Vermont Standard
2/28/19
By Curt Peterson
Standard Correspondent
KILLINGTON — Killington taxpayers will vote on a total general fund budget of $4,676,767, producing a five-cent increase in the property tax rate this year.
According to Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth, the amount to be raised by taxes will cost owners of a $250,000 home about $135 more than last year.
The tax rate reflects a $120,291 surplus from the 2017-2018 fiscal year, and $899,299 in non-property tax revenues.
Selectman Jim Haff said the latter figure includes fees paid to the town, and anticipated revenue from the options tax.
At 7 o’clock on Monday evening, March 4, the Select Board and town officials will host their usual Information
Meeting in the elementary school gym, making presentations and answering questions from the public.
Candidates for office will also make their case to the voters.
The official Town Meeting consists of Australian ballot voting at the Town Hall on March 5, which can be done between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
In addition to the municipal budget, voters will be asked to approve multiple borrowing issues.
East Mountain Road and Dean Hill Road are so deteriorated, said Hagenbarth, that their rehabilitation will cost up to $1,000,000. Any state or federal grants will reduce taxpayer cost, assuming voters approve the project.
A new Public Safety Building for the emergency squad and fire fighters is close to becoming reality. Voters will be asked to approve borrowing up to $4,775,000 to finance construction on town-owned land. Tropical Storm Irene occurred seven-plus years ago, but issues linger –voters will be asked to approve borrowing
$588,000 to complete unfinished bridge replacements.
Haff said the town was reimbursed $200,000 plus by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for part of the work, and applied for $588,000 additional funding.
“Not only did they turn down that request,” Haff said, “they decided the earlier reimbursement was an error. They want that money back.”
Haff said the final appeal is pending. He hopes Senator Patrick Leahy and Representative Peter Welch can successfully advocate for them with FEMA.
“We should know the outcome in ninety days,” Haff said. “If the voters approve the $588,000, and we lose the appeal, we will still need the other funds to pay back to FEMA.”
Hagenbarth, in a detailed explanation of the proposed budget, remarked the town is in a weak “cash position”, holding only $100,000 in cash reserves. Besides designing sustainability into the budget proposal, Article 7 asks voters to approve a Reserve Fund “to cover revenue shortfalls and to pay non-recurring and unanticipated general and highway fund expenses.”
Haff said auditors advised the town to have three months' expenses - 25 percent of the general and highway budget combined - in reserve. If a surplus is realized in a given year, he said, voters would be asked to approve adding to the Reserve Fund until it reaches the recommended amount.
The only contested election is between Patty McGrath and Charles Claffey, both seeking McGrath’s Select Board seat. She has served for six years and hopes for re-election.
Claffey, 49, a programmer for NatWest Markets, moved to Killington in 2015. He and his wife, Rebecca, have been active in the community. His platform, according to his own declarations, is to put Killington on a "sound financial basis."
McGrath owns and operates the Inn at Long Trail and McGrath’s Irish Pub.
All other candidates are running unopposed.
Town meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.at the Killington Elementary School gym.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Killington presents public safety building plans
February 27, 2019
By Curt Peterson
The Killington Select Board presented plans for the proposed new Public Services Building at a special meeting in the fire house Tuesday, Feb. 26.
On March 5 voters will be asked to authorize borrowing up to $4,775,000 to finance construction on a Killington Road parcel the town has already purchased. Chief Roth told The Mountain Times the current actual cost estimate is a little less than $4 million.
The new building will cover about 14,000 square feet and house the fire department, Search and Rescue team, Emergency Medical Technicians, all their equipment and trucks, administration space, and a separate section for the Killington Police Force, with a “sally port” to allow secure gated entry for a police vehicle. A 900 square feet community room will seat 50 – 60 people.
Citing the town’s isolation following Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Haff pointed out space for a “command center” is included.
Five bays will house rolling stock.
“The building is designed to allow for easy expansion in the future,” Labare said. DEW has been chosen as construction manager.
Two water storage tanks will be accessible for filling truck tanks and serve the sprinkler system. A well will provide potable water, and the building will be connected to the municipal sewer system.
For roof design Sheib and Labare settled on a low-slope, black membrane surface that will carry withstand heavy Killington snow accumulations.
Buccellato said the largest single component in the construction project will be $800,000 for site work – cutting dirt from one side and using it to level the other. Pathways will serve as site work project managers.
The town plans to save money by doing its own tree removal. The Public Services Building Committee will continue to provide hands-on oversight of the project, approving all contractors and participating in any plan changes.
One resident asked about heating, electricity and propane costs for the new structure. Chief Roth pointed out in an average year all the doors of the fire house are opened 320 times to answer calls, letting all the heat out in minutes.
“It’s impossible to predict the cost of heating accurately,” Roth said. “What’s important is how quickly the system brings temperatures up to normal again.”
Labare and Sheib said state insulation requirements were exceeded in the design, so heating should be very efficient.
Another concern is carbon monoxide produced by the trucks. In the existing fire house an air exchanger sucks the fumes – and the heat – from the building when engines are running. In the new building hoses will connect directly to exhaust pipes, carrying fumes, but not heat, outside.
“Our goal is to produce a building that meets the client’s needs,” Labare said,” and is cost-efficient. I think we’ve designed such a building.”
Because most or all current town debt will be paid off as the public safety building bond payments begin, the new facility will not result in an increase in property tax rates.
Board members Patty McGrath and Jim Haff urged attendees to advise their friends and families to vote in favor of the project.
Mountain Times
Patty McGrath and Jim Haff present plans for the new public safety building, to be voted on during Town Meeting Day.
The Killington Select Board presented plans for the proposed new Public Services Building at a special meeting in the fire house Tuesday, Feb. 26.
On March 5 voters will be asked to authorize borrowing up to $4,775,000 to finance construction on a Killington Road parcel the town has already purchased. Chief Roth told The Mountain Times the current actual cost estimate is a little less than $4 million.
