOTAL 141,500.00 161,999.00 166,088.00 177,417.00 FOOD SERVICE Hot Lunch Supplement 33,211.00 33,211.00 33,211.00 33,211.00 TOTAL 33,211.00 33,211.00 33,211.00 33,211.00 W.S.E.S.U. ASSESSMENT W.S.E.S.U. Assessment 137,573.00 137,573.00 145,699.00 153,525.00 TOTAL 137,573.00 137,573.00 145,699.00 153,525.00 B.U.H.S. ASSESSJSEC. TUITION B.U.H.S. Assessment(a) 1,424,289.00 1,424,289.00 1,360,746.00 1,569,991.00 Secondary Tuitions 241,000.00 382,984.00 484,000.00 605,428.00 Vocational Block Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00 61,169.00 504 Tuition 0.00 33,324.00 0.00 27,000.00 TOTAL 1,665,289.00 1,840,597.00 1,844,746.00 2,263,588.00 SPECIAL EDUCATION Special Education 513,668.00 591,828.00 592,480.00 665,382.00 TOTAL 513,668.00 591,828.00 592,480.00 665,382.00 EARLY EDUCATION E.E.E. Program 45,281.00 44,048.00 53,277.00 49,134.00 SCAMP Salary 2,500.00 2,213.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 SCAMP FICA 0.00 121.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL 47,781.00 46,382.00 55,777.00 51,634.00 OTHER Deficit Appropriation 0.00 0.00 0.00 87,000.00*

INTERFUND TRANSFERS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL 0.00 0.00 0.00 87,000.00 OTHER TOTALS .2,539,022.00 2,811,590.00 2,838,001.00 3,431,757.00 GRAND TOTAL 4,283,804.00 4,509,638.00 4,692,965.00 5,344,686.00 (a) Preliminary

• Deficit appropriation in total is $153,686.35

$87,000.00 is a partial allocation for FY 05

56 VERNON TOWN REPORT 56 VERNON TOWN REPORT W.S.E.S.U. MEMBER DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT - FINANCIAL

SUMMARY

OPERATING BUDGET, COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS AND GRANTS 2002-03 Actual 2003-04 Budget 2004-2005 Proposed (a)

Revenue Assessments Brattleboro $ 555,055 $ 572,989 $ 579,950 B.U.H.S. #6 480,016 505,063 508,908 Dummerston 103,314 115,501 122,917 Guilford 111,242 105,482 109,413 Putney 169,119 156,010 149,265 Vernon 137,573 145,699 153,525 Tuition 1,777,836 1,927,067 2,454,654 Intergovernmental 2,581,438 2,146,998 2,800,000 Interest 7,721 12,000 8,000 Sather Fund 5,657 0 0 Other Local 1,932 3,250 3,250 On-Behalf of Revenue (Retirement) 72,003 0 0 Total Revenue $ 6,002,906 $ 5,690,059 $ 6,889,882 Expenditures Special Education $ 258,635 $ 296,521 $ 283,724 Title I/Special Services 1,687 23,692 15,047 Speech 133,758 143,157 150,383 Administrative Support 224,774 193,765 187,122 Superintendent 117,497 108,988 117,347 School Improvement 120,510 143,711 158,426 Admin. Secretary/ Personnel 148,567 164,256 176,659 Business Administrator 106,985 108,407 113,858 Other Fiscal Services 318,517 312,380 346,722 District Wide 102 7,992 2,500 Technology Coordinator 70,470 98,951 79,747 Operations &Maintenance 69,211 72,172 75,972 Special Projects (Grants) 2,567,912 2,089,000 2,925,000 Special Class Programs 1,777,859 1,927,067 2,454,654 Sather Fund 4,410 0 0 On-Behalf of Expenses (Retirement) 72,003 0 0 Total Expenditures $ 5,992,897 $ 5,690,059 $ 7,087,161 (a) Please note that the excess of revenue over expenditures relates to activity for restricted programs and grants.

These funds are used for future restricted program and grant expenditures.

WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SUPERVISORY UNION SUB GRANTS FY03 FEDERAL FEDERAL FEDERAL EPSDT - SE IEP TOTAL DISTRICT IDEA SPEC ED TITLE 1 TITLE 1 MEDICAID MEDICAID SUPPLEMENTAL BRATTLEBORO $218,135 $284,465 $0 $18,556 $131,921 $653,077 BRATTLEBORO EES PRE-SCHOOL 0 20,000 0 0 0 20,000 BUNS #6 109,980 203,250 29,691 24,994 0 367,915 DUMMERSTON 20,044 0 0 34,353 28,900 83,297 GUILFORD 23,306 0 0 25,112 10,000 58,418 PUTNEY 35,654 63,022 0 21,206 28,900 148,782 VERNON 31,116 0 0 29,515 10,000 70,631 TOTAL 438,235 570,737 29,691 153,736 209,721 1,402,120

VERNON TOWN REPORT *7 5;7 SPECIAL EDUCATION AID DISTRIBUTION FY03

)istrict Block Grant Intensive Aid Extraordinary Aid State Placed E.E.E. State IDEA Federal Total Aid 3rattleboro $435,012.00 $2,191,255.00 $ 38,755.00 $ 82,235.00 $ 64,353.00 $ 218,135.00 $3,029,745.00

)ummerston 73,609.00 193,836.00 62,996.00 0.00 11,834.00 20,044.00 362,319.00

ýuilford 93,385.00 164,714.00 4,774.00 0.00 14,407.00 23,306.00 300,586.00 Putney 91,015.00 441,428.00 34,577.00 0.00 14,506.00 35,654.00 617,180.00 Vernon 102,885.00 266,492.00 26,977.00 44,833.00 18,758.00 31,116.00 491,061.00 I..

