There are two candidates on the Town Meeting Day ballot for one seat representing Williston on the Champlain Valley School Board. The Observer asked both candidates — Jean Sanchez and Steve Francisco — to answer several questions about their candidacies. Below are Sanchez’s responses. Francisco declined to participate.
The Town Meeting Day election is March 4, with voting taking place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Vermont National Guard Armory next to Town Hall. Early voting is available by request online at https://mvp.vermont.gov/
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO WILLISTON AND THE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT?
My family and I moved to Williston in the summer of 2021. We have three children who have attended CVSD schools since our arrival. Our eldest graduated from CVU last year, and we currently have a junior and a freshman at CVU, both of whom graduated from WCS. My husband previously worked for CVSD but has since transitioned to a role with the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union.
With my children becoming more independent and my husband moving to another district, I now have the opportunity to engage in the community service I have long wanted to pursue.
As a professional educator, I have observed both strengths and challenges within CVSD. When I learned that Angela Arsenault was considering stepping down from the school board, I saw an opportunity to step up and continue her critical work advocating for student populations that are often overlooked.
There is a persistent and growing gap in academic proficiency between historically marginalized students and their
peers. These disparities are even more pronounced among students who qualify for free and reduced lunch and those on IEPs. Addressing these inequities is essential.
While I have a personal connection to CVSD, I am not running to serve my own children’s interests. Instead, my greatest asset is my independence from the board and district leadership. I am not bound by past practices, nor am I here to protect reputations or maintain the status quo. If elected, I will ask the hard questions: Why have these inequities been allowed to persist? What concrete actions are being taken to close these gaps? And what measurable outcomes define success?
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND.
I was born and raised in Brattleboro and remained in Vermont until I graduated from UVM in 1999. Afterward, I set out to explore the world, eventually landing in Texas in 2001 to begin graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin.
Upon completing my degree, I started my career teaching middle school math to students with special education plans. At that time, Texas still had resource classes and modified curricula for students with accommodations. I entered the field just as No Child Left Behind and the
accountability movement were taking shape.
Like many Vermont educators today, I was initially apprehensive about being evaluated based on my students’ progress. It seemed unfair to be held to the same standard as teachers of honors students. However, through 16 years of experience in teaching, coaching and administration in Texas, I came to recognize that every child has the potential to achieve a year’s worth of academic growth in a year’s time. Accountability, when applied equitably, is both fair and essential.
I also witnessed the transformative power of collective responsibility — when an entire school commits to ensuring every child’s success, real change happens. Vermont has largely avoided the national accountability movement, but, as scrutiny of educational spending increases, the public is demanding transparency and measurable outcomes. I firmly believe that accountability, applied to all members of the education system, drives progress. Transparency fosters trust, and trust is essential for meaningful reform. However, the first step is acknowledging that problems exist. That’s where difficult questions become necessary. We need board members who will ask those tough questions and support educators in addressing long-standing inequities. Change is possible, but it requires clear, measurable goals and systems that provide the necessary training and curriculum to achieve them.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD?
I am running for the Champlain Valley School District Board because I believe every student deserves an exceptional education that prepares them for future success. My platform focuses on four key priorities:
- Raising student achievement — We must implement evidence-based instructional practices that challenge
see SCHOOL BOARD page 2
Monday, March 3,
5 p.m. — Champlain Valley School District Annual Meeting and budget presentation, CVU High School Library
7 p.m. — Williston Annual Town Meeting and budget presentation, Williston Central School auditorium
Tuesday, March 4, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Voting at the National Guard Armory 7846 Williston Rd.
BALLOT ITEMS:
- Town budget ($15.9 million)
- Environmental Reserve Fund tax
- Selectboard, Ellie Beckett (uncontested) - Selectboard, Ted Kenney (uncontested - Library Trustee, Shari Westman (uncontested) - Champlain Valley School Board, Steve Francisco or Jean Sanchez - School budget ($102.7 million)
Jean Sanchez
School Board
continued from page 1
high-performing students while providing targeted, data-driven interventions for those who need additional support. I will analyze achievement data, highlight disparities and work toward solutions that lead to measurable improvements.
- Advancing equity — The opportunity gap in CVSD is unacceptable. I will advocate for equitable resource distribution, ensuring that students who need the most support receive it and that all learners have access to an inclusive, high-quality education.
