Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2/13/22

Isn’t it interesting that a sunny day in the 30s feels like spring!  I think it has been the strangest weather this winter – longer periods of cold, stubborn cloudiness, mixed precipitation.  My yard is crisscrossed with diverse tracks – deer, foxes, turkeys, squirrels, all looking for some nourishment.

It is hoped that the Town Report will be in the mail and on the website shortly, so that townsfolk can review the information, especially the Town Budget.  The Selectmen have agreed to address questions at the next regular Select Board meeting, scheduled for 2/21.  You may attend the meeting or tune in via Zoom to pose questions. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/88347138689?pwd=dnRjQUlYT0lXR0k3SlYrVW9aNHNlUT09Meeting ID: 883 4713 8689.    Passcode: 143124One tap mobile.  +13126266799,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (Chicago)+19292056099,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (New York) Dial by your location Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdyuDWKca9

Don’t forget about the informational school budget hearing to be held via audio/video on Thursday, 2/24 at 6:30 P.M. to explain the 2022-2023 proposed budget.  Noting Article 2 (paraphrased): Shall the voters of the Windsor Central Unified Union School District approve the school board expending ($24,314,318), which has been determined necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? If approved, it is estimated that this proposed budget, will result in education spending of $19,567 per equalized pupil. See their website for details.

Per the Mountain Times, “this projected spending is $1,558,680 or 6.85% higher than spending for the current year.  As such, the pre-CLA adjustment tax rate for FY 2023 will be $1.5125 per $1,000 appraised value, a decrease of $.11 from the previous year.  The fact that WCUUSD has experienced a 5% increase in enrollment, may mean lower budgeted cost per pupil.”  Plymouth will also be voting in a school board director, all of which will take place at the Town Building on 3/1 along will the other town items to be voted.

This winter has been a cold one, so please know than an application for the VT Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LI-HEAP) program can be done online at www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/VT/LIHEAP or in person at the local LI-HEAP office.  Also, the Woodstock Area Relief Fund, Barnard Helping Hands, Kings Daughters, Bethany Mennonite Church and Ottauquechee Health Foundation have joined forces to provide a centralized application for those needing help with home heating bills and this includes Plymouth residents. Grant money for up to $1,000 will be paid directly to the provider, so go to https://bit.ly/3JxvybE for the online application or call 802-457-7214.

Happy Valentine’s Day!