At Stockbridge Town Meeting:
Budget Passed, Trustees Directed
By Susan Pelletier

Despite frigid temperatures, the Stockbridge Town Meeting 2007 was well attended. The Stockbridge Historical Society had an exhibit, the Green Mt. Gallopers, a local 4H group, had a fundraiser with candy available for purchase; and there were also Girl Scout cookies for sale.

Following announcements, Rep. Sandy Haas spoke about various bills that are being worked on in Montpelier and how tight the state budget is this year. She also was specific about visitors being welcome anytime and had information on her handout about how to reach her and what committees she is serving on.

Kent Butterfield was re-elected as moderator, and Willis Whitaker was re-elected for another term on the selectboard. Other officers elected included Cheryl Rivers, lister; Fern Rogers, auditor; Jack Green, agent to convey real estate; Lindi Von Mutuis. agent to defend and prosecute suits; Lou Chap, grand juror; Rick Rivers, first constable; and Sid Hotchkiss, second constable. Also elected were Chris Thompson, cemetery commissioner; Barbara Brown, delinquent tax collector; and Suzanne Butterfield, Memorial Day chair.

The position of trustee of public funds became a contest between Kent Butterfield, who has served in this capacity for over 30 years, and Peter Esterquest. A discussion ensued about income available and how the town should spend more of these funds to help the people of Stockbridge. A paper ballet resulted in Esterquest getting the nod. There was a standing ovation for Butterfield in appreciation of his years of service.

After some discussion about possibly changing the dates of collection in the future, voters agreed to pay real estate taxes in two installments on August and October 15.

The town budget of $657,960 passed following a brief discussion. Voters also okayed Article 8, appropriating $11,532 to support various area organizations; agreed to hire the Windsor County Sheriff for another year; and approved the Stockbridge Meeting House Society’s request to place a leach field on the Stockbridge Town Common.

A final motion was proposed by Barbara Vellturo that the town request the Trustees of Public Funds to use the town’s funds under their control for the purposes intended by the donors and provide funds as needed for the town’s library, school, cemeteries and the needy, even if those disbursements result in smaller growth of the funds than in past years. That motion was accepted and the town meeting ended at noon.

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