- Ensuring fiscal responsibility — As a fiscal conservative, I believe in strategic budgeting that directly benefits student learning. Every dollar spent must be tied to CVSD’s five-year plan, with clear metrics to evaluate its impact. Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability, particularly when asked to support increased expenditures.
- Promoting innovation — Our schools must evolve to prepare students for an increasingly complex world. I will champion STEM programs, project-based learning and strategic technology integration while ensuring that strong teacher-student relationships remain at the core of education.
WHAT TOPICS OR ISSUES WILL YOU FOCUS ON OR PRIORITIZE AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD?
Special education reform — Act 173 has shifted the funding model for special education, but the obligation to provide equitable access to learning remains unchanged. Every student should
demonstrate meaningful academic growth each year. We need ambitious yet attainable goals, clear success metrics and structured responses when interventions are not working. Accountability must be a shared responsibility among all district educators.
There is a persistent and growing gap in academic proficiency between historically marginalized students and their peers. These disparities are even more pronounced among students who qualify for free and reduced lunch and those on IEPs. Addressing these inequities is essential.
Equity and achievement gaps — Data shows significant proficiency gaps in CVSD, particularly among students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, students on IEPs, and historically marginalized groups. The statistics are troubling: only 69 percent of last year’s CVU graduates met at least one college or career readiness standard, and that number drops to 38 percent for students on free and reduced lunch. These disparities demand urgent action, and I will push for transparency in the district’s strategies to address them.
Expanding advanced course options
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— While addressing achievement gaps is critical, we must also provide rigorous academic challenges for advanced students. After hosting an international exchange student, I was struck by how unchallenged she felt by CVU’s curriculum. Conversations with local students echo this concern. We need more advanced courses, particularly in the humanities, to ensure all students are engaged and prepared for higher education or career paths.
DO YOU HAVE THOUGHTS ON THE BUDGET PROPOSAL THAT THE CURRENT SCHOOL BOARD IS PRESENTING FOR TOWN MEETING?
The proposed budget is the result of a long and thoughtful process that considered factors I may not yet fully understand. It would be presumptive to offer critiques of it without deeper insight into the collaboration that led to the final decisions. However, I do know that tax rates have dropped across CVSD’s five towns this year, which is a positive development.
That said, Vermont spends more per student than nearly any other state, yet overall student outcomes remain stagnant. Historically marginalized students fare even worse. We must ensure that increased spending translates into meaningful improvements in student achievement. The board must demand transparency, continuously evaluate the connection between expenditures and outcomes, and support efforts to modernize education delivery.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CANDIDACY?
Deciding to run for the board was not easy, but with my newfound flexibility at home, I knew I had the capacity to serve. My experience in education, coupled with my outsider perspective on CVSD’s leadership, positions me to ask tough questions and advocate for all students.
A defining moment in my decision came during a visit to the Center for Technology Essex. A CVU student giving the tour casually remarked, “You couldn’t pay me to go back there.” That comment underscored the need for stronger student engagement, a broader range of academic opportunities, and a school culture that works for all learners.
The school board does not run the schools, but it does provide oversight. CVSD’s administration is largely homegrown, making self-assessment challenging. Hard work alone is not enough; results matter. Persistent proficiency gaps, lack of advanced coursework, students seeking education elsewhere, and issues with supervision at school events all point to areas that need attention.
Williston voters must demand accountability, transparency and solutions that benefit all students.
CALENDAR
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Thurs., Feb. 20—Rotary breakfast and speaker: 7:15 a.m. Williston Federated Church. Speaker Janet Smith, Vermont Transcendental Meditation Center. RSVP by email at RotaryClubofWillistonVT@gmail.com
Thurs., Feb. 20—Families as Partners presents school counselor Jill Everett speaking on reducing caregiver stress and family routines and rituals: 6-7:30 p.m. Williston Central School. Questions and preregistration at willistonfap@cvsdvt.org
Sun., Feb. 23—Piano concert by UVM composer David Feurzeig: 3 p.m. Williston Federated Church. Reception to follow.
Mon., Feb. 24 — Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees meeting: 7 p.m. at library. Agenda at damlvt.org
Wed., Feb. 26 — Community Justice Forum: 6-8 p.m. at Williston Town Hall. Explore the role of restorative justice with panelists Sarah George, Chittenden County State’s Attorney; Cristalee McSweeney, Williston Community Justice Center executive director; and Erik Wells, Williston town manager.