The new building will cover about 14,000 square feet and house the fire department, Search and Rescue team, Emergency Medical Technicians, all their equipment and trucks, administration space, and a separate section for the Killington Police Force, with a “sally port” to allow secure gated entry for a police vehicle. A 900 square feet community room will seat 50 – 60 people.
Citing the town’s isolation following Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Haff pointed out space for a “command center” is included.
Five bays will house rolling stock.
“The building is designed to allow for easy expansion in the future,” Labare said. DEW has been chosen as construction manager.
Two water storage tanks will be accessible for filling truck tanks and serve the sprinkler system. A well will provide potable water, and the building will be connected to the municipal sewer system.
For roof design Sheib and Labare settled on a low-slope, black membrane surface that will carry withstand heavy Killington snow accumulations.
Buccellato said the largest single component in the construction project will be $800,000 for site work – cutting dirt from one side and using it to level the other. Pathways will serve as site work project managers.
The town plans to save money by doing its own tree removal. The Public Services Building Committee will continue to provide hands-on oversight of the project, approving all contractors and participating in any plan changes.
One resident asked about heating, electricity and propane costs for the new structure. Chief Roth pointed out in an average year all the doors of the fire house are opened 320 times to answer calls, letting all the heat out in minutes.
“It’s impossible to predict the cost of heating accurately,” Roth said. “What’s important is how quickly the system brings temperatures up to normal again.”
Labare and Sheib said state insulation requirements were exceeded in the design, so heating should be very efficient.
Another concern is carbon monoxide produced by the trucks. In the existing fire house an air exchanger sucks the fumes – and the heat – from the building when engines are running. In the new building hoses will connect directly to exhaust pipes, carrying fumes, but not heat, outside.
“Our goal is to produce a building that meets the client’s needs,” Labare said,” and is cost-efficient. I think we’ve designed such a building.”
Because most or all current town debt will be paid off as the public safety building bond payments begin, the new facility will not result in an increase in property tax rates.
Board members Patty McGrath and Jim Haff urged attendees to advise their friends and families to vote in favor of the project.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Fact sheet The FYE 2020 bond and debt service articles on the Killington ballot explained
February 27, 2019
Mountain TimesBy Chet Hagenbarth, Killington town manager
This year’s Town Meeting warning includes several articles related to the town’s financial position, facilities, and road conditions. The articles and details are offered as follows:
Article 4. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed $1 million subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of reconstructing and rehabilitating Town Highway No. 15 (East Mountain Road) and Town Highway No. 44 (Dean Hill Road), the estimated cost of such improvements being $1 million.
East Mountain Road
Includes section from Fosters Farm Road to the Grand Hotel
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base)
Includes several culvert replacements and ditch reconstruction
Dean Hill Road
Includes entire paved section of road
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base) as well as some road base reconstruction
Includes ditch reconstruction
Article 5. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Four Million Seven Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($4,775,000), subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of constructing a public safety building on land owned by the Town and located on Killington Road, the estimated cost of such improvements being $4.7 million?
Existing Facility
Not enough land for even the existing building as the southerly access and parking area are not on the Fire Dept parcel.
Building does not meet life safety or building codes.
Does not allow for expansion.
Cannot accommodate Police Department.
Not a Town owned facility.
Proposed Facility
Provides one story building with expandability
Includes Police Department with sally port and holding cell
Includes water storage for fire suppression as well as truck refill
Cost similar to other comparable facilities.
Ensures continued function of a town-owned Emergency Services Facility including all departments.
Article 6. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($588,000), be issued for the purpose of funding Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacement projects?
Bridge Replacements as part of Tropical Storm Irene
Ravine Road and Stage Road Bridge replacements included.
Partial funding received from FEMA but resulted in a $588,000 shortfall
Auditor recommended funding shortfall to complete Irene project funding in 2014 but funding held off while attempting further funding from FEMA
Vermont Municipal Bond Bank and the Town’s Bank insist we stop carrying Irene debts on the books.
Article 7. Shall the Town, pursuant to law 24 V.S.A. § 2804, establish a new Reserve Fund in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the general and highway fund budget to cover revenue shortfalls and to pay non-recurring and unanticipated general and highway fund expenses, to be funded by future general fund balances?
Creates a Restricted Fund to hold undesignated funds
No funds Required to create fund.
Will use future carryover monies to fund
Tax Rate Implications:
Article 5: The proposed sustainable budget tax rate of .47 will remain stable inclusive of the financing requirements for the public safety building as it replaces other retired debt service.
Articles 4 and 6: The proposed increase for fiscal year 2021 of approximately .02 percent will be the result of refinancing the $588,000 Irene Projects deficit and the proposed $1 million Roadway Construction Bond.
Article 8: Creating a restricted reserve fund will not impact the tax rate.
The FYE 2020 bond and debt service articles on the Killington ballot explained
By Chet Hagenbarth, Killington town manager
This year’s Town Meeting warning includes several articles related to the town’s financial position, facilities, and road conditions. The articles and details are offered as follows:
Article 4. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed $1 million subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of reconstructing and rehabilitating Town Highway No. 15 (East Mountain Road) and Town Highway No. 44 (Dean Hill Road), the estimated cost of such improvements being $1 million.
East Mountain Road
Includes section from Fosters Farm Road to the Grand Hotel
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base)
Includes several culvert replacements and ditch reconstruction
Dean Hill Road
Includes entire paved section of road
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base) as well as some road base reconstruction
Includes ditch reconstruction
Article 5. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Four Million Seven Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($4,775,000), subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of constructing a public safety building on land owned by the Town and located on Killington Road, the estimated cost of such improvements being $4.7 million?
Existing Facility
Not enough land for even the existing building as the southerly access and parking area are not on the Fire Dept parcel.
Building does not meet life safety or building codes.
Does not allow for expansion.
Cannot accommodate Police Department.
Not a Town owned facility.
