WOODBURY – The select board capped off the year with a number of updates, at its December 22, regular meeting, beginning with Dan Koenemann of the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District sharing a spreadsheet that highlighted priority projects for potential improvement of water quality in Sabin Pond (Woodbury Lake).
Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) president Retta Dunlap was present to request the board consider a crosswalk, as well as traffic warning lights in the village, to allow WVFD members and town residents to cross Vt. Route 14 safely when arriving at the fire station. The discussion continued for some time, with board members agreeing to discuss funding sources with the VTrans District 6 Manager.
Town Clerk Robin Durkee reported it has been quiet in the town offices, as she works on the town report. She said the new furnace at the town office has been fixed. The problem with it was due to a build-up of condensation.
Road Commissioner Alfred Larabee said the crew has been focused on snow plowing. Interviews continue with applicants for the third full-time road crew position.
In other business, John Gordon was present to share the status of FEMA buyouts in the village.
Durkee reported the water to the town hall has been shut off, and will be turned back on for the monthly potluck suppers.
At its first 2026 meeting, January 5, to continue budget talks that began in early December, Town Treasurer Lilly Baron provided updated copies of the latest 2027 budget.
The board then examined every expense line by line, declining a proposal to eliminate most of the stipends and small payment amounts for the list of elected and appointed officials.
A unanimous board vote to increase by 3% all wages paid to employees and elected officials. The culvert budget was increased from $15,000 to $30,000, based on the realization that the town may not be able to utilize more of the “excess” FEMA funds. The Outside Services budget in the Highway Fund was increased by $10,000 to pay for engineering for two large culvert replacements. $75,000 has been budgeted as a match for the Valley Lake Road culvert project. This will be a VTrans grant project but the grant amount is limited to $200,000. The estimated cost of the project was $275,000. The engineering was already completed and paid for by a grant in a prior year.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
