WOODBURY – The April 13 meeting of the select board saw a number of updates on various matters, with FEMA buyouts in the village complete and demolition soon to come, appointment of an assistant treasurer, Sheriff’s coverage to cost more, Skip Lindsay resigning his town positions and a road crew member still to be hired.
John Gordon gave FEMA updates, saying buyouts for the two flood damaged properties in the village have been completed and the town now owns both properties. He’s received notice that demolition of the two buildings has to be completed within 90 days.
Gordon mentioned other projects related to the removal of the old fire station that need to be considered and then acted upon. The scope of work for the removal of the old fire station will be of two parts: one being the demolition of the building and second, the reconfiguring of water and power lines.
The emergency generator at the school is currently hooked up to the old fire station. With the town hall designated as an emergency shelter, he recommends the power line from the emergency generator be connected to the town hall.
The water line and the storage water tank in the old firehouse will need to be reconfigured, with the storage tank being placed in the town hall. That water source also serves the post office.
Road commissioner Alfred Larabee and foreman Peter Dailey were present to remind the board the road crew is still looking for a third full-time member. They suggested the starting rate for road crew members be $25-27/hourly.
They said the grader is ready to go, but rain predicted throughout the week will keep the road crew from grading to eliminate potholes in the roads.
The town truck is fixed and inspected at a cost of $12,000. Larabee reported the water leak on Flat Street has been unearthed and plugged, and the repair work should be done after another day’s work.
The insurance adjuster’s report for the town garage roof and ceiling damage was submitted. The next step is to have a contractor look at the roof and ceiling to come up with a scope of work. Larabee announced that May 1 will be his last day as the town’s road commissioner. Chair Chris Casey thanked Larabee for continuing on the job through the winter.
Town Clerk Robin Durkee presented the contract with Washington County Sheriff’s Department, noting both hourly and mileage rates have gone up.
As of April 13, 94 dogs have been licensed, compared to 164 in 2025. Second notices will be mailed to dog owners that have not yet licensed their dogs. The board signed an appointment letter for Kim Slik, who accepted the position of Dangerous Building Officer and the Pound Keeper.
Treasurer Lillian Baron has appointed Bonnie Collins to be assistant treasurer and requested the board approve the rate of $25 an hour for her work. Collins will be taking over the bank account reconciliation work that Tom Beers had been doing.
Baron told the board the General Fund is currently operating at a deficit of -$85,439, consistent with the intake of delinquent taxes and higher than expected FY26 costs. The Highway Fund has a budget surplus of $208,028 and remains in a strong position. Overall, the FY26 budget is at a net positive position of $122,589 year-to-date, when considering both funds.
Total cash on hand is $958,124, she said. It is important to note that $422,254 is currently restricted and not available for general use as discussions continue about the outcome of the excess funds with FEMA.
Baron also informed the board the Delinquent Tax Collector has agreed to be paid a new rate of $32 per hour, starting with the next payroll cycle. Baron reviewed a draft Fund Policy and the amendment for benefits to elected officials as part of the Personnel Policy.
Skip Lindsay was not in attendance for this meeting but did provide a written report to the board saying he had notified the board and Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) on April 2 of his resignation as FEMA Recovery Officer, effective April 24. On the same date he notified the select board and the Vermont Enhanced 911 Board of his resignation as the town’s E911 coordinator. He also reported that FEMA, VEM and the state 911 board will be needing contact information for new appointments to fill those roles by April 24.
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.