Proposed Facility
Provides one story building with expandability
Includes Police Department with sally port and holding cell
Includes water storage for fire suppression as well as truck refill
Cost similar to other comparable facilities.
Ensures continued function of a town-owned Emergency Services Facility including all departments.
Article 6. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($588,000), be issued for the purpose of funding Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacement projects?
Bridge Replacements as part of Tropical Storm Irene
Ravine Road and Stage Road Bridge replacements included.
Partial funding received from FEMA but resulted in a $588,000 shortfall
Auditor recommended funding shortfall to complete Irene project funding in 2014 but funding held off while attempting further funding from FEMA
Vermont Municipal Bond Bank and the Town’s Bank insist we stop carrying Irene debts on the books.
Article 7. Shall the Town, pursuant to law 24 V.S.A. § 2804, establish a new Reserve Fund in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the general and highway fund budget to cover revenue shortfalls and to pay non-recurring and unanticipated general and highway fund expenses, to be funded by future general fund balances?
Creates a Restricted Fund to hold undesignated funds
No funds Required to create fund.
Will use future carryover monies to fund
Tax Rate Implications:
Article 5: The proposed sustainable budget tax rate of .47 will remain stable inclusive of the financing requirements for the public safety building as it replaces other retired debt service.
Articles 4 and 6: The proposed increase for fiscal year 2021 of approximately .02 percent will be the result of refinancing the $588,000 Irene Projects deficit and the proposed $1 million Roadway Construction Bond.
Article 8: Creating a restricted reserve fund will not impact the tax rate.
Mountain TimesBy Chet Hagenbarth, Killington town manager
This year’s Town Meeting warning includes several articles related to the town’s financial position, facilities, and road conditions. The articles and details are offered as follows:
Article 4. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed $1 million subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of reconstructing and rehabilitating Town Highway No. 15 (East Mountain Road) and Town Highway No. 44 (Dean Hill Road), the estimated cost of such improvements being $1 million.
East Mountain Road
Includes section from Fosters Farm Road to the Grand Hotel
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base)
Includes several culvert replacements and ditch reconstruction
Dean Hill Road
Includes entire paved section of road
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base) as well as some road base reconstruction
Includes ditch reconstruction
Article 5. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Four Million Seven Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($4,775,000), subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of constructing a public safety building on land owned by the Town and located on Killington Road, the estimated cost of such improvements being $4.7 million?
Existing Facility
Not enough land for even the existing building as the southerly access and parking area are not on the Fire Dept parcel.
Building does not meet life safety or building codes.
Does not allow for expansion.
Cannot accommodate Police Department.
Not a Town owned facility.
Proposed Facility
Provides one story building with expandability
Includes Police Department with sally port and holding cell
Includes water storage for fire suppression as well as truck refill
Cost similar to other comparable facilities.
Ensures continued function of a town-owned Emergency Services Facility including all departments.
Article 6. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($588,000), be issued for the purpose of funding Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacement projects?
Bridge Replacements as part of Tropical Storm Irene
Ravine Road and Stage Road Bridge replacements included.
Partial funding received from FEMA but resulted in a $588,000 shortfall
Auditor recommended funding shortfall to complete Irene project funding in 2014 but funding held off while attempting further funding from FEMA
Vermont Municipal Bond Bank and the Town’s Bank insist we stop carrying Irene debts on the books.
Article 7. Shall the Town, pursuant to law 24 V.S.A. § 2804, establish a new Reserve Fund in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the general and highway fund budget to cover revenue shortfalls and to pay non-recurring and unanticipated general and highway fund expenses, to be funded by future general fund balances?
Creates a Restricted Fund to hold undesignated funds
No funds Required to create fund.
Will use future carryover monies to fund
Tax Rate Implications:
Article 5: The proposed sustainable budget tax rate of .47 will remain stable inclusive of the financing requirements for the public safety building as it replaces other retired debt service.
Articles 4 and 6: The proposed increase for fiscal year 2021 of approximately .02 percent will be the result of refinancing the $588,000 Irene Projects deficit and the proposed $1 million Roadway Construction Bond.
Article 8: Creating a restricted reserve fund will not impact the tax rate.
The FYE 2020 bond and debt service articles on the Killington ballot explained
By Chet Hagenbarth, Killington town manager
This year’s Town Meeting warning includes several articles related to the town’s financial position, facilities, and road conditions. The articles and details are offered as follows:
Article 4. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed $1 million subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of reconstructing and rehabilitating Town Highway No. 15 (East Mountain Road) and Town Highway No. 44 (Dean Hill Road), the estimated cost of such improvements being $1 million.
East Mountain Road
Includes section from Fosters Farm Road to the Grand Hotel
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base)
Includes several culvert replacements and ditch reconstruction
Dean Hill Road
Includes entire paved section of road
Existing conditions include significant sub base failure
Proposal is for a reclaim (existing pavement ground up as part of sub base) as well as some road base reconstruction
Includes ditch reconstruction
Article 5. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Four Million Seven Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($4,775,000), subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and the application of available reserves, be issued for the purpose of constructing a public safety building on land owned by the Town and located on Killington Road, the estimated cost of such improvements being $4.7 million?
Existing Facility
Not enough land for even the existing building as the southerly access and parking area are not on the Fire Dept parcel.
Building does not meet life safety or building codes.
Does not allow for expansion.
Cannot accommodate Police Department.
Not a Town owned facility.
Proposed Facility
Provides one story building with expandability
Includes Police Department with sally port and holding cell
Includes water storage for fire suppression as well as truck refill
Cost similar to other comparable facilities.
Ensures continued function of a town-owned Emergency Services Facility including all departments.
Article 6. Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Killington in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($588,000), be issued for the purpose of funding Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacement projects?
Bridge Replacements as part of Tropical Storm Irene
Ravine Road and Stage Road Bridge replacements included.
