Rutland Select Board sets June 16 special town meeting after override defeat

Select Board · Meeting of May 27, 2026

Rutland Select Board unanimously called a June 16 special town meeting to pursue a second Proposition 2 1/2 override vote after the May 11 ballot failed by roughly 11 percent. The board opened the warrant following receipt of two citizen petitions carrying approximately 325 signatures each, with the larger petition seeking $1,125,145 to fund the Fire Department at $458,726, the Police Department at $449,496, and the Department of Public Works at $216,923 for fiscal year 2027. Town Administrator Heather outlined a proposal to fund all town departments at a one-twelfth monthly rate for July and August using $296,404 in free cash, which would leave the town with roughly $165,000 in reserves and, she warned, would make fiscal year 2028 "very daunting." The police chief told the board that two officers have already accepted other positions, called the two-month bridge "a Hail Mary," and said he could not compel union employees to work Fourth of July details if they have received layoff notices.

A representative of the Fourth of July Committee confirmed during public comment that both the fireworks and parade are permanently canceled for 2026, with contracts already terminated.

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