3.U.H.S #6 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 109,980.00 109,980.00 rotal $795,906.00 $3,257,725.00 $168,079.00 $127,068.00 $123,858.00 $438,235.00 $4,910,871.00 Act 68 Three Year Comparison Vernon Town School District FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY200S

1. Expenditures

2. Budget (approved) $4,367,376 $4,283,804 $4,692,965 $3,774,695

3. State Vocational Block Grant (82% FY05) $61,169

4. Supervisory Union Asiessment $153,525

5. Block Grant State Voc. Ed.Prior Yrs. $62,870 $54,491 $49,036 t6. Separately Warned Article -approved

7. Separately Warned Article -approved

8. Separately Warned Article -approved

9. Act 144 Expenditures

10. Act 68 Local Adopted Budget S4,430,246 $4,338,295 $4,742,001 $3,774,695

11. Union school assessment $1,569,991

12. Deficit if not included in the budget or revenue

13. Special Programs (not included in local budget)

14. Gross Act 68 Budget $4,430,246 $4,338,295 $4,742,001 $5,344,686 15.

Revenues

16. Local Revenues $683,562 $677,845 $756,909 $770,716 117. Capital Debt Aid $0 $0 $0 $0

8. Special Programs (not included in local budget)

ý9. Deficit if not included in local budget

20. Act 144 Revenues

. - Total Revenues $683,562 $677,845 $756,909 $776,716

22. Fundraising(if any)

ý3. Adjusted Local Revenues $683,562 $677,845 $756,909 $770,716

24. Education Spending (Act 68) $3,746,684 $3,660,450 $3,985,092 $4,573,970

25. Equalized Pupils 398.67 401.42 414.01 419.49

26. Education Spending per Equalized Pupil $9,398 $9,119 $9,626 $10,904

27. Excess Spending per Equalized Pupil (if any) NA NA NA $104

28. Per Pupil figure used for calculating District Adjustment NA NA NA $11,008

29. District Spending Adjustment NA NA NA 161.877%

30. Estimated Homestead tax rate (equalized) NA NA NA

31. Household Income % for Income Sensitivity NA NA NA

58 VERNON TOWN REPORT MINUTES AND WARNINGS MINUTES AND WARNINGS MINUTES OF ANNUAL TOWN AND TOWN Plan. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote in the SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING FOR THE affirmative.

TOWN OF VERNON - March 3rd and 4th, 2003 ARTICLE 10: Laura DeVincentis made the motion that the Town Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Moderator School District raise the sum of $3,921,581.00 and appropriate the Timothy Arsenault called for a moment of silence for those sum of $4,692,965.00 to defray the expenses and liabilities for the residents and friends who had died during the past year. Micro- ensuing year: $145,699.00 to be Vernon's assessment to WSESU;

$1,360,746.00 to BUHS and $3,186,520.00 for the operation of the phone handlers for the first evening were Rebecca Hall and Kimberly Franklin. Procedures to be followed during the meeting Vernon Elementary School. The motion was seconded and School Board Chairman DeVincentis gave a budget presentation utilizing were referenced and the Vernon Advent Christian Church thanked for providing refreshments for this meeting and the the overhead for those in attendance. Much discussion followed.

Warning was read by the Town Clerk. Ed Sprague called the question. The motion to cease debate was seconded and carried on a clear two-thirds voice vote in the ARTICLE 4: While this Article will be voted by non-binding affirmative. The motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

referendum paper ballot on Tuesday, Moderator Arsenault opened the floor and much discussion followed. Paul Sather ARTICLE 11: Michael Hebert thanked the Town School District brought up a point of order regarding action taken under "to for their support of the School. He further briefly reviewed and transact any other business" last year to have voting on urged support of Article 3. Discussion on Article 3 followed.

non-binding and binding referendums by Australian Ballot. Mr.

Sather asked that the legality of such action in the future be Moderator Arsenault thanked the School Board and called for a five minute recess to allow the Selectboard to assemble. Following ascertained. Discussion followed and the question was moved.

The motion to cease debate was seconded and carried on a clear the reconvening of the meeting, Moderator Arsenault announced two-thirds voice vote in the affirmative. the Preschool Fund Raiser going on outside the meeting and the :

Historians Bake Sale which will be held during the Australian School Board Chairman Laura DeVincentis introduced the School Ballot voting at the Town Office Building.

Board members.

Selectboard Chairman Polhemus introduced the Board of Select- i-ARTICLE 5: Leeanne Shover made the motion to authorize the men and thanked those present in the audience and the volunteer.

Town School District Board to borrow money in anticipation of and officials for the Town of Vernon.

taxes. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote in the affirmative. ARTICLE 12: Michael McKenney made the motion to accept the -

report of the Town Auditors as printed in the Annual Report. Th(

ARTICLE 6: Pam Gobeille made the motion to approve the report motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote in the affirma-of the Town School District Auditors. The motion was seconded tive.

and carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

ARTICLE 13: Nancy Burrington made the motion to nominate ARTICLE 7: Deborah Hebert made the motion to approve the Ken Swanger to fulfill an unexpired term ending in 2005; Christin(

Vernon School Capital Plan as presented by the Town School Fredericks to fulfill an unexpired term ending in 2004; and District Board. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice Elizabeth Eriksson as a Library Trustee for the term of five years.

vote in the affirmative. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

ARTICLE 8: Michael Hebert moved for a rule suspension to take up Article 9 prior to taking up Article 8. The motion to suspend ARTICLE 14: Nancy Burrington made the motion that the Town was seconded and carried on a clear two-thirds voice vote in the raise and appropriate the sum of $75,691.00 for the administration affirmative. of the Vernon Free Library. The motion was seconded and carried" on a voice vote in the affirmative.

ARTICLE 9: Michael Hebert made the motion that the Town School District vote to authorize deposit of the funds held in the ARTICLE 15: Len Peduzzi made the motion that the Town raise 1 Vernon School District Reserve Fund into the fund balance of the and appropriate the sum of $80,000.00 to be placed in the previ-Capital Fund. (All funds as of 6/30/03 will be added to the ously established "Town Road Upgrading Fund" to be utilized for, Capital Fund balance). The motion was seconded and discussion paving and upgrading existing Town Roads. The motion was followed. The motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative. seconded and much discussion followed. Mark Parker stated that Vernon residents have a "fantastic Road Crew that takes real good' ARTICLE 8: Michael Hebert made the motion to amend the care of us all year long," and a round of applause for those Article to appropriate the sum of $137,300.00 for funding items individuals followed. Much more discussion followed until the approved in the school Capital Plan. The funding will consist of question was called and the motion to cease debate was seconded the balance of the reserve fund as of 6/30/03 with remainder and carried on a clear two-thirds voice vote in the affirmative. A coming from the Capital Fund, excess funds, and interest. This division of the house was called and the motion carried with 72 money can only be usedfor the items authorized in the school Capital votes in the affirmative and 37 votes in the negative.