Thurs., Feb. 27—Rotary breakfast and speaker: 7:15 a.m. Williston Federated Church. Speaker Laurie Keve, development and communications director for the Janet S. Munt Family Room. RSVP by email at RotaryClubofWillistonVT@gmail.com
HUB
WILLISTON: BUSINESS HUB OF VERMONT
Three Finney Crossing businesses plan 2025 openings
OBSERVER STAFF REPORT
The Finney Crossing neighborhood in Williston will welcome three new locally owned businesses this year.
Wild Meadows Books & Café, JANE Boutique and SPAGHET Red Sauce Joint will be located together in an under-construction building near L.L. Bean.
A GATHERING PLACE FOR BOOK LOVERS
Williston residents Susan and Rick Cote, publishers of the Williston Observer, are launching Wild Meadows Books & Café, an independent bookstore and café that will serve as a community space for book lovers. Designed to be a welcoming environment for casual browsing, gift shopping and meaningful discussions, the store will feature an extensive selection of books, locally sourced gifts and cards, and a cozy café. Plans include hosting author talks, book clubs, story hours
The bookstore will serve as the new home of the Williston Observer, furthering its mission of celebrating community, creating a space for dialogue and fostering civic engagement.
and other community events.
The bookstore will also serve as the new home of the Williston Observer, furthering its mission of celebrating community, creating a space for dialogue and fostering civic engagement.
“We aim to offer a space that encourages community gathering, as well as a love of reading and discovery,” said Susan Cote. “We wanted to locate Wild Meadows in the heart of Williston, where it would be easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, and Finney Crossing is an ideal location.”
The bookstore is expected to open in August.
A STYLISH RETAIL ADDITION
Fashion lovers will soon have a new destination at Finney Crossing with the opening of JANE, a contemporary women’s clothing boutique owned by Samantha Sleeper of Hinesburg.
JANE will feature a curated selection of designer apparel and accessories for professional, event and casual wear. With more than 20 years of experience in the fashion
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industry, including roles at Nordstrom and J Brand denim, Sleeper is excited to bring her expertise to Williston.
“JANE is the realization of my lifelong dream to create a space where women can come together for fashion, contemporary styling and community,” said Sleeper. “Williston has been primed for a boutique like this for years, and Finney Crossing provides the perfect setting with its increasing energy and mix of quality businesses.”
Named in honor of her grandmother Jane Coppins, who radiated grace and style, JANE will also look to host charitable events throughout the year to honor Samantha’s paternal grandmother, May Sleeper, who continues to serve as an inspiration for her care for others and the community.
The boutique is set to open in July.
ITALIAN COMFORT FOOD WITH A MODERN TWIST
SPAGHET Red Sauce Joint, a casual Italian-American eatery by accomplished local restaurateur Jed Davis will anchor the three-tenant building.
SPAGHET will offer pastas, baked pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads, available in both single and family-style portions for dine-in or takeout. The 60-seat restaurant will also feature a curated selection of draft beer and Italian wines by the glass.
“SPAGHET will be a cozy, inviting place where families and friends can gather to enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank,” said Davis. “We’re excited to be expanding our offerings to the Finney Crossing community and to contribute to its growing reputation as a goto dining destination.”
The restaurant is scheduled to open in Fall. Online ordering will be available.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
• Stroll through the Grand Garden Display filled with flowering bulbs, shrubs, trees, and water features!
• Shop the Flower Show Marketplace with over 100 vendors related to horticultural/gardening/home/ accessories.
• Choose from over 30 educational seminars and workshops on a variety of topics.
• Experts on-hand all 3 days to answer your gardening and landscaping questions.
• Family Activity Room: Come dig for worms, plant a flower, and make a craft and enjoy Magicians Without Borders & No Strings Marionette performances.
• Local bookstore with a great selection of books to choose from.
• The Federated Garden Clubs of VT, North District will present a National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show: “The Story of the Garden.”
• Plant Sale at the end of the show on Sunday.
March 7, 8, 9
March 7, 8, 9
Susan and Rick Cote, publishers of the Williston Observer, are launching Wild Meadows Books & Café, an independent bookstore and café in Finney Crossing.
HUB Happenings
Massage ‘Wizard’ comes to Williston
Massage therapist Merlin Trefethen, doing business as “The Wizard of Ahhhhhs Massage Therapy,” has moved his 22-year practice to Williston, at 135 Allen Brook Lane, Suite 201.
