Slight change in Social Services Budget for FY17
PUTNEY — PUTNEY - Because of the merger of the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center and the Morningside Shelter into one organization, Groundworks Collaborative, the town's social services budget for fiscal year 2017 will change slightly.
At the Dec. 16 Selectboard meeting, Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard explained that the merger now leaves a bit more money to divide between all groups receiving social services funding from Putney.
The board and Stoddard discussed whether Groundworks needed to reapply to the town to receive funding. They decided since the organization is doing the same work, but under a different name, there would be no need.
“We should be prepared to explain that at Town Meeting,” Board Vice-Chair Josh Laughlin said.
The total amount budgeted to be split among the social services assisting Putney residents in FY17 is $39,999, Stoddard said, but that could change as she “tweaks the budget a little more."
Solar project reviewed
PUTNEY - At its Dec. 16 meeting, the Selectboard reviewed the application that Small Meadow Community Solar submitted to the Vermont Public Service Board. The project is planned for a parcel of land on Small Meadows Lane.
Board members and Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard discussed aesthetic considerations of the project, and Stoddard noted the plan includes leaving a tree buffer on the property.
Other than the buffer, Selectboard members had no comment on the application. However, there was a discussion on the tax-exempt status of the project. The Selectboard suggested the Tax Exempt Committee revisit property tax exemptions for solar projects.
“We should see what the law is,” said Vice-Chair Josh Laughlin.
With more community solar projects and net metering, the laws may have changed since the town last addressed property tax exemptions for systems larger than those for personal use. Stoddard said the committee will discuss the issue with the town's attorney.
FY15 draft audit almost complete
PUTNEY - Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard informed the Selectboard at its Dec. 16 meeting that the fiscal year 2015 draft audit is almost complete, and the auditor will likely attend the Jan. 12 Selectboard meeting to discuss the audit.
Stoddard said she spoke with an IRS employee, and she said she “got the sense” that once the IRS reviews the auditor's findings, “there is a high probability” Putney will pay no penalty. If the IRS decides to issue a penalty, Stoddard said there is an appeals process.
Because Stoddard thinks the audit process “will go on for awhile,” she is not budgeting for any penalties in the FY17 budget.
Mondon appointed to Affordable Housing Committee
PUTNEY -The Selectboard unanimously voted to appoint Eva Mondon to the town's Affordable Housing Committee.
Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard told the board Mondon expressed interest in returning to the committee.
Town Plan officially adopted
PUTNEY - The Selectboard unanimously voted to adopt the town plan as presented at its Dec. 16 meeting.
Vice-Chair Josh Laughlin thanked Planning Commission Chair Phillip Bannister and “all who participated” in drafting the plan for their hard work.