ARTICLE 16: Sonya Shippee made the motion that the Town raise

VERNON TOWN REPORT 59 VERNON TOWN REPORT 59 id appropriate the sum of $25,000.00 to be placed in the previ- and appropriate the sum of $18,501.00 and authorize the Select-isly established "Farmland Protection Fund." This money would men to expend the same for the support of the following in the

! held under all restrictions applicable to this fund. The motion designated amounts and requested the vote be taken by paper

'as seconded and discussion followed. The question was called ballot:

nd the motion to cease debate was seconded and carried on a

ýear two-thirds voice vote in the affirmative. The motion carried AIDS Project of Southern Vermont 150.00 n a voice vote in the affirmative. Brattleboro Area Hospice 300.00 Council on Aging 700.00 LRTICLE 17: Michael Ball made the motion that the Town raise Early Education Services 1,700.00 nd appropriate $5,000.00 as a restricted gift to Rescue Inc. Get INFO 375.00

[esignated as follows: $4,000.00 to the Capital Fund of Rescue Inc. Health Care &Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern VT 1,850.00 nd $1,000.00 to the Volunteer Fund of Rescue Inc. The motion Historical Society of Windham County 250.00 vas seconded and discussion followed. The motion carried on a Morningside Emergency Shelter 676.00

,oice vote in the affirmative. Phoenix House 800.00 SEVCA 2,100.00 tRTICLE 18: Douglas Fletcher made the motion to amend the Vermont Adult Learning 500.00 krtide to have the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $750.00 Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired 500.00

o be expended by Vernon Historians, Inc. for the preservation of Vermont Center for Independent Living 500.00 iistoric items and for copying and printing historic Vernon Visiting Nurses Alliance 4,700.00

?hotographs and printed items, and for supplies to properly Women's Crisis Center 900.00

onserve and store the same and also for the purchase of signs for Youth Services 2,500.00 each of the brooks and/or streams. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote in the affirmative. The motion was seconded and much discussion on the use of a paper ballot followed with legal advice being sought from the ARTICLE 19: Georgia Boyce made the motion that the Town raise Town's Attorney Charles Cummings. Marion Watson noted that

'and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 for the 250th Anniversary neither the Gathering Place nor RSVP had been included in the Icelebration of the Town of Vernon in 2003, to be held in place of list, yet they spend a lot of time in Vernon. Much discussion the Annual Town Picnic. The motion was seconded and Georgia followed. The question was called and the motion to cease debate Boyce made the motion to amend the motion to read to raise and carried on a clear two-thirds vote in the affirmative. The Town appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 and transfer from the Town Clerk was called to distribute the paper ballots. A point of order Picnic Fund the $551.81 into the 250th Anniversary appropriation. was raised by Paul Sather regarding the paper ballot request by The motion to amend carried on a voice vote in the affirmative. Chairman Polhemus. Much more discussion followed. A friendly amendment was held and the paper ballot distributed was a "Yes" The amended motion: That the Town raise $5,000.00 and appro- or "No"paper ballot. The Article was defeated by a vote of 46

• priate the sum of $5,000.00 plus the Picnic balance of $551.81 for votes in the affirmative and 72 votes in the negative.

the 250th Anniversary celebration of the Town of Vernon in 2003, to be held in place of the Annual Town Picnic. Discussion on the ARTICLE 23: Marcella Unaitis made the motion that the Town

'mended motion followed. Concern was expressed that it not be a appropriate the sum of $700.00 from the Dog Fund for the support j'glorified Town Picnic" but be something special. More discussion of the Windham County Humane Society. The motion was followed. The amended motion carried. seconded and Mrs. Unaitis spoke to the Article. The motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

A'RTICLE 20: Doug Fletcher made the motion that the Town

exempt the Chapel, owned by the Vernon Historians, Inc. from ARTICLE 24: Douglas Fletcher made the motion to nominate Ed real estate taxes for the 2003 through 2007 tax years. The motion and Barbara Sprague to serve as the committee for Memorial Day.

was seconded and discussion followed. The motion carried on a The motion was seconded and discussion followed. Dennis Legere voice vote in the affirmative. made the motion to amend the Article to allow the Selectboard to appoint other members as necessary through the year. The motion ARTICLE 21: Len Peduzzi made the motion that the Town raise to amend was seconded. The amendment carried on a voice vote

rnd appropriate the sum of $30,000.00 to be placed in the previ- in the affirmative.

3usly established "Professional Services Fund." The motion was seconded and discussion followed. The question was called and The amended motion: To nominate Ed and Barbara Sprague to the motion to cease debate was seconded and carried on a clear serve as the committee for Memorial Day and allow the two-thirds voice vote in the affirmative. The motion carried on a Selectboard to appoint other members as necessary through the voice vote in the affirmative.

year. The amended motion carried on a voice vote in the affirma-tive.

ARTICLE 22: Jim Polhemus made the motion that the Town raise ARTICLE 25: Len Peduzzi made the motion to nominate Barbara Moseley and James Brown to serve as the committee to disburse the income from the Marsh Fund. The motion was seconded.

