2026 Town Meeting Hearing & Results
03/02/2026
Leicester Informational Hearing
AGENDA
· Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance (5 minutes)
· Additions or deletions to the agenda (5 minutes)
· Review and discuss articles to be voted by Australian Ballot (20 minutes)
· To do any other business that is proper to be done when met (5 minutes)
· Adjourn hearing
MINUTES
Board Members Present: Diane Benware, Tom Barker, John Rouse, Brad Lawes, Diane Randall
Others: Julie Delphia (Town Clerk & Treasurer), Cheryl Morrison, Lesley Bienvenue, Donna Swinington, Amey Ryan, Andrew Singer, Jessica Gazley, Brian Lee, Kathleen Ramsay, Ward Mann, Ingrid Pixley, Kate Baker, Elizabeth Russell, Thomas Russell, Chree Perkins, Doug Perkins, James Goodwin, Hannah Sessions, Greg Bernhardt, Angelo Lynn, Carol Reed, Richard Reed
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Pledge of Allegiance
Introductions of the Board were made.
No additions or deletions to the agenda.
Article Discussion:
Article I: To elect Town Officers for the ensuing year:
A Moderator for a one (1) year term
A Selectboard Member for a three (3) year term
A Selectboard Member for a two (2) year term
An Auditor for a three (3) year term
A Delinquent Tax Collector for a one (1) year term
A Town Clerk for a three (3) year term
A Town Treasurer for a three (3) year term
No discussion
Article II: Shall the voters of the Town of Leicester vote to approve a sum of $830,200.04 to defray the necessary expenses and liabilities of the town for the ensuing year, divided as follows:
|
$ 359,335.04 |
Amount to be raised by taxes: $ 346,556.80 |
|
|
Highway Expenses |
$ 470,865.00 |
Amount to be raised by taxes: $ 350,957.64 |
Note: The amount to be raised will increase by the amounts voted on Australian ballot. Selectboard will set the tax rate at a later date.
No discussion. Julie indicated that the increase was 0.48 persent.
Article III: Shall the voters of the Town of Leicester appropriate $1,000 to Charter House Coalition, for program related costs associated with operations of its emergency shelter, food program and social services in accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 2691?
Diane explained the process for appropriation requests. No discussion.
Article IV: Shall the voters of the Town of Leicester approve an additional $20,000 for ~25 additional hours of Sheriff patrols focusing on traffic enforcement?
Julie explained that the article was in response to numerous complaints and request for traffic enforcement. Doug Perkins asked what coverage was in the budget. Diane and Julie explained that the budget covered approximately 19 hours per month. This article would be in addition to that. Amey Ryan asked if they Sheriff’s Department had capacity. Diane acknowledged that they did. Tom Russell asked it would be on Route 7. Diane indicated it would be throughout Town. Angelo Lynn asked where complaints had been made. Diane and Julie numerous roads where complaints have come in. Carol Reed asked if the Town receives any fees for tickets and what the percentage is. Julie explained that the Town does get a portion of the fees, but that amounts and timing are unable to be anticipated.
Ward Mann asked about the progress of the reappraisal. Julie gave an update on the progress and indicated that people can expect information early May.
Diane Benware thanked town officials for their contributions and discussed the Town Plan progress. The road crew received a round of applause. Diane reminded folks of Green Up Day and dog registration dates. She asked for interested parties for an Energy Committee. Angelo Lynn expressed appreciation to the road crew and saluted the Green Up efforts in the Town. The Board acknowledged Diane Benware for her leadership.
Motion to adjourn by John Rouse, seconded by Tom Barker at 7:19pm
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Delphia
Recording link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-ZtTaEadudLdBaAEtWprdIG9-w10Gi3Fpr_nsBhBeK9QODDLzrUeH11zSgSgwdjr.P0IPcbQPo47ERcQh
Passcode: &5A%LRy6