Partial funding received from FEMA but resulted in a $588,000 shortfall
Auditor recommended funding shortfall to complete Irene project funding in 2014 but funding held off while attempting further funding from FEMA
Vermont Municipal Bond Bank and the Town’s Bank insist we stop carrying Irene debts on the books.
Article 7. Shall the Town, pursuant to law 24 V.S.A. § 2804, establish a new Reserve Fund in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the general and highway fund budget to cover revenue shortfalls and to pay non-recurring and unanticipated general and highway fund expenses, to be funded by future general fund balances?
Creates a Restricted Fund to hold undesignated funds
No funds Required to create fund.
Will use future carryover monies to fund
Tax Rate Implications:
Article 5: The proposed sustainable budget tax rate of .47 will remain stable inclusive of the financing requirements for the public safety building as it replaces other retired debt service.
Articles 4 and 6: The proposed increase for fiscal year 2021 of approximately .02 percent will be the result of refinancing the $588,000 Irene Projects deficit and the proposed $1 million Roadway Construction Bond.
Article 8: Creating a restricted reserve fund will not impact the tax rate.
$4.6M budget on ballot in Killington
Rutland Herald
KILLINGTON
— Voters will meet at the Killington Elementary School on March 4 at 7
p.m. to discuss items on the town warning. Residents will meet again at
the Town Office on March 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to vote by Australian
ballot on a number of articles.
Notable articles to be voted on include:
— Article 3 asks if voters will spend $4,676,767, with $3,653,023 to be raised in taxes, on the General Fund.
—
Article 4 asks if voters will allow the town to bond not more than $1
million for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of East Mountain Road
and Dean Hill Road. It’s expected state and federal aid programs will
lower the amount the town needs to spend.
—
Article 5 asks if the town will bond not more than $4,775,000 for the
construction of a public safety building on land owned by the town.
— Article 6 asks if voters will bond not more than $588,000 for funding Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacement projects.
—
Article 7 asks if the town will establish a reserve fund not to exceed
25 percent of the highway and general fund that would be used for
shortfalls caused by “non-recurring and unanticipated general fund and
highway expenses, to be funded by future general fund balances.”
Voters
will also elect a moderator for one year, a select board member for
three years, a treasurer for three years, a lister for a two-year seat, a
lister for a three-year seat, a grand juror for one year, a town agent
for one year, a trustee of public funds for three years, a cemetery
commissioner for three years and a library trustee for five years.
— Keith Whitcomb Jr.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Killington taps a new zoning administrator
Rutland Herald
February 12, 2019
KILLINGTON — After several months searching, the town has chosen a new zoning administrator.
Town
Manager Chet Hagenbarth said Monday that about two weeks ago, Preston
Bristow was selected to fill the shoes of former Zoning Administrator
Dick Horner, who retired after 29 years in the position.
Hagenbarth
said the position is considered interim, though the Select Board isn’t
actively searching for another candidate. Bristow was hired part-time,
and remains the part-time zoning administrator and town administrator
for the Town of Barnard.
Hagenbarth
said that for a while now the roles of zoning administrator and health
officer have been combined, but in searching for someone to replace
Horner, the town decided to add town planner duties to the role.
“It’s quite exciting,” Bristow said Monday.
Bristow
said he saw that Killington was searching for a new zoning
administrator and planner in September when the ad for the job was first
published. He didn’t apply since the ad wanted someone with a masters
degree in planning, but then the Killington Select Board reached out to
him to see if he wanted the job.
“The best jobs are the ones you don’t apply for,” Bristow said.
He
said the scale of everything in Killington is larger than what he’s
used to, but state laws are what they are, and so are the principles
behind zoning bylaws, both of which he’s familiar with.
Bristow has lived in Woodstock since 1978, he said, and has worked in several towns.
“Still, for a lot of people, I’ll seem new,” he said.
He
was hired Jan. 31 and asked to start immediately. Bristow said he’s
fielded a few calls and plans to be fully engaged after Town Meeting
Day. He’ll be available in Killington on Thursdays and Fridays and every
second and fourth Wednesday. He’ll be serving in Barnard on days he’s
not in Killington.
Lately, the
town has been mulling over how to deal with online vacation house
rentals. One dispute with a local property owner has found its way into
Environmental Court, and the Select Board has decided to research some
kind of registration process.
Bristow
said he looks forward to being involved in that process and wants to
help craft something that’s fair and workable for everyone. Property
owners renting out to large groups through online services is a fairly
new issue for Vermont communities, he said. Bristow said he also hopes
to see Killington working more with the Rutland Regional Planning
Commission.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Budget and Public Safety Building Community Meeting
Budget and Public Safety Building Community Meeting
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 5:00 PM
held at the Killington Welcome Center, KPAA Office
The Killington Pico Area Association is hosting Killington Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth for an informational meeting about budget items that will appear on the upcoming ballot.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 5:00 PM
held at the Killington Welcome Center, KPAA Office
The Killington Pico Area Association is hosting Killington Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth for an informational meeting about budget items that will appear on the upcoming ballot.
Mr. Hagenbarth will present data about the proposed budget and public
safety building, then the floor will be opened for questions.
RSVP is not required, and this forum is open to the public. The meeting will take place on the first floor of the Killington Welcome Center located at 2319 US Route 4.
RSVP is not required, and this forum is open to the public. The meeting will take place on the first floor of the Killington Welcome Center located at 2319 US Route 4.
Community questions
February 6, 2019
Editor’s
note: these questions have been collected and submitted to the Mountain
Times on behalf of some members of the Killington community, who wish
to remain anonymous. We have asked experts on each topic to answer their
questions:
First off, the one percent option tax is three parts. Two parts (rooms/meals and alcohol) are currently being taxed and used for funding all of the above that you mention. The town of Killington, just some 11 months ago, had a vote to remove the sales tax portion of the option tax. This was done with a compromise/contract with Killington Resort, that by removing the sales option tax the resort would fund the summer events and marketing for the community. Taxpayers should’ve been taking care of highway repair, public safety needs, swimming pool, etc. (and I leave out the golf course only because I believe you will see the golf course funding its own maintenance going forward from today).
