Rutland Board Calls Special Meeting on Override

Select Board · Meeting of May 27, 2026

Rutland Select Board called a special town meeting for June 16 after residents petitioned for a $1,125,145 public safety and public works override. Town Clerk Anita confirmed two certified petitions exceeded their signature thresholds, one seeking $458,726 for the fire department, $449,496 for police and $216,923 for the Department of Public Works. The vote follows a roughly $3 million override's defeat by about 11 percent at the May 11 ballot.

Town Administrator Heather outlined a $296,404 free cash plan to fund two months of full town services while officials pursue a second override vote, possibly tied to the Sept. 1 state primary. The police chief said the plan is "not a public safety emergency" and warned bringing in outside officers after layoffs would trigger a union grievance. Resident Michelle Van Riet said the town risked "crying wolf again."

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Source: the Select Board meeting of May 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.