Munson Hicks made the motion to amend the motion to include, "that the members who are voted in be instructed to find ways to remove these funds from the Town's overview." When asked by Moderator Arsenault, Attorney Cummings stated he did not believe it was an appropriate amendment nor was an amendment the way to change the purpose of the fund. The amendment was

60 VERNON TOWN REPORT 60 VERNON TOWN REPORT ruled out of order by Moderator Arsenault. More discussion Vernon Scholarship Requirements. The motion was seconded ani followed. Douglas Johnson asked whether the third church in Dennis Legere made the motion to amend the Article to read thai town should be added to the list of churches that benefit from this the Town appropriate the sum of $30,000.00 to the previously fund. Mr. Cummings was interrogated regarding the procedure to established Town of Vernon James Cusick Scholarship Fund. Thi:

add another church and responded that it would be up to the fund to be distributed in accordance with the Vernon Scholarship Committee to determine. The motion carried on a voice vote in the Requirements. The motion to amend was seconded and Mr.

affirmative. Legere spoke to his motion, noting that there was money in the fund so no more money needed to be raised this year. The motior A point of order was called by Paul Sather who asked for Attorney to amend carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

Cummings' input regarding the legality of the vote to be taken on Article 4. Attorney Cummings stated that it was legal as it is a The amended motion: That the Town appropriate the sum of non-binding vote to be taken. He further stated that he thought $30,000.00 to the previously established Town of Vernon James "this town can take any action it wants to take at any time whether Cusick Scholarship Fund. This fund to be distributed in accor-or not it's warned as long as it's not for a binding action." dance with the Vernon Scholarship Requirements, carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

Discussion on the difference between Australian ballots, paper ballots, and binding ballots, followed. ARTICLE 27: Michael McKenney made the motion to approve the Vernon Capital Plan as presented in the Annual Report of the Moderator Arsenault declared the meeting in recess at 9:56 P.M. Finance Committee. The Town is free to add, delete, or modify any individual item from the proposed plan by amendment under CONTINUATION OF ANNUAL TOWN MEETING this Article. The motion was seconded and discussion followed.

MARCH 4,2003 Dennis Legere made the motion to amend the Article to eliminate the funds for the Town Office Building HVAC and South School Filling in until Moderator Arsenault arrived, House Representa- from the Capital Plan. The motion to amend was seconded. Len -

tive Patricia O'Donnell announced that the Vernon Preschool Peduzzi gave an update on the Town Office Building HVAC and:,

wished her to extend their appreciation to those who participated Richmond Tripp on the South School with both noting that the in the Chinese Auction to benefit the Preschool. $1,322.00 was projects would be completed this year. After much more discus-raised during this event. sion Mr. Legere withdrew his motion to amend and the individual who seconded the motion withdrew his second. The original j Representative O'Donnell also gave a brief update on the Medic- motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

aid bill that is being worked on in Montpelier; economic develop-ment; jobs in the State; work with the Retreat; work with Eden ARTICLE 28: Michael McKenney made the motion that the Town Park Nursing Home; permit reform; drug court; etc. appropriate the sum of $130,000.00 from the Emergency Capital Reserve Fund for funding of items approved in the Capital Plan.

Moderator Arsenault reconvened the meeting and gave a "histori- This money can only be used for items authorized in the Vernon cal perspective" about Article 25's Marsh Fund by reading an Capital Plan. The motion was seconded and discussion followed.

excerpt from the book, Brattleboro Retreat, 150 Years of Caring Michael Ball made the motion to amend the motion to "raise and which was read into the record as follows: appropriate" the sum of $130,000.00. The motion to amend the Article was seconded. Both the motion to amend and the second It concerns Anna Hunt Marsh, the widow of Dr. Perley were withdrawn by the individuals presenting them. More Marsh, a prominent physician, who practiced medicine in discussion followed. A Point of Order was called by Michael Ball Hinsdale. No record of their marriage was found, but it's regarding remarks being made by Dennis Legere on the invest-probable that he and Anna were married around 1793, ments was not germane to the Article. The Chair ruled that the because that year Perley bought his first property in town, remarks were not germane and Mr. Legere challenged that ruling.

the old Fort Dummer Ferry, for 90 pounds, and the tract of A vote was called and Mr. Legere was allowed to continue by a land, presumably with a house for another 100 hundred voice vote in the affirmative. Mr. Legere asked that the invest-pounds. Four years later, the 1797 Grand List for Hinsdale, ments be scrutinized more carefully in the future.

showed Perley to be the third richest man in town, only Dennis Legere made the motion to amend the Article to read: Thai Anna's uncle, General Arad Hunt, and the Town Clerk were the Town appropriate the sum $130,000.00 to deal with the listed for higher property value. Anna lived twenty-seven approved funds in the Capital Plan, and that we raise $45,970.00 years after Perley's death. Amassing an estate, in 1834 which, combined with the two figures $74,330.00 plus $9,700.00 dollars, of $21,720.00. Most of her money came from buying will equal the $130,000.00. So by the investment of $45,970.00 we and selling property and running the family farm. The do not continue to deplete the fund and we continue to support census records of 1820 and 1830 listed her as the head of the $130,000.00. The motion to amend was seconded. More -*

household with several hired help in residence. In her will discussion followed. A division of the house was called and the she left $10,000.00 to help establish the Brattleboro Retreat. motion to amend carried with 53 votes in the affirmative and 31 lin the negative.

And, as you know, if you read your Town Report, some $2,000.00 of that was established for our town for the Marsh Fund." The amended motion: That the Town appropriate the sum of

$130,000.00 and raise $45,970.00 for funding of items approved in ARTICLE 26: Sonya Shippee made the motion that the Town raise the Capital Plan. This money can only be used for items autho-and appropriate a sum to be placed in the previously established rized in the Vernon Capital Plan. The motion carried on a voice Town of Vernon, James Cusick Scholarship Fund and if so, what vote in the affirmative.

amount. This fund to be distributed in accordance with the ARTICLE 29: Sally Stearns made the motion that the Town

VERNON TOWN REPORT 61 VERNON TOWN REPORT 61 establish a Disability Insurance Fund, to be utilized under the receive its taxes through its Treasurer. The motion was seconded direction of the Board of Selectmen. The motion was seconded and and carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

discussion followed. The motion was defeated on a voice vote in the negative. ARTICLE 34: Sonya Shippee made the motion that the Town authorize payment of Real and Personal Property taxes to the ARTICLE 30: Because Article 29 was defeated Dennis Legere Town Treasurer in two installments, the date to be specified by

,made the motion to object to the consideration of Article 30. The the townspeople and maybe the Treasurer could make a sugges-

,notion was seconded and carried on a clear two-thirds vote in the tion. The motion was seconded. Treasurer Sally Stearns spoke iffirmative. against the Article due to the proposed calendar change to be discussed later in the meeting. Dennis Legere made the motion to ARTICLE 31: Doug Fletcher made the motion that the Town raise amend the motion to include July 1st and October 1st as the two

• nd appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the Veterans Memorial to due dates. The motion to amend was seconded and defeated on a

• aake additions, corrections, and any necessary repairs. The voice vote in the negative. The original motion was defeated on a

• notion was seconded and discussion followed. Peter Crossmon voice vote in the negative.

aid, "Last night we passed $4,000,000.00 in twenty minutes, now e're complaining and talking about $2,000.00 for people that ARTICLE 35: Sonya Shippee made the motion that the Town iought for our country?" and moved the question. The motion to authorize payment of Real and Personal Property taxes in one tease debate was seconded and carried on a clear two-thirds vote installment on October 15th. The motion was seconded and In the affirmative. The motion carried on a voice vote in the carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

'rffirmative.