I mentioned during the budgeting period that I always felt that the taxpayers should fund the above capital replacement and maintenance programs, that’s why we have a general fund tax rate.
I also mention that if some new projects were to come in front of us we should possibly look at bringing back the sales option tax for that limited purpose and timeline. The board had in front of it some additional projects, such as complete reconfiguration of Killington Road, sidewalks, lights etc. but we felt that at this time we did not have enough information to move forward with those projects. So what we’ve done is allocate $125,000 toward getting a complete proposal, including plans for these projects. Once we have that, I’m sure the funding mechanism, including the sales option tax will be up for discussion again. Until then, my belief is that we are doing the right thing by funding with all taxpayers across the board for our capital replacement and maintenance items.
Your last sentence, about citizens deciding the issue not the board: you always have the decision, it’s called a vote. If you’re not happy that it’s not included then vote the budget down. If the budget is voted down, I would hope that all our anonymous questioners would finally voice their opinions so we on the board can know how many feel your way and you can help us come to solutions together.
First: why now? About four years ago, Dore & Whittier Architects came in to evaluate doing repairs on the current building to bring it up to code. What we learned from them, is that the need was so extensive, that it pretty much made it not-feasible in the current location – definitely not a wide investment as the current property has only 0.7 acres, which forces people to park on Killington Market’s land. The property line is within within 20 feet of doors, so just getting in and out on of the firehouse requires use of other property or blocking the town road.
So that’s where it started.
Currently there is no actual plan to build a village. Yes, a plan for a development has been submitted to state and gotten through act 250, yes, it’s further than it’s ever been, but still there’s no new village plan. And we’re not look at building the public safety building for the new village. It’s for our current needs. But the site and building do wisely allow for expansion should either the Bear Mountain or Village expansion happen in the future. If those project get done, they will also raise the Grand List total value and that alone could help pay for a new apparatus, if needed to serve additional needs. It could have a neutral effect on the tax rate.
With regards to contracting with other towns departments, Rutland currently backs us up for free. It’s a mutual aid agreement. We are in mutual aid with Rutland and Woodstock, meaning we back up each other. There is no fee.
One thing very few people realize is that, if there was not a fire department in town, the insurance on every singe piece of property would go through the roof! It makes sense, do you want someone to be there in 5 minutes or 25 minutes, if your building is burning down that can make a HUGE difference. Rutland also has to make it over the pass, and if there’s a storm, it could be even longer.
Yes, the town is looking to rid itself of its past debts that have been there for eight years, this year. The public safety building is not going to be paid for this year. From the beginning, costs for this project were planned to not begin until other bonds have retired, thus, not affecting the tax rate. This would take the place of other payments.
The Select Board has carefully crafted a sustainable budget where money is put aside for the town’s known capital needs now and pro-actively for the future.
There really isn’t anything we’re facing that will just go away.
We can face it this year or next year, but it will cost more money the longer we wait.
No, 100 percent is not broken. In fact, currently, there is nothing known to be broken on the irrigation system. The system was built about 28 years ago and the life expectancy is about 25-30 years, so this board is being pro-active and asking the management company to evaluate the system. Below you can see an explanation from Justin Stezin of Brown Golf, our management company.
Once again, there’s nothing broken at this time, but things do break during the year. And just like the snowmaking system up the hill at Killington – if you keep on replacing some pipes it puts more pressure on pipes down the system, which helps them fail. Please read the GMNGC overview from Justin Stezin of this system. In his letter he states that “water regulation is key to the system success and growth.”
Please note Brown Golf will be reaching out to Toro for a complete due diligence audit on our existing system to better outline a timeline.
*******
Justin Stezin, GMNGC regional manager, provided a “Green Mountain National Irrigation System Replacement Overview” in writing on Friday, Feb. 1. It is published here in full:
“The golf course irrigation system is the means by which water is distributed to the grounds by way of an underground piping system. Without an irrigation system it would be near impossible to operate a golf course, as water supply is the driving force for turf health. Water regulation is vital to course success, and growth. There are several facets to an irrigations system, and these systems typically start to fail anywhere between 20-25 years.
1. The pump house. The pump house is where the irrigation system has access to an organic water source, or well, to be able to pump the water through the piping system. The pump mechanisms are expensive and when begin to fail to produce enough water supply need to be replaced. These pumps can be as expensive as $350,000 to replace.
2. The piping. The piping is the distribution system for water to certain areas of the golf course. These pipes are underground, and are expensive to replace because they need to be dug up with the proper machinery. Once the excavation is complete, the labor can be done to physically remove the piping system as it begins to fail. Over time the piping begins to corrode, and fail altogether.
3. The sprinkler heads. The sprinklers are the units that actually deliver the water to the playing surface. They are positioned all throughout the golf course and can be manually operated or put on a timer system to water the turf when necessary.
4. The software/satellites. The software are the computers that are used to talk to the irrigation system and tell it when to water what part of the golf course. Once software begins to be outdated, and unusable, a new computer must be purchased. These systems are quite costly.
All said, a total irrigation system replace can range from $750,000 upwards to $2,500,000 for more advanced systems, depending on the digging terrain. If the excavation team encounters rock, or other impediments, the cost will surely rise. Another cost factor is how advanced the operating system selected for replacement. Modern irrigation operating systems are very expensive.
The Green Mountain National’s irrigation system is nearing its life expectancy, and we will work with our partners from Toro (golf and agriculture experts) to design a replacement/improvement strategy to present to the town so we can be prepared when the time comes. Toro and Brown Golf will complete a due diligence audit on the existing system and outline a firm replacement quote, and a timeline of when to do so.”
Mountain Times
On the 1 percent option tax:
Many
Killington citizens/voters in town want to know why the 1 percent
Option Tax question is not on the Town of Killington March 2019 ballot?
