Summary of 2023 Warrant Articles
Disclosure: folks in town have weighed in on many of these articles and we have conflicts with regards to some of these articles as well. Omer and Manu both petitioned to add an article to the warning allocating additional funding to hire a fourth officer, in addition to the chief. The Selectboard rejected that article under advisement of the Town’s lawyers and instead added Article 11. Regarding Article 13, Omer is a director of the Norwich Farm Foundation and petitioned to add this article to the warning. On Article 15, Omer’s wife, Lily, is running for the elected position of Clerk, which may be eliminated if Article 15 passes.
Article 1. Elect a Moderator of the Town and School District meeting for one year
No one ran for Moderator last year. The Selectboard appointed Peter Orner for Moderator this year. No one is running for Moderator for next year. You may write in a candidate. If no candidate is elected, the Selectboard will appoint a candidate next year.
Article 2. Elect Town and School District Officers for terms starting in 2023
You will receive a ballot to vote for all elected positions. Some positions have both candidates running and articles eliminating those positions. If you want to elect a Lister, you should vote NO on Article 12. If you want to elect a Clerk you should vote NO on Article 15. If you vote yes on either article and the article passes, the candidates you vote for in those positions will not be elected.
Article 3. Hear and act on the reports of the Officers of the Town and Town School District.
The town will hear reports on Monday, March 6th at 7pm in the MCS gym. Note that the town warning incorrectly stated that the information session will be in Tracy Hall. Voting on Tuesday, March 7th will be in Tracy Hall from 7am to 7pm.
Article 4 - To authorize the Board of School Directors to borrow money by issuance of bonds or notes not in excess of anticipated revenues for the next fiscal year in accordance with the provisions of 16 VSA § 562(9).
In the event that school district tax revenues are not received in a timely manner, the school district requests authorization from the electorate to borrow money to cover necessary expenditures.
If Article 4 PASSSES
If you vote YES, you will allow the school to borrow money to keep the lights on.
If Article 4 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, we may risk putting the school district in a cash flow crunch.
Article 5 - Shall the voters of the Norwich Town School District determine and fix the salaries of the School Board members in the sum of $500 each per year for a total of $2,500 in accordance with the provisions of 16 VSA § 562(5)?
If Article 5 PASSES
If you vote YES, the school district will maintain the yearly stipend for School Board members.
If Article 5 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, you will not authorize any stipend for School Board members, who are not otherwise paid for their time.
Article 6 - Shall the voters of the Norwich Town School District approve the school board to expend $7,243,970 which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing 2023-24 fiscal year? It is estimated that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in education spending of $22,958 per equalized pupil (this includes the current proposed Dresden assessment and articles for 7-12th grade). This projected spending per equalized pupil is 6.55% higher than spending for the current year.
This article is one part of the school budget. The other part is on a separate Dresden School district budget. The gross spending at Marion Cross is increasing by 9.44% per pupil (as defined by the State formula) while the total spending, including the amount we pay to be part of Dresden will be increasing by 6.55%. Accounting for all other revenues and fund balances, the total education spending is set to increase by 3.45%. Our spending is only one component of the education tax rate. The State factors in the Common Level of Appraisal (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xbkuOf5TLJynVD5tctkfNpHbk6m1sK0g/view) and the projected number of pupils. The State also factors in the Homestead Property yield, which, if kept high, reduce the tax rate. As of January 17th, the School Board was projecting a tax rate of $1.9913 per $100 of home value (not including income sensitivity), which is an increase of 3.83%.
If Article 6 PASSES
If you vote YES, you are approving the Marion Cross School budget as proposed. You will vote separately on the Dresden School District budget.
If Article 6 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the school may not have a budget for the next school year. The new School Board will have to convene and discuss what changes they may need to make to the budget, in consultation with the administration. The School Board will need to ask the Selectboard to hold a special meeting to vote on the new proposed School Budget before July 1, 2023.
Article 7 - Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Norwich Town School District in an amount not to exceed $768,414 subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and other financial assistance, be issued for the purpose of financing the cost of making school grounds and infrastructure upgrades, namely, the installation of a pre-treatment septic module, removal and replacement of 2 septic tanks and 1 oil tank, and repair and reinstallation of asphalt and surrounding walkway areas?
After much discussion and investigation over the past 5 years, the School administration is proposing a solution to the Marion Cross Elementary School’s septic system. This proposal would have the School engaging with AquaPoint to install a Bioclere system. This new design process should alleviate the need for pumping the tanks over the winter months. You can see the plan design documents here: https://go.boarddocs.com/nh/sau70/Board.nsf/files/CMLNCF5F4575/$file/Aqua%20Point%20Proposal%20-%20MarionBinder11-1-2022%20W.L-M%20Quote221030.pdf
If Article 7 PASSES
If you vote YES, the issue of dirty water draining into the town green, which is the leach field for the school septic will be resolved at a total cost of up to $768,414.