ARTICLE 36: Sally Stearns made the motion that the Town ARTICLE 32: Steven Holton made the motion that the Town raise authorize the Board of Selectmen to change from a calendar year

,'nd appropriate the sum of $75,000.00 for the Fire Department to to a fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2004. The motion was ppgrade air packs and compressor systems to meet NFPA and seconded and Treasurer Steams spoke to the motion. Following 0SHA requirements to date. The motion was seconded and much discussion the motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

Liscussion followed. Steve Holton noted that many of the units in use cannot be retrofitted to meet the new standards and mow ARTICLE 37: Len Peduzzi made the motion that the Town

• re considered obsolete by MSA criteria. Much discussion authorize and appropriate $73,788.05 owed to Velco per the followed. The options of spending a "one lump sum" or spreading Vermont Supreme Court decision in the Town of Vernon versus the payments out were reviewed. David Andrews noted that the Velco from a fund to be determined or wait until year end 2003 Town would be in jeopardy by not bringing the Fire Department using excess funds to defray the expense. The motion was

.ip to code when "these guys are risking their lives for us. Bear in seconded and discussion followed. Lister Chairman William nind, this isn't a normal town, this is uniquely different, from Hammond spoke to the motion regarding the steps that led to this "ven Guilford. Our town has some unique hazards...and we have situation: Velco was encouraged by Ollie Trahan in Montpelier to i Fire Department that really is understaffed, it's under-equipped. utilize the IOWA curve (at that time Velco was the only one that the money they're asking for? Personally I don't think it's used that method). Velco appealed their tax assessment to the mnough!" Much more discussion followed. After further discus- Listers who denied their grievance, they then appealed to the

.ion Douglas Johnson made the motion to purchase 15 packs with Board of Civil Authority who denied that appeal, it then went to "one man who's like a judge that the State sends down, and he ihe spare bottles, and convert the other systems. The motion to

• mend was seconded and discussion followed. came down completely biased. Wouldn't even allow our contrac-pouglas Johnson spoke to his amendment, noting that he has tor to speak unless we had a full dossier on him, but yet they

,poken with Brian Johnson from VT. Labor and Industry, who allowed the expert to speak on the other side. It was politics in rformed him that "if a town had the capability of purchasing this, and I want this to go on record." Some of the tax money has hese air packs and did not purchase them, and someone got hurt, been returned last year and "Velco has been very nice about it."

hen the Town is liable for not purchasing this new equipment." Much discussion followed.

Much more discussion followed. Michael Ball made the motion to amend the motion to that the john Schaefer made the motion to amend the amendment to buy Town authorize and appropriate $73,788.05 owed to Velco per the "0 air packs and raise and appropriate approximately $37,500.00 Vermont Supreme Court decision in the Town of Vernon versus

-lor this (half the amount asked for). The motion to amend the Velco from a fund to be determined by the Treasurer. The motion hmendment was seconded and more discussion followed. to amend was seconded and after discussion the maker and

[Ihe question was called and the motion to cease debate on the seconder of the motion to amend withdrew their motion and unendment to the amendment carried on a clear two-thirds voice second.

iote in the affirmative. The amendment to the amendment was Dennis Legere made the motion to amend the motion to pay the iefeated on a voice vote in the negative. $73,788.05 in taxes due and any remaining funds owed to be taken Wollowing a brief recess the current amendment: To amend Article from the excess funds in the general fund at the end of the year.

ý2 to raise5nd appropriate the sum of $60,000.00 for the purchase The motion to amend was seconded and the amendment carried jf 15 air packs and assorted items as mentioned by Mr. Holton, on a voice vote in the affirmative.

',ith any excess funding to be returned to the Town. The question Article 37 as amended: that the Town authorize the payment of Aas called and the motion to cease debate on the amendment $73,788.05 owed to Velco per the Vermont Supreme Court

-arried on a clear two-thirds vote in the affirmative. decision in the Town of Vernon versus Velco in taxes due with division of the house was called and the amended motion was any excess to come from surplus funds at year end.

efeated on a vote of 38 in the affirmative and 55 in the negative. The amended motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

division of the house was called and the original motion carried n a vote of 59 votes in the affirmative and 28 in the negative.

RTICLE 33: Sonya Shippee made the motion that the Town

62 VERNON TOWN REPORT 62 VERNON TOWN REPORT ARTICLE 38: Sally Steams made the motion that the Town raise SECOND CONSTABLE

$1,454,556.85 and appropriate $1,648,226.00 to defray its expenses Jason Johnson 422 and liabilities for the ensuing year. The motion was seconded and Treasurer Steams explained the changes in the appearance of the TOWN AGENT Selectmen's budget this year. With no discussion forthcoming the Robert Miller Jr 807 motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

GRAND JUROR - To be appointed ARTICLE 39: Sally Steams made the motion to authorize the Selectmen to borrow money on notes of the Town in anticipation SCHOOL DIRECTOR - 3 YEAR POSITION of taxes and/or current expenses. The motion was seconded and Michael Hebert 739 with no discussion forthcoming the motion carried on a voice vote in the affirmative. SCHOOL DIRECTOR - I YEAR POSITION Pamela B Gobeille 407 ARTICLE 40: To transact any other business that may lawfully Leeanne Shover 402 come before said meeting.

Christiane Howe moved that the Town allow the SCHOOL DISTRICT MODERATOR Selectboard to research the possibility of hiring an Administrative Timothy Arsenault 842 ,

Assistant to the Board of Selectmen. The motion was seconded.