The town of Killington currently has significant debt. Additionally, we
need more funds for highway repair, public safety needs, swimming pool
repair/rebuild, funds for golf course maintenance and other town needs.
The Killington citizens should decide this issue – not the Killington
Select Board.
Select Board member Jim Haff explains:First off, the one percent option tax is three parts. Two parts (rooms/meals and alcohol) are currently being taxed and used for funding all of the above that you mention. The town of Killington, just some 11 months ago, had a vote to remove the sales tax portion of the option tax. This was done with a compromise/contract with Killington Resort, that by removing the sales option tax the resort would fund the summer events and marketing for the community. Taxpayers should’ve been taking care of highway repair, public safety needs, swimming pool, etc. (and I leave out the golf course only because I believe you will see the golf course funding its own maintenance going forward from today).
I mentioned during the budgeting period that I always felt that the taxpayers should fund the above capital replacement and maintenance programs, that’s why we have a general fund tax rate.
I also mention that if some new projects were to come in front of us we should possibly look at bringing back the sales option tax for that limited purpose and timeline. The board had in front of it some additional projects, such as complete reconfiguration of Killington Road, sidewalks, lights etc. but we felt that at this time we did not have enough information to move forward with those projects. So what we’ve done is allocate $125,000 toward getting a complete proposal, including plans for these projects. Once we have that, I’m sure the funding mechanism, including the sales option tax will be up for discussion again. Until then, my belief is that we are doing the right thing by funding with all taxpayers across the board for our capital replacement and maintenance items.
Your last sentence, about citizens deciding the issue not the board: you always have the decision, it’s called a vote. If you’re not happy that it’s not included then vote the budget down. If the budget is voted down, I would hope that all our anonymous questioners would finally voice their opinions so we on the board can know how many feel your way and you can help us come to solutions together.
On public safety
Why
do we need a new firehouse now? Shouldn’t we wait until we see a new
village plan? What is the relationship with regional fire departments?
How much do we pay Rutland to back us up for Fire Department/Ambulance
already? (If we wanted a contract with Rutland how much would it cost if
we got rid of our fire department completely?) Considering the town is
facing such massive debt should we consider other options?
Select Board Chair Steve Finneron explains:First: why now? About four years ago, Dore & Whittier Architects came in to evaluate doing repairs on the current building to bring it up to code. What we learned from them, is that the need was so extensive, that it pretty much made it not-feasible in the current location – definitely not a wide investment as the current property has only 0.7 acres, which forces people to park on Killington Market’s land. The property line is within within 20 feet of doors, so just getting in and out on of the firehouse requires use of other property or blocking the town road.
So that’s where it started.
Currently there is no actual plan to build a village. Yes, a plan for a development has been submitted to state and gotten through act 250, yes, it’s further than it’s ever been, but still there’s no new village plan. And we’re not look at building the public safety building for the new village. It’s for our current needs. But the site and building do wisely allow for expansion should either the Bear Mountain or Village expansion happen in the future. If those project get done, they will also raise the Grand List total value and that alone could help pay for a new apparatus, if needed to serve additional needs. It could have a neutral effect on the tax rate.
With regards to contracting with other towns departments, Rutland currently backs us up for free. It’s a mutual aid agreement. We are in mutual aid with Rutland and Woodstock, meaning we back up each other. There is no fee.
One thing very few people realize is that, if there was not a fire department in town, the insurance on every singe piece of property would go through the roof! It makes sense, do you want someone to be there in 5 minutes or 25 minutes, if your building is burning down that can make a HUGE difference. Rutland also has to make it over the pass, and if there’s a storm, it could be even longer.
Yes, the town is looking to rid itself of its past debts that have been there for eight years, this year. The public safety building is not going to be paid for this year. From the beginning, costs for this project were planned to not begin until other bonds have retired, thus, not affecting the tax rate. This would take the place of other payments.
The Select Board has carefully crafted a sustainable budget where money is put aside for the town’s known capital needs now and pro-actively for the future.
There really isn’t anything we’re facing that will just go away.
We can face it this year or next year, but it will cost more money the longer we wait.
On golf irrigation
Is
100 percent of the irrigation system broken? Is there a way to fix what
is broken rather than replace the entire system? What needs to be fixed
on irrigation system, specifically?
Select Board member Jim Haff explains:No, 100 percent is not broken. In fact, currently, there is nothing known to be broken on the irrigation system. The system was built about 28 years ago and the life expectancy is about 25-30 years, so this board is being pro-active and asking the management company to evaluate the system. Below you can see an explanation from Justin Stezin of Brown Golf, our management company.
Once again, there’s nothing broken at this time, but things do break during the year. And just like the snowmaking system up the hill at Killington – if you keep on replacing some pipes it puts more pressure on pipes down the system, which helps them fail. Please read the GMNGC overview from Justin Stezin of this system. In his letter he states that “water regulation is key to the system success and growth.”
Please note Brown Golf will be reaching out to Toro for a complete due diligence audit on our existing system to better outline a timeline.
*******
Justin Stezin, GMNGC regional manager, provided a “Green Mountain National Irrigation System Replacement Overview” in writing on Friday, Feb. 1. It is published here in full:
“The golf course irrigation system is the means by which water is distributed to the grounds by way of an underground piping system. Without an irrigation system it would be near impossible to operate a golf course, as water supply is the driving force for turf health. Water regulation is vital to course success, and growth. There are several facets to an irrigations system, and these systems typically start to fail anywhere between 20-25 years.
1. The pump house. The pump house is where the irrigation system has access to an organic water source, or well, to be able to pump the water through the piping system. The pump mechanisms are expensive and when begin to fail to produce enough water supply need to be replaced. These pumps can be as expensive as $350,000 to replace.
2. The piping. The piping is the distribution system for water to certain areas of the golf course. These pipes are underground, and are expensive to replace because they need to be dug up with the proper machinery. Once the excavation is complete, the labor can be done to physically remove the piping system as it begins to fail. Over time the piping begins to corrode, and fail altogether.
