The Annual Town Meeting, where Vernon residents can comment and vote on the proposed town budget, will take place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 28 at the Rockville High School auditorium, 70 Loveland Hill Road.
The meeting consists of a public hearing where all are welcome to comment on the proposed budget, and then the vote. Registered voters and people who own at least $1,000 worth of taxable property can cast votes. If approved, the budget goes into effect when the new fiscal year begins July 1.
“The proposed budget includes what is needed to properly fund our schools, public safety and community services,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “The town, like our residents, faces increasing costs and we have worked hard to limit the impact on taxpayers.”
The proposed budget totals $111,115,831 and would require a 1.75 percent tax increase to fund it. The projected tax rate is 36.72 mills for real estate and personal property. The tax rate for motor vehicles is 32.46 mills. A mill represents $1 for each $1,000 of assessed property value.
The major drivers of the budget are increases at the Board of Education, Information Technology, Medical Insurance, Public Works, and the Finance Department.
Education: The superintendent and the Board of Education propose an operating budget of $62,175,741, a 2.91% increase.
Information Technology: Investments were made in information technology and staffing within the department.
Infrastructure: Funds were allocated for road maintenance, public works and facility improvements as well as parks improvements to enhance our town’s infrastructure.
Details about the budget proposal can be found by following this link on the town website.
The town continues to search for grants and alternative funding sources for projects, programs and capital items. In fiscal year 2027, funds from such sources will be used for infrastructure projects, road and sidewalk maintenance, roof replacements and drainage projects totaling more than $1.5 million.
“Mayor Champagne, the town council and town administration remain committed to carefully managing expenses and the use of taxpayer dollars,” Town Administrator John W. Kleinhans said. “We take a multi-year approach to significant expenses and are deliberate in avoiding future shocks to the budget. The budget increase we are requesting is significantly less than most of our surrounding communities.”