Moderator Arsenault called for the vote noting that this motion was purely advisory as no binding action can be taken under ARTICLE 3: Shall the make-up of the Board of School Directors of; other business, and the motion carried on a voice vote in the the Brattleboro Union High School District, as approved by the affirmative. voters at the time the Brattleboro Union High School District was Walter Zaluzny asked that the Monday evening Town formed be amended to provide that each member town school Meeting start at 7:00 P.M. rather than 6:30 P.M. and asked for district is entitled to one board representative per 3,000 citizens (or

.latest information on the sewage project on the north end of fraction thereof as measured by the U.S. decennial census (which Vernon which Selectman Peduzzi spoke to. initially creates a nine member board); and to further provide that.

Barbara Sprague thanked everybody for helping and to produce staggered terms, one Brattleboro director will be reported that the Historians had raised $661.87 on the food sale; elected to a one-year term (to be replaced by a director with a

$27.00 for the Chapel raffle; $30.00 for the note paper and $66.00 three-year term), two Brattleboro directors will be elected to two for the cookbooks. year terms (to be replaced by directors with three-year terms), and, Michael Ball spoke to the defeat of Article 22 for the all other directors will be elected to three-year terms. (VOTING BY second time in the past two years and recommended the AUSTRALIAN BALLOT). .

Selectboard consider defining a policy or guideline for outside organizations to request monies. 784 Votes were cast as follows:

The meeting was recessed pending the results from the Yes 567 Australian Ballot voting. No 172 Spoiled 0 With 892 votes cast from a Checklist of 1533, the results of the Blank 45 Australian Balloting as presented by the Town Clerk were as Total 784 follows:

ARTICLE 4: To see if the voters of the Town of Vernon will MODERATOR request the Legislature of the State of Vermont to take action Timothy Arsenault 826 immediately to bar relicensing of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station whose current license expires in 2012; to bar the SELECTMAN - 3 YEAR POSITION licensing of any other nuclear generating station in the State of Douglas Fletcher 510 Vermont; and to proceed forthwith implementing'a state energy plan that relies upon renewable energy sources to supply SELECTMAN- 1 YEAR Vermont's energy needs.

Margaret (Peggy) Farabaugh 489 James Polhemus 436 834 Votes were cast as follows:

Yes 74 SELECTMAN - 2 YEAR (to fill an unexpired term) No 756 Michael Ball 485 Spoiled 0 Blank 4 LISTER Total 834 William Hammond 656 ATTEST: /s/ Sandra B. Harris cvc AUDITOR Sandra B. Harris cvc Town Clerk Carol J.Hammond 642 APPROVED BY: /s/ Michael Ball DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTOR Michael Ball - Selectboard Marylynn Scherlin 667 Is/ Laura DeVincentis FIRST CONSTABLE Laura DeVincentis - School Board Peter Crossmon 841

/s/ Timothy Arsenault Timothy Arsenault - Moderator

VERNON TOWN REPORT 63 VERNON TOWN REPORT 63 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF VERNON, VERMONT MAY 8,2003 WARNING FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING MAY 8,2003 Moderator Timothy Arsenault called the Special Town Meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Town Clerk The legal voters of the Town of Vernon are hereby notified and Sandra Harris read the Warning and Moderator Arsenault reviewed warned to meet at the Vernon Elementary School (cafetorium) on the procedures to reconsider from Roberts Rules of Order.

Thursday, May 8 A.D. 2003 at 7:00 P.M. in said Town to act on the following Articles: ARTICLE 1: MARGARLET FARABAUGH MADE THE MOTION THAT THE TOWN RECONSIDER ACTION TAKEN ON

'ARTICLE 1: To see if the Town will vote to reconsider action taken ARTICLE 32 AT THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING. The motion

'on Article 32 at the Annual Town Meeting. was seconded and Fire Chief Steven Holton informed those present that he had received confirmation and documentation informing 1

ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the him that an $89,000.00 grant had been received to cover the costs of sum of $75,000.00 for the Fire Department to upgrade airpacks and thebreathing apparatus and thermal imagingcameras whichArticle compressor systems to meet NFPA and OSHA requirements to date. 32 was to cover. After further discussion the motion carried on a (Article 32 at the Annual Meeting) voice vote in the affirmative.

1ARTICLE 3:Shall Vernon vote on matters advisatory to the Vermont ARTICLE 2:DOUGLAS FLETCHER MADE THE MOTION THAT Legislature by Australian Ballot? THE TOWN VOTE TO RAISE AND APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $75,000.00 FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO UPGRADE Dated at Vernon, Vermont this 7th day of April A.D. 2003. AIRPACKS AND COMPRESSOR SYSTEMS TO MEET NFPA AND OSHA REQUIREMENTS TO DATE. (ARTICLE 32 AT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ANNUAL MEETING). The motion was seconded and discussion TOWN OF VERNON, VERMONT followed. Fire Chief Steven Holton recommended defeating this Article since the grant has been confirmed. Chairman Ball read the letter of confirmation regarding the grant to those assembled. After brief discussion the motion was defeated by a voice vote in the negative.

ARTICLE 3: MICHAEL BALL MADE THE MOTION THAT VERNON VOTE ON MATTERS ADVISATORY TO THE Ma are Far ugh VERMONT LEGISLATURE BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT. The motion was seconded and Mr. Ball spoke to the motion. Much discussion followed. The motion carried in a voice vote in the Douglas Fletcher affirmative.

Any other business:

In response to Paul Sather's request, Selectboard Chairman Ball e nard Peduzzi reviewed the methods implemented inplacing petitioned articles on the Warnings for Special and Annual Meetings.

Mike Zaluzny raised the question about the monies the Town had J es Polhemus invested and the status of those funds. Chairman Ball stated that the Town was in mutual funds, noted the majority input on the questionnaire sent out last fall indicated that they wanted to be out of equitybut infixed investments. He furthernoted that the Treasurer has provided a proposed investment guideline to the Board to review.

JOHN WHEELDEN SR. MADE THE MOTION TO ADJOURN.

The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote in the affirmative.

The meeting adjourned at 7:32 P.M.

