Author: Kathleen Fleury
On Nov. 5, Middlebury voters narrowly rejected a $5.99 million bond to build a new municipal building in town as well as a new municipal police headquarters. The bond proposal was rejected by a slim margin of 109 votes, 1,443 to 1,334.
The proposed buildings, which have been in the planning stages for more than four years, included a 13,982-square-foot building on the corner of College and South Main streets, to replace the current run-down facility, and a new 8,500-square-foot Middlebury Police Department headquarters off Seymour Street. The police department is currently located in the basement of the existing municipal building.
According to an article in The Addison Independent, town officials feel that most voters support the idea of a new municipal building, but Vermont's current economic climate makes it difficult for taxpayers to see the value of such a costly project. One reason for this could be that Middlebury's property tax rate is among the highest in the state. Residents currently pay $3.51 for every $100 in property value.
Economics aside, the town still is in need of new facilities. This week, town selectmen plan to analyze the vote and discuss future proposals for a project that will fulfill the town's needs without putting an added burden on taxpayers.
Middlebury Voters Veto Municipal Building Project
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