3. The sprinkler heads. The sprinklers are the units that actually deliver the water to the playing surface. They are positioned all throughout the golf course and can be manually operated or put on a timer system to water the turf when necessary.
4. The software/satellites. The software are the computers that are used to talk to the irrigation system and tell it when to water what part of the golf course. Once software begins to be outdated, and unusable, a new computer must be purchased. These systems are quite costly.
All said, a total irrigation system replace can range from $750,000 upwards to $2,500,000 for more advanced systems, depending on the digging terrain. If the excavation team encounters rock, or other impediments, the cost will surely rise. Another cost factor is how advanced the operating system selected for replacement. Modern irrigation operating systems are very expensive.
The Green Mountain National’s irrigation system is nearing its life expectancy, and we will work with our partners from Toro (golf and agriculture experts) to design a replacement/improvement strategy to present to the town so we can be prepared when the time comes. Toro and Brown Golf will complete a due diligence audit on the existing system and outline a firm replacement quote, and a timeline of when to do so.”
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Fact sheet: Understanding Killington’s proposed budget
February 6, 2019
Mountain Times
By Chet Hagenbarth
The general fund budget is comprised of three primary sections: operations, capital funds and debt service.
This year’s budget proposes to reduce the operations budget, bring capital funding to a sustainable level, and hold debt service funding at or below the most recent 5-year levels. This budget and Articles 6 & 7 for the annual town meeting will allow the town to return to its pre-Irene levels of reserve cash, sustainable levels of bonded indebtedness to maintain our facilities and services we depend on and allow for required levels of operations reserve funding.
The towns cash position remains poor and while the revenue overage exceeded the overage in expenses and allowed for a budgeted carryover of $120,791, the net cash position in town saw little change due to the continuing carryover of the Tropical Storm Irene projects. As a result, the town continues to have a net cash position of less than $100,000. The Vermont Municipal Bond Bank and Peoples Bank, (town lending institutions), recommend having three months of funds in reserve or 25 percent of our general fund budget expense along with the need to fund the Irene debt carryover in order to improve our cash position. The town’s ability to fund future projects will depend upon these steps to strengthen our financial standing. Article 6 to raise $588,000 for Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacements and Article 7 to create a reserve to fund to allow for up to 25 percent of the general fund budget will dramatically improve our cash position over time.
Operations budget
The operations budget will decrease this year due to some efficiencies being undertaken. For example, the assistant clerk and assistant bookkeepers positions have been combined as well as some reductions in insurance and benefits. The operations budget has been reduced from $2,878,575 to $2,743790.28, for a total reduction of $134,784.75.
Capital fund appropriations
Since 2002, capital fund appropriations for paved and gravel roads have averaged $211,619.76. The appropriations in the 1980s averaged $339,166.67 or $686,811, inflation adjusted. The appropriations in the 1990s averaged $361,000 or $510,811. This reduction for road capital appropriations coincides with the implementation of Act 60, the statewide property tax program. Unfortunately, the underfunding has put the town well behind of keeping the roads in a serviceable condition. The current budget includes a sustainable funding program to maintain the roads without financing in the future but in order to bring some failed roads up to standard, we may need to finance some projects in the short term. The capital portion of the general fund budget will increase from $943,586 (includes $75,000 for the future pool) to $1,305,597. This is an increase of $362,011. This increase is the only increase in this year’s budget, but it is critical to ensure the town’s infrastructure does not continue to deteriorate.
Current debt service
The current level of debt service includes $735,000 of equipment financing for which the payments are included in the associated restricted funds for those departments. The debt service for the facility portion of the general fund has hovered between $650,000 and $783,000. Keeping this as a goal, future project needs will be identified in order to maintain the current debt structure so as to not be the cause for tax increases.
The sustainable budget proposed will remain level for operations, capital, and debt service for the foreseeable future including the debt service for a new public safety building if approved. This plan also eliminates the need to finance equipment purchases, such as plow trucks going forward, which will also dramatically improve the town’s financial outlook.
Tax rate implications
The current billed tax rate was .4127 and the proposed tax rate of .4665 represents a .0538 change in the municipal tax rate. The rate increase is entirely due to the critical need to bring the capital funding appropriations up to a sustainable level.
The chart below depicts the effect of the tax rate change for several assessed valuations. For example, a residence valued at $250,000 will see an increase in the municipal portion the tax bill of $135 for the FY 2020 budget year.
Editor’s note: Chet Hagenbarth is the Killington town manager. He will be writing a weekly column explaining the budget until Town Meeting Day March 5.
By Chet Hagenbarth
The general fund budget is comprised of three primary sections: operations, capital funds and debt service.
This year’s budget proposes to reduce the operations budget, bring capital funding to a sustainable level, and hold debt service funding at or below the most recent 5-year levels. This budget and Articles 6 & 7 for the annual town meeting will allow the town to return to its pre-Irene levels of reserve cash, sustainable levels of bonded indebtedness to maintain our facilities and services we depend on and allow for required levels of operations reserve funding.
The towns cash position remains poor and while the revenue overage exceeded the overage in expenses and allowed for a budgeted carryover of $120,791, the net cash position in town saw little change due to the continuing carryover of the Tropical Storm Irene projects. As a result, the town continues to have a net cash position of less than $100,000. The Vermont Municipal Bond Bank and Peoples Bank, (town lending institutions), recommend having three months of funds in reserve or 25 percent of our general fund budget expense along with the need to fund the Irene debt carryover in order to improve our cash position. The town’s ability to fund future projects will depend upon these steps to strengthen our financial standing. Article 6 to raise $588,000 for Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacements and Article 7 to create a reserve to fund to allow for up to 25 percent of the general fund budget will dramatically improve our cash position over time.