If Article 7 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the septic system will remain as is and will continue to drain dirty water into the town green, which is the leach field for the school septic. The school may continue to incur ongoing costs to regularly empty the septic tank and prevent leaching.
Article 8 - Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Norwich Town School District in an amount not to exceed $307,752 subject to reduction from available state and federal grants-in-aid and other financial assistance, be issued for the purpose of the installation of a new playground including earth work and equipment at the Marion Cross Elementary School?
Marion Cross School is home to around 335 students in pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. The MCS Playground Committee determined that the playgrounds are overdue for needed updates to make them safe places for all children to play outdoors. The Committee worked through many different options for updates and expansion of the rear playground. It was imperative the new design both fit aesthetically into the natural landscape and be easily accessible for children of all abilities. The new playground design updates the rear play area to include safe and accessible play structures and spaces that blend into the natural landscape. It will provide a safe space for all students and community members to play, grow and explore.
If Article 8 PASSES
If you vote YES, the school will build a new playground at a cost of up to $307,752.
If Article 8 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the current play structures will remain or may need to be removed if they are unsafe for play.
Article 9 - Shall the voters approve a gross spending General Town Budget of $5,522,124 plus state and federal grants and gifts consistent with budgeted programs for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30,2024?
This represents an increase of 11.3% over last year’s budget of $4,958,865. The increase is primarily due to inflation and related costs. The tax rate may increase by less than 11.3% depending on whether we end the year with a surplus due to underspending on Police and DPW staff, and if the Selectboard choses to use the surplus to offset spending for next year.
If Article 9 PASSES
If you vote YES, the budget for next fiscal year will be approved and will be used to set the municipal tax rate, subject to any surpluses from this year.
If Article 9 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the new Selectboard will have to hold a special town meeting and propose a new budget to the voters before July 1, 2023.
Article 10 - Shall the voters establish a reserve fund to be called the American Rescue Plan Act "ARPA" Special Reserve Fund to be used for the purpose of holding ARPA monies in accordance with 24 VSA § 2804?
This article violates Federal law, which requires that the ARPA grants be spent according to the terms set forth by the Treasury and cannot be saved in a reserve fund. The Selectboard placed this article on the warning and is now asking voters to vote against it.
If Article 10 PASSES
If you vote YES, the new Selectboard may have to hold a special town meeting to ask the voters to rescind the vote. They may also need to vote not to put ARPA grant monies into the fund.
If Article 10 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the fund will not be established and the Selectboard will need to propose to the voters how to commit the ARPA grant funds by the end of 2024.
Article 11. ADVISORY VOTE: Shall the voters advise the Town to consider the appointment of a full-time police officer in addition to the three budgeted full-time police officers for a total of five including the chief?
If Article 11 PASSES
If you vote YES - you will be expressing your support for the Norwich Police to have an additional officer, in addition to the Chief, which would allow the department to offer coverage 7 days a week, 20 hours per day. Because the Selectboard rejected the article petition signed by over 230 residents, which (if approved by the voters) would have provided funding for the position, Article 11 is now “advisory” only. The new Selectboard will be under no obligation to add an additional officer and that decision will depend on who is elected to the Board next Tuesday March 7th.
If Article 11 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO - the Town is under no obligation to keep the current police force staffing and the Selectboard will need to debate the merits of the citizens rejecting a request for an additional officer.
Article 12 – Shall the voters authorize the elimination of the office of Listers and replace it with a professionally qualified assessor hired by the town?
The job of the Listers is the maintenance of the grand list. Changes to the grand list are typically the result of a property owner obtaining a zoning permit to make changes. The Listers work with a part time contracted assessor who visits every property with a zoning permit to assess the value of the property as of April 1 of each year. The Listers are not involved in setting the tax rate, issuance of tax bills, or collection of taxes. Norwich has historically elected three Listers. Each serves a 3-year term and receives a stipend of $1,500 per year. The terms alternate so that only one term is up for election each year. The Listers have a budget for an assistant of $23,327 and a contract assessor for $36,000. The total budget for the Listers’ office for next year is $60,827.
If Article 12 PASSES
If you vote YES, the Selectboard will have 45 days to contract with or hire a professionally-qualified assessor to take over the responsibilities and duties of the elected Listers. The Selectboard may also have to use reserve funds to pay for the contract assessor if the amount exceeds the total budgeted for the Listers’ stipend, assistance, and part time contract assessor since the current budget (Article 9) does not include funding for a full-time contract assessor. The Selectboard is not obligated to hire anyone who you vote for as Lister or any current Lister for this position.
If Article 12 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the Listers will remain an elected position and we expect to have at least two listers and a part-time contract assessor as we have in previous years. A third lister seat will be vacated by Pam Smith, should she win the uncontested Selectboard seat.
Article 13 - Shall the voters authorize a ten-year exemption from property taxes to the Norwich Farm Foundation under the provisions of 32 VSA $ 3840?
