State Sen. Scott Beck attended the Hardwick select board's late June meeting, reporting that a statewide effort is underway to secure additional transportation funding for road maintenance. Beck cited growing electric vehicle use, which reduces fuel tax revenue, and increased travel overall as drivers of the need. The state aims to pave 200 to 300 miles of road per year, but only 56 miles are scheduled for this year.
Beck said the legislature has decided not to pursue school redistricting, instead giving more decision-making authority to towns and individual districts. He noted that five elementary schools across Vermont will close this year because of declining enrollment.
Select Board Chair Ceilidh Galloway Kane asked what support the state is providing to affected districts. Beck said the state is helping with conversations on how to move forward.
In town business, Town Manager David Upson reported that a culvert on Bunker Road failed and was replaced with a larger one; the ditch was stone lined to improve drainage. Crews also reinforced culverts on Belfry Road and continued work on Mackville Road.
The board approved a water and sewer connection for 166 Highland Avenue, a recently subdivided lot, and several license renewals. A proposed public engagement policy, based on a Vermont League of Cities and Towns model, will be revised further, with board member Larry Fleigleman volunteering to help.
Discussion of the economic development coordinator position, including whether to make it full time, was postponed until budget season, with a staff report expected before the August 6 board meeting.
The board also approved a contract with Irving for FY27 fuel purchases, created a Jackson Dam steering committee, scheduled a retreat for September 25, and adopted a framework for former buyout properties. A Memorandum of Understanding with the Hardwick Downtown Partnership was approved.
Photo: Fernando Dantas via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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