WOODSVILLE—Six years of precinct audits are in the books.
At a public presentation last week, Woodsville residents touted the audits as exonerating the precinct from whispered accusations of fraud and ushering in a new era of responsible fiscal management.
Still, the audits detailed extensive lapses over the last six years, which may have ramifications for Woodsville taxpayers as the precinct rights past wrongs and also considers how to fund its highway and fire departments with virtually no guaranteed future support from town coffers. In the 59-page audit of 2020, there were 9.5 pages reporting on the district’s “significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.”

MONTPELIER—The Vermont Department for Children and Families will appeal to the Environmental Court to overturn the Newbury Development Review Board’s decision to deny the proposed Covered Bridge juvenile detention facility.
DCF Commissioner Sean Brown told legislators during a hearing on Nov. 19 of the Joint Legislative Child Protection Oversight Committee. DCF will appeal the decision alongside Becket Family of Services, the private contractors that would operate the facility under its Vermont Permanency Initiative subsidiary.
“We are disappointed in that decision, and while it is a legal document and any challenge to it will be a legal process, we believe there is basis for appeal,” Brown said.

BRADFORD—Selectboard members will start reviewing a proposed 2022 budget in earnest at their meeting on Nov. 23.
The board, which typically meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, moved its next meeting to Tuesday, Nov. 23 so as not to conflict with the Thanksgiving holiday.
A preliminary draft of the budget prepared for the meeting on Nov. 11 shows more than $2.5 million in proposed municipal spending. There are earmarks for the town-operated summer camp which was cancelled the last two years due to COVID-19 and inadequate staffing.

WEST FAIRLEE—Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas, D-Bradford, led an evening Town Hall forum hosted by the selectboard at the West Fairlee Community Building on Nov. 10.
She reviewed several issues relevant to West Fairlee, such as broadband expansion, roads and bridges, housing, in light of the American Relief Plan Act and infrastructure funds.
“Sarah Copeland Hanzas likes to touch base with the selectboard every year and have the opportunity for a more broad discussion with folks,” selectboard chair Delsie Hoyt said to get the forum underway.