ATTEST: Is! Sandra B. Harris cvc /cmc Town Clerk Is! Michael Ball Selectboard Chairman

/s/ Timothy Arsenault Moderator

64 VERNON TOWN REPORT 64 VERNON TOWN REPORT RESULTS OF THE VERNON TOWN SCHOOL WARNING FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING/ELECTION NOVEMBER 18, 2003 HELD ON JUNE 10 A.D. 2003

• The legal voters of the Town of Vernon are hereby notified and Voted by Australian Ballot at the Town Office Building warned to meet at theVernonElementarySchool (cafetorium) at 7:00 (downstairs). P.M. on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 in said Town to act upon the Polls open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. following Articles:

There were 167 votes cast from a checklist of 1,538 with 9 votes ARTICLE 1: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the transfer of being cast by absentee ballot. $3,480.21 left from the Town's 2003 250th Celebration to supplement The votes were as follows: the 2004 Annual Town Picnic.

FOR UNION SCHOOL DIRECTOR - 3 YEAR POSITION ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500.00 for the 2004 Annual Town Picnic.

Pamela B. Gobeille 54 Michael J. Hebert 113 ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Spoiled 0 $35,000.00 from the Town of Vernon Emergency Capital Reserve Blank 0 Fund for necessary plumbing repairs at the Vernon Recreation' Total Votes Cast 167 Center.

ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate theI ATITEST:

Sandra B. Harris cvc sum of $20,331.00 for the administration of the Vernon Free Library.'

ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to collect its taxes without discounts and to have real estate taxes payable on or before April 15 th.

ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town will vote to receive its taxes through{

its Treasurer.

ARTICLE 7: To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray its expenses and liabilities for the six month!

period, January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2004.

ARTICLE 8: To transact any other business that may lawfully come before said meeting.

/ichbeIBair Board of Selectmen Vernon. Vermont

VERNON TOWN REPORT 65 VERNON TOWN REPORT 65 MINUTES OF SPECIAL ARTICLE 5: LEN PEDUZZI MADE THE MOTION THAT THE TOWN COLLECT ITS TAXES WITHOUT DISCOUNTS AND TO TOWN MEETING - NOVEMBER 18,2003 HAVE REAL ESTATE TAXES PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE APRIL 15TH. The motion was seconded and much discussion followed.

1486 Names on the Checklist Treasurer Sally Stearns explained that this would cover a six-month 78 Voters present at Meeting municipal budget from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2004. THE Moderator Timothy Arsenault called the meeting to order at 7:02 MOTION CARRIED ONA VOICE VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

P.M. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, the Town Clerk read the Warning. ARTICLE 6: JIM POLHEMUS MADE THE MOTION THAT THE TOWN RECEIVE ITS TAXES THROUGH ITS TREASURER. The ARTICLE 1: GEORGIA BOYCE MADE THE MOTION THAT motion was seconded and discussion followed. THE MOTION THE TOWN VOTE TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF CARRIED ON A VOICE VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

$3,480.21 LEFT FROM THE TOWN'S 2003 250TH CELEBRATION TO SUPPLEMENT THE 2004 ANNUAL TOWN PICNIC. The ARTICLE 7: SALLY STEARNS MADE THE MOTIONTHATTHE motion was seconded and George Boyce spoke to the motion, noting TOWN RAISE AND APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $815,307.00 the need to adjust the figure by $75.00 for a bill that had not been paid. TO DEFRAY ITS EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES FOR THE GEORGIA BOYCE MADE THE MOTION TO AMEND THE 6-MONTH PERIOD, JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 30, MOTION TO TRANSFER $3,405.21 LEFT FROM THE TOWN'S 2004. The motion was seconded and Treasurer Steams spoke to the 2003 250TH CELEBRATION. The motion to amend was seconded budget. Much discussion followed. THE MOTION CARRIED ON and carried on a voice vote in the affirmative. A VOICE VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

THE AMENDED MOTION: THAT THE TOWN AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $3,405.21 LEFT FROM THE TOWN'S 2003 ARTICLE 8: PEGGY FARABAUGH MADE THE MOTION TO 250TH CELEBRATION TO SUPPLEMENT THE 2004 ANNUAL DISCUSS ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY LAWFULLY TOWN PICNIC CARRIED ON A VOICE VOTE IN THE COME BEFORE SAID MEETING. The motion was seconded and AFFIRMATIVE. Selectboard Chairman Michael Ball introduced the Board and announced there were additional T-shirts from the 250th Celebration ARTICLE 2: GEORGIA BOYCE MADE THE MOTION THAT on sale at the back of the room.

rTHE TOWN RAISE AND APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $3,500.00 Moderator Arsenault thanked the Board of Selectmen; First Choice 1FORTHE 2004 ANNUALTOWNPICNIC.Themotionwas seconded Communications who ran the sound system; BCTV who filmed the

!and following discussion THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOICE meeting for later viewing and those who attended the meeting.

IVOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

LEN PEDUZZI MADE THE MOTION TO ADJOURN. The ARTICLE 3: Seth Deyo asked to speak to the motion. Michael Ball motion was seconded and Moderator Arsenault declared the called a point of order, noting that a motion was required prior to meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

discussing an Article. SETH DEYO MADE THE MOTION THAT THE TOWN APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $35,000.00 FROM THE TOWN OF VERNON EMERGENCY CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR NECESSARY PLUMBING REPAIRS AT THE VERNON RECREATION CENTER. The motion was seconded and ATTEST: /s/Sandra B. Harris cvc/cmc Seth Deyo used a power point presentation to explain the proposed Town Clerk project, noting that passage of this Article would not affect the tax rate as the monies were already in the Emergency Capital Reserve /s/ Michael Ball Fund. Discussion followed. MICHAEL BALL MADE THE MOTION Selectboard Chairman TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE "TO AUTOMATICALLY RETURN ANY EXCESS MONEY TO THE /s/ Timothy Arsenault FUND."Themotionto amend was seconded and discussionfollowed. Moderator

~THE MOTION TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE '1"O RETURN ANY EXCESS MONEY TO THE FUND: CARRIED ON A VOICE VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

THE AMENDED MOTION: THAT THE TOWN APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $35,000.00 FROM THE TOWN OF VERNON EMERGENCY CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR NECESSARY PLUMBING REPAIRS AT THE VERNON RECREATION CENTER AND TO AUTOMATICALLY RETURN ANY EXCESS MONEY TO THE FUND CARRIED ON A VOICE VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

ARTICLE 4: NANCY BURRINGTON MADE THE MOTION THAT THE TOWN RAISE AND APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF

$20,331.00 FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE VERNON FREE LIBRARY. The motion was seconded and Mrs. Burrington explained that the proposed budget was for a 3 month budget for the Library. THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOICE VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

66 VERNON TOWN REPORT 66 VERNON TOWN REPORT WARNING FOR 2004 TOWN AND TOWN ARTICLE9:To seeif theTownwillvote to raise and appropriat the sum of $500.00 to be expended by Vernon Historians, Inc., for thi SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING purchase and preservation of historic items and for copying anc printing historic Vernon photographs and printed items, and fo.

