Budget: Taxpayers are being asked to approve $6.7 million in spending for town operations, including just over $5 million to be raised by taxes. Selectboard Chairwoman Mary Riley says the operating budget is increasing by just under 3%.
Other spending-related articles on the warning include $86,000 to continue paving on town and village roads and a requested appropriation of $51,250 for operation and maintenance of the Norman Williams Public Library.
The town’s annual report is expected to be available on the Woodstock website at townofwoodstock.org or from the Town Clerk starting on Feb. 18.
Noteworthy articles: One article sets salaries for some town officers, including $12,000 for the town treasurer, a rate of $25.76 per hour for listers and the constable, and a hourly wage of $32.47 for the town clerk.
Contested races: Selectboard member Jill Davies is being challenged by Joseph Swanson, a police officer in Woodstock. Swanson is the son of the late Phil Swanson, the longtime municipal manager in Woodstock. Selectboard member Butch Sutherland, the former fire chief in town, has opted not to run again. Former Selectboard member Ray Bourgeois is on the ballot unopposed for that seat.
Constable Kelly Linton is facing a challenge from Devon Kurtz. Kurtz has attended Dartmouth College in recent years and also works on criminal justice policy for the Cicero Institute, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Pandemic precautions: Residents in Woodstock will have informational meetings by Zoom but won’t have a traditional floor meeting this year, with all voting to take place by Australian ballot on Town Meeting Day.
When and where: In lieu of Woodstock’s floor meeting, public informational meetings will be held by Zoom at 10 a.m. on Feb. 20 and at 6 p.m. on Feb. 22. Voting will take place by Australian ballot on Tuesday, March 2, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
—John P. Gregg