As a board-certified massage therapist, Trefethen offers therapeutic services including Swedish, deep tissue, sports and prenatal massage and specializes in injury recovery, stress relief and overall wellness.
His practice was previously located in Colchester. He has also practiced in Colorado and Connecticut. To celebrate opening in Williston, he is offering new clients a 40 percent discount off their first session.
Call (802) 881-3990 or book online at merlintrefethen.ncbcertified. com.
Polli Properties adds Bowe to staff
Williston real estate firm
Polli Properties has added Laura Bowe to its growing staff.
Bowe brings a sales and marketing background with previous roles at WCAX, Church Street Marketplace and Chittenden Bank. She is a member of the Burlington Business Association, Sail Beyond Cancer and Saint Michael’s College Alumni Association.
“Laura’s depth of experience and passion for client success perfectly align with the values we hold at Polli Properties,” said Elise Polli,
owner and broker at Polli Properties. “Her commitment to providing unparalleled service and her ability to navigate the complexities of the real estate market will be an asset to both our clients and our team.”
Vermont Business Roundtable elects new leadership
The Vermont Business Roundtable elected new officers at its 38th Annual Membership Meeting in January. Elected Chair is Rebecca Towne of Vermont Electric Cooperative; Vice Chair is Neale Lunderville of Vermont Gas Systems; Treasurer is Evan Langfeldt of O’Brien Brothers; and Secretary is John Sayles of the Vermont Foodbank.
Also at the meeting, members elected new directors to their first three-year term: Janette Bombardier of Chroma Technology Corp.; John Illick of ReArch Company; and Robert Morgan of NorthCountry Federal Credit Union.
Report: Tourism a $4 billion industry in Vermont
Visitors to Vermont in 2023 spent a record $4 billion on goods and services, according to a recent study by Tourism Economics.
Researchers also found that 15.8 million guests came to Vermont in 2023, showing a sustained return to pre-pandemic visitation.
“Tourism has always been important to Vermont, but this new data underscores tourism’s role in driving the economy in every corner of our state,” said Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle.
The report, “Economic Impact of Visitors in Vermont 2023,” was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. It will provide a baseline against which future tourism trends can be tracked.
State signs on to ‘Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor’
The Vermont Agency of
Commerce and Community Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several Quebec organizations and the University of Vermont to establish the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing.
The MOU focuses on four areas: developing a resilient supply chain for uninterrupted access to critical components; facilitating policy coordination to mitigate the impact of trade barriers; recognizing semiconductors as critical to economic and national security; and positioning North America as a global leader in technological innovation while fostering economic prosperity in the region.
“This partnership is vital to Vermont’s semiconductor industry and economic development,” said Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. “This cross-border collaboration with Quebec and other northeastern states will make us stronger and more resilient and lead to the creation and retention of high-quality jobs.”
Small
and electronics
Furniture in new or gently used condition
Large appliances such as stoves, fridges, washers, dryers, and more
Building supplies and hardware such as cabinets,
sinks, and more
Merlin Trefethen
Laura Bowe
Matchmakers
CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Camden Ayer wins his match at 144 pounds during a multi-school wrestling match in Colchester on Saturday. Willow Hayes faces off in an exhibition match. Thomas Corcoran locks up with his opponent. Darien Haselton gets the upper hand in his 120-pounds match.
Shockwaves at VT USDA unit as half the team is laid off
BY KLARA BAUTERS VTDigger
Last Thursday evening, Caitlin Morgan, a food systems scientist, picked up a call from her boss at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service at the University of Vermont. He told her that everyone who was still within their probationary period should brace for an imminent termination letter.
Less than 24 hours later, Morgan’s arrived — effective immediately.
“It’s been super chaotic and traumatizing for those of us who’ve been working in the government, but it hasn’t hit the general populace the same way yet,” Morgan said. “There’s going to be ripple effects from what’s happening to us, and there’s probably going to be iterations on that for other people.”
Morgan was part of a 17-member team of researchers and scientists dedicated to studying food systems and agricultural sustainability in the state. Their work included research on flood resilience and the transition of agricultural land following the decline of dairy farms.
According to multiple employees, at least nine employees have
been fired so far, including six scientists, stripping the team of years of institutional knowledge focused on building a more sustainable agricultural future. Despite being terminated for “poor performance,” all employees had spent years training for the role and received “fully satisfactory” ratings in their quarterly reviews, Morgan said.