Operations budget
The operations budget will decrease this year due to some efficiencies being undertaken. For example, the assistant clerk and assistant bookkeepers positions have been combined as well as some reductions in insurance and benefits. The operations budget has been reduced from $2,878,575 to $2,743790.28, for a total reduction of $134,784.75.
Capital fund appropriations
Since 2002, capital fund appropriations for paved and gravel roads have averaged $211,619.76. The appropriations in the 1980s averaged $339,166.67 or $686,811, inflation adjusted. The appropriations in the 1990s averaged $361,000 or $510,811. This reduction for road capital appropriations coincides with the implementation of Act 60, the statewide property tax program. Unfortunately, the underfunding has put the town well behind of keeping the roads in a serviceable condition. The current budget includes a sustainable funding program to maintain the roads without financing in the future but in order to bring some failed roads up to standard, we may need to finance some projects in the short term. The capital portion of the general fund budget will increase from $943,586 (includes $75,000 for the future pool) to $1,305,597. This is an increase of $362,011. This increase is the only increase in this year’s budget, but it is critical to ensure the town’s infrastructure does not continue to deteriorate.
Current debt service
The current level of debt service includes $735,000 of equipment financing for which the payments are included in the associated restricted funds for those departments. The debt service for the facility portion of the general fund has hovered between $650,000 and $783,000. Keeping this as a goal, future project needs will be identified in order to maintain the current debt structure so as to not be the cause for tax increases.
The sustainable budget proposed will remain level for operations, capital, and debt service for the foreseeable future including the debt service for a new public safety building if approved. This plan also eliminates the need to finance equipment purchases, such as plow trucks going forward, which will also dramatically improve the town’s financial outlook.
Tax rate implications
The current billed tax rate was .4127 and the proposed tax rate of .4665 represents a .0538 change in the municipal tax rate. The rate increase is entirely due to the critical need to bring the capital funding appropriations up to a sustainable level.
The chart below depicts the effect of the tax rate change for several assessed valuations. For example, a residence valued at $250,000 will see an increase in the municipal portion the tax bill of $135 for the FY 2020 budget year.
Editor’s note: Chet Hagenbarth is the Killington town manager. He will be writing a weekly column explaining the budget until Town Meeting Day March 5.
Killington to see tax jump
February 6, 2019
Mountain Times
Staff report
Editor’s note: Also see the Killington town manager’s report on the budget on page 4.
Two candidates are vying for a Killington Select Board seat on Town Meeting Day.
Incumbent Patty McGrath is running against Charles Claffey for a three-year term.
McGrath, the owner of McGrath’s Irish Pub and the Inn at Long Trail, has been on the board for six years.
Her challenger, Claffey, is a computer programmer at Natwest Markets.
Claffey petitioned to run last year, but withdrew his name to support Jim Haff, who was also running for a seat.
“I thought I was going to take away from Jim Haff, who I thought was going to do good job,” he said.
Claffey moved to Killington with his family, including two children, ages 9 and 10, in 2015.
Claffey, an avid snowboarder, had been coming to the area since 2001. He moved here from Connecticut, taking an opportunity with his technology job to work remotely.
“I want to do my part and help the town move forward,” he said.
“I feel strongly the town needs to get into more of a sound financial position,” he added.
Both candidates received 10 signatures to appear on the ballot.
Whoever wins will join Steve Finneron and Haff on the board.
The budget to be raised by taxes this year is up 15 percent, to $3,653,023. The estimated municipal tax rate is expected to increase about 5 cents, to .4665 per $100 of assessed property value.
For the owner of a $250,000 property, that would equate to a $135 increase if the municipal budget is approved.
Voters will also be asked to approve a $1 million expense to rebuild and rehabilitate portions of East Mountain Road and Dean Hill Road.
Staff report
Editor’s note: Also see the Killington town manager’s report on the budget on page 4.
Two candidates are vying for a Killington Select Board seat on Town Meeting Day.
Incumbent Patty McGrath is running against Charles Claffey for a three-year term.
McGrath, the owner of McGrath’s Irish Pub and the Inn at Long Trail, has been on the board for six years.
Her challenger, Claffey, is a computer programmer at Natwest Markets.
Claffey petitioned to run last year, but withdrew his name to support Jim Haff, who was also running for a seat.
“I thought I was going to take away from Jim Haff, who I thought was going to do good job,” he said.
Claffey moved to Killington with his family, including two children, ages 9 and 10, in 2015.
Claffey, an avid snowboarder, had been coming to the area since 2001. He moved here from Connecticut, taking an opportunity with his technology job to work remotely.
“I want to do my part and help the town move forward,” he said.
“I feel strongly the town needs to get into more of a sound financial position,” he added.
Both candidates received 10 signatures to appear on the ballot.
Whoever wins will join Steve Finneron and Haff on the board.
The budget to be raised by taxes this year is up 15 percent, to $3,653,023. The estimated municipal tax rate is expected to increase about 5 cents, to .4665 per $100 of assessed property value.
For the owner of a $250,000 property, that would equate to a $135 increase if the municipal budget is approved.
Voters will also be asked to approve a $1 million expense to rebuild and rehabilitate portions of East Mountain Road and Dean Hill Road.
“The
roads have failed to the point where you can’t pave over them anymore,”
said Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth. “It’s become dangerous in the
winter.”
Both roads have been in poor shape since Tropical Storm Irene, he said.
Both roads have been in poor shape since Tropical Storm Irene, he said.
“This has been put off for a while,” Hagenbarth said.
A $588,000 expense to fund Tropical Storm Irene bridge replacement projects is also on the warning.
The town spent the half-million dollars before receiving federal aid.
“Now the funds aren’t going to come we need to raise the money,” Hagenbarth said.
A new public $4,775,000 public safety building is also on the warning.
The 15,260-square-foot building would house the volunteer fire department, search and rescue and town police department.
Construction would begin in 2020.
The informational meeting is held March 4 at Killington Elementary School at 7 p.m. Voting will take place by Australian Ballot on March 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.