This request is to exempt the new non-profit organization which purchased the property at 701 Turnpike from paying municipal and education taxes on the property. This property was previously tax exempt because it was owned by Vermont State Colleges. Previous to VSC, it was owned by the Sigler family and was tax exempt by statute. Independent of how you vote on this article, the Listers may determine the property as tax exempt by statute.
If Article 13 PASSES
The property at 701 Turnpike will continue to not be taxed.
If Article 13 DOES NOT PASS
The property at 701 Turnpike may be added to the taxable grand list subject to review by the Listers that it may be tax exempt by statute.
Article 14 - Shall the voters of the Town of Norwich approve transferring $46,800 from the General Fund that was awarded to the Fire Department from a Vermont Department of Health COVID staffing grant into the Fire Equipment Reserve Fund?
This is a housekeeping measure to move the Fire Department grant in the correct fund.
Article 15 - Shall the voters authorize the Selectboard to appoint the town clerk as provided in 17 V.S.A. $ 26s1e(a)(1)?
Article 15 of the warning of the annual meeting asks if the town should no longer have an elected town clerk, but rather have the town clerk be appointed by the Selectboard. The citizens of Norwich are being asked to consider changing from elected officials to appointed positions or employment of professional entities in the upcoming election.
Norwich has a long history of town residents assuming key roles in the administration of municipal activities. Having elected residents assume these positions brings with it a wealth of dedication and knowledge of the town, its citizens and the community. We’ve been incredibly lucky to have Bonnie Munday serve as the Town Clerk for over 30 years. Bonnie is about to retire, she will certainly be missed!
The Town Clerk’s office is responsible for the Town’s records, such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, births, deaths, and marriages; registering voters; issuing dog licenses, hunting and fishing licenses; notarizing select documents for town residents; and issuing dump stickers and trash cards and burn permits. This office can also renew state registrations for motor vehicles, snowmobiles, and boats, as long as there are no changes from your previous registration other than an address change. The Town Clerk’s office also oversees town, state and federal elections, as well as absentee ballots.
If Article 15 PASSES
If you vote YES, you will empower the Selectboard to appoint the Town Clerk, and would allow candidates from outside Norwich to apply for the salaried position. The Selectboard is not obligated to appoint the current Assistant Town Clerk or the person you vote for as Town Clerk. This might increase the applicant pool for the position. Norwich would also have to compete with other towns for a qualified candidate. Once appointed the Clerk would be accountable to the Selectboard, not the voters. Since the scope of the position is dictated by statute, the appointed Clerk could only be removed for cause, unless the voters overturn Article 15. The appointed Clerk would be free to leave for a position in another town.
If Article 15 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, we will elect the Town Clerk candidate who is on the ballot, to this position. The elected Town Clerk would hold the position for 3 years and be accountable to the voters. As a resident, the Clerk would also have a vested interest in the day to day operation of the department.
Articles 16 - 38
These articles ask the taxpayers to fund non-town organizations that otherwise benefit the community.
Article 39 - Shall the voters require that taxes be paid in U.S. funds in two installments? The first installment will be due and accepted at the Town of Norwich Finance Office on or before 6:00 pm August 30, 2023 and the balance will be due at the same location on or before 6:00 pm February 9, 2024. A legible, official United States Post Office postmark/cancellation (not a postage machine date) will determine the payment date for all mailed payments. Interest on overdue taxes will be charged at 1% per month for the first three months and 1.5% per month thereafter. All delinquent taxes will be subject to an 8% collection fee in accordance with Vermont Statutes after February 9, 2024.
This article sets the time and date for tax payments, interest, and late fees. This article is a change from last year, when the first tax payment was due mid August. This article changes the date that taxes are due to the end of August. Since the town collects taxes for the school district, the town may have insufficient funds to pay the school district in time for the first major payroll of the year.
If Article 39 PASSES
If you vote YES, the first due date for taxes will change to August 30, 2023. This may put the Town and the School in a difficult situation because of the timing of school payroll.
If Article 39 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the date and terms for tax collection will not be set. The Selectboard will need to hold a special town meeting to propose a new schedule for payment.
Article 40 - Shall the voters of the Town of Norwich limit the penalty charged by the Collector of Delinquent Taxes for payments made after the due date for payments to 4% of the tax collected pursuant to 32 V.S.A. $ 1674(3XA)?
This article asks the voters to reduce the cost of delinquent payments for taxes from 8% to 4%, in addition to the monthly interest. The current Selectboard believes that the 8% rate is punitive. It is unclear how many people in town the current rate impacts. Given the current interest rates, a 4% rate may create an incentive for those who can afford to delay payment.
If Article 40 PASSES
If you vote YES, the penalty for late tax payments will be set to 4% in addition to monthly interest.
If Article 40 DOES NOT PASS
If you vote NO, the penalty will remain at 8% of late taxes.