Neither the University of Vermont nor the U.S. Department of Agriculture responded to multiple requests from VTDigger for comment.
The recent move to fire probationary employees across the federal government is the latest of several actions President Donald Trump has taken since starting his second term that have roiled parts of Vermont’s workforce.
On Feb. 5, all probationary employees received an email from the USDA reminding them of their probationary status and urging them to accept a buyout offer, noting they could be let go at any time, Morgan said.
“The buyout offer was that if we chose to resign, we would be paid through September and that we could get another job,” said a former employee who asked for anonymity fearing potential retribution.
The former employee said the buyout offer encouraged employees to move from the “low-productivity public sector” to the “high-productivity private sector.”
But leaving a “dream job” wasn’t so simple.
“I really believed in the research. We were doing such good work, and it’s devastating. It just doesn’t exist anymore,” the employee said.
Those who remain have been warned to expect more layoffs next week. According to Morgan, leadership has yet to provide termination paperwork, leaving those affected unable to file for unemployment.
Before receiving her termination notice, Morgan feared new federal policies eliminating remote work would threaten her job. As a federal scientist, her “telework eligible” status allowed her to work remotely most days, whether conducting research from home or in the field. She relied on this flexibility after having a baby six months ago.
Returning to the office full-time simply wasn’t an option for her.
“My baby doesn’t bottle feed, and I wasn’t going to be able to be in-person full time,” she explained. “I could have worked 40 hours a week, but I wasn’t going to be able to do that at the office.”
Morgan said changes implemented by the Trump Administration have lacked effective resistance, at least so far.
“It’s really hard for my colleagues, and it’s hard for everyone in different ways and to different degrees,” Morgan said. “But it’s actually not the thing that scares me the most. The thing that scares me the most is living in a nonfunctioning society.”
OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
Education transformation — the details matter
BY REP. ERIN BRADY
A couple weeks ago, my husband and one of my sons were playing a board game with the TV on in the background after dinner, and as the nature program they were watching ended, an interview with a prior Speaker of the House happened to air next.
I immediately grabbed the remote to turn it up: It was a discussion about property tax concerns, the size of Vermont schools and the importance of a thriving public education system. Based on the Speaker (and the dated attire!), I know it was sometime in the late 1990s, and the discussion was strikingly similar to the conversations happening across our state right now.
It would be a collective failure for our state if we are having the exact same conversation in another 30 years.
There is broad agreement that we must bend the cost curve of K-12 education and that systemic reforms must happen if we are serious about
Notes from the Legislature
a long-term solution. I believe deeply in the importance and power of public education, now more than ever. I also believe we can make necessary reforms in a realistic, respectful way. We are seeing very clearly destruction at the federal level when “urgency” is used as political expediency to break things rather than reform them through democratic means.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Many of our challenges are not unique to Vermont. Public schools are the provider of last resort, tasked with handling multi-generational poverty, pandemic learning loss, and the impact of social media that we are just beginning to understand. The end of federal pandemic funding, increased student mental and behavioral health needs (conservatively estimated to be at least $50 million in Vermont last year), continued dramatic increases in employee healthcare costs, mounting deferred maintenance, and inflation are putting extraordinary pressures on school budgets.
In addition to these pressures, we have underlying structural
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challenges in Vermont. We operate over 250 school buildings, which drives many of our staffing costs and facilities needs. Vermont schools will always be small by most national standards given our rural nature, but we have schools with extremely small class sizes and multiple grades being combined, not because it is an educational choice but because it is a staffing necessity.
We have many very small high schools whose students might be better served in schools with more programmatic opportunities. We also operate parallel systems — public and private schools — using public education dollars.
We have a town tuitioning program for areas that do not operate schools, and while Vermont’s four historic academies operate as quasi-public schools, there has been a steady increase in the number of students using vouchers for school choice and an increase in the number of schools where those vouchers go.
This scatters our public education dollars in more directions (including out of state and out of country) when we need to move toward greater efficiencies, and it often affords some students opportunities that not all can access.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
We can make incremental, thoughtful changes in order to bend the cost curve and increase educational equity across our state. All students should have access to the opportunities that schools like Allen Brook, Williston Central and CVU afford our students.