The legal voters of the Vernon Town and Vernon Town School supplies to properly conserve and store the same.

District are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Vernon Elementary School (cafetorium) at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, March 1, 2004, in said Town to act upon Articles beginning with Article 4. Said meeting to be recessed and continued the following evening, March ARTICLE 10:To see if theTownwill vote to raise and appropriat 2,2004, at 7:30 P.M. in the same location. the sum of $7,000.00 for the annual Town picnic.

Voting on Articles 1-3 will be by Australian ballot at the Town Office Building (downstairs) on March 2, 2004. Polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. ARTICLE 11:To see if the Townwill vote to raise and appropriat(

the sum of $100,000.00 to be placed in the previously establishec ARTICLE 1: To elect all Town Officers required by law to be "Professional Services Fund."

elected at the Annual Town Meeting. (VOTING BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT)

ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to expend needed monies on legal matters from the ARTICLE 2: To elect all Town School District Officers required Emergency Capital Reserve Fund.

by law to be elected at the Annual Town School District Meeting.

(VOTING BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT)

ARTICLE 13:To seeif theTownwillvote to raise and appropriate the sum of $14,960.00 and authorize the Selectmen to expend the ARTICLE 3: Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of same for the support of the following in the designated amounts. The

$200,000.00 from the previously established Water and Sewer Fund Town is free to delete, or modify any individual item from the to help fund construction of the water and sewer at the proposed proposed list by amendment under this Article.

ElderlyHousingProjecton the Streeter Property, so called. (VOTING BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT) AIDS Project of Southern Vermont 150.00 Brattleboro Area Drop In Center 200.00 Brattleboro Area Hospice 300.00 Connecticut River Transit Inc 500.00 ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to act upon the report Council on Aging 700.00 of the Town Auditors.

The Gathering Place 500.00 George D. Aiken Resource 50.00 Conservation & Development Council 50.00 Green Up Vermont ARTICLE 5: To choose a Library Trustee for the term of five Health Care & Rehabilitation Services years. of Southeastern VT (by Petition) 150.00 1,850.00 Morningside Emergency Shelter 500.00 RSVP (by Petition) 510.00 SEVCA 2,100.00 ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Vermont Association for the Blind and the sum of $86,846.00 for the administration of the Vernon Free 500.00 Visually Impaired Library. Visiting Nurses Alliance 5,350.00 Windham County Humane Society 700.00 Women's Crisis Center 900.00 ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $80,000.00 to be placed in the previously established "Town Road Upgrading Fund" to be utilized for paving and ARTICLE 14: To choose a committee for Memorial Day.

upgrading existing Town roads.

ARTICLE 15: To choose a committee to disburse the income of ARTICLE 8: To seeif theTown will vote to raise and appropriate the Marsh Fund.

the sum of $25,000 to be placed in the previously established "Farmland Protection Fund." This money would be held under all restrictions applicable to this fund.

VERNON' TOWN REPORT 67 ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate ARTICLE 25: To transact any other business that may lawfully 30,000.00 from the previously established "The Town of Vernon, come before said meeting.

ames Cusick Scholarship Fund." This fund to be distributed in ccordance with the Vernon Scholarship Requirements.

ARTICLE 26: To see if the Town School District will authorize the Town School District Board to borrow money in anticipation of

• ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will approve the Vernon taxes.

ýapital Plan as presented in the Annual Report. The Town is free to Add, delete, or modify any individual item from the proposed plan by

,tmendment under this Article.

ARTICLE 27: To see if the Town School District will vote to approve the Vernon School Capital Plan as presented by the Town School District Board.

ARTICLE 15 : To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the

ýum-of $154,112.00 from the emergency Capital Reserve Fund for unding of items approved in the Capital Plan. This money can only e used for items authorized in the Vernon Capital Plan. ARTICLE 28: To seeif the Town School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $48,100.00 for funding of items approved in the school Capital Plan. (This money can only be used for items ARTICLE 19: To see if the Town will approve the use by the Fire authorized in the school CapitalPlan).

(*hief of monies reserved for Fire Pond Maintenance for any use as lng as it installs and/or maintains alternative water sources (e.g.:

I ire ponds with or without dry hydrants, or underground storage t nks with dry hydrants). ARTICLE 29: To see if the Town School District will vote to raise and appropriate an anount of money necessary to defray its expenses and liabilities for the ensuing year and, if so, in what amount.

ARTICLE 20: To see if the Town will change the policy for Rescue Inc. reimbursements so that the Town not pay for the first service but rather encourage households to purchase subscriptions ARTICLE 30: To transact any other business that may lawfully every year and for the Town to pay for subscriptions out of the come before said meeting.

gmergency Medical Ambulance Services Fund for households that say that they cannot afford the cost of the subscription.

Laura DeVincentis Michael Ball ARTICLE 21: To see if the Town will authorize payment of Real and Personal Property taxes to the TownTreasurer without discounts in two installments, setting the due dates as September 15, 2004 and Deborah Hebert Margaret Farabaugh February 15, 2005.

Michael Hebert Douglas Fletcher ARTICLE 22: To see if the Town will vote to receive its taxes through its Treasurer.

Pamela Gobeille Leonard Peduzzi Leeanne Shover James Polhemus ARTICLE 23: To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray its expenses and liabilities for the ensuing School Directors Board of Selectmen year. Vernon, Vermont Vernon, Vermont ARTICLE 24: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the electmen to borrow money on notes of the Town in anticipation of ixes and/or current expenses.

68 VERNON TOWN REPORT o Ii I

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