I will continue to work with the House Education Committee on bills that are based on the feedback of educational experts in Vermont, and research on best practices (many of these are also ideas being considered by the Commission on the Future of Public Education). In order to address our challenges in a
way that is realistic for our context, we are working on:
— Setting class size minimums
— Restarting our school construction aid program (there has been no state aid for almost 20 years) with highly targeted incentives for regionalization and consolidation
— Setting clear limits on how our public dollars are used in areas that do not have a public school
— Ensuring a map-based plan for reducing the number of districts in the state that accounts for our current buildings (capacity and condition) and demographic trend data
— Creating statewide cohesion around common sense issues like a uniform school calendar and statewide graduation standards
— Clarifying the role of the State Board of Education and resourcing it appropriately to do critical work on the rules that govern the quality of our system and be the public-facing part of public education
see BRADY page 7
Brady
— Continuing to push to resource the Agency of Education adequately (there are currently many vacancies and an increased reliance on consultants, many out of state); when schools cannot count on our agency for technical assistance or professional development on practices that improve learning (and could decrease our very high special education costs), they all do the work on their own, which leads to higher costs and disparate results.
I want to acknowledge that the Champlain Valley School District’s proposed budget for the coming year is exactly as the mailer was titled: “a responsible budget in challenging times.” The CVSD board has made difficult decisions that include many staff reductions in order to arrive
at the smallest-ever increase to a CVSD budget. Similar hard work is happening by boards and administrators across the state.
WHAT ABOUT THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSAL?
In the House Education Committee, where I serve as Ranking Member, we have spent much of the legislative session thus far taking extensive testimony to understand the governor’s “Transformative Education Plan.”
The plan would consolidate all schools into five districts, centralize much decision-making at the state level, expand private school choice statewide, and drastically change the funding formula, all within the next few years. The governor’s proposal currently lacks the clarity and details necessary for this magnitude of change, and no bills have been
introduced yet to make it a reality.
I am extremely concerned about the proposal for two reasons. First, it would expand school choice statewide. Public education is one of the few institutions left with an expressed purpose of serving all students. Public schools are certainly not perfect, but when students come together in the same building, in the same classrooms, on the same teams regardless of their differences, they are learning about our common humanity and engaging in a critical institution of our democracy.
Phrases like “the money would follow the student” mean that, in reality, the money only follows certain students who can access choices. A privatization agenda does not serve all students.
Second, it continues to be unclear where the financial savings in the governor’s plan for a foundation formula are derived, and
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Support conservation; vote ‘yes’ on 6
For over 30 years, I have proudly served on the Williston Conservation Commission. One of our most important responsibilities is preserving the natural resources of Williston. This can be achieved in many ways, but one of the most effective is permanently protecting valuable pieces of land and minimizing human impacts on that preserved land.
When I first joined the commission, less than 3 percent of Williston’s land was conserved.
As you might expect, land conservation is both challenging and costly. In 1990, the Town of Williston established their Environmental Reserve Fund, which provides essential funding to help permanently conserve land.
Since then, the fund has supported 17 of the 20 projects that have led to land conservation in Williston. Today, more than 16 percent of our town is conserved.
One of the fund’s greatest strengths is its ability to leverage additional resources. For every dollar from the fund that is spent, we secure between two and four
Election editorial policy
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I am increasingly concerned that Chittenden County will be disproportionately impacted. Rep. Burkhardt (Chittenden 8 District) provided an excellent overview of a foundation formula in her update in the Observer last week, and I am very grateful for her work on the Ways and Means Committee. The modeling we have seen for a new foundation formula does not account for actual teacher salaries and cost of living realities in our area. CVSD is the largest district in the state, and our district, school and class sizes are very close to the “ideal” that the governor’s plan models. Yet it is estimated there would be very substantial reductions in funding for CVSD students. I will not support reform efforts that are a race to the bottom and hollow out our
high quality public schools that are operating at scale.
Rep. Arsenault and I strive to be accessible and responsive. In the past few weeks, we have met with the selectboard, the CVSD school board, housing experts in our community, WCS and CVU students, and several constituents that were visiting the Statehouse.
We look forward to hosting a legislative update and community conversation on March 10 at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Please reach out anytime (ebrady@ leg.state.vt.us; aarsenault@leg.state. vt.us) with your questions, concerns or ideas.
Erin Brady represents Williston in the Vermont House of Representatives.
DR. MORGAN HEBERT
dollars from other conservation partners.
A prime example of this leverage is the Catamount Community Forest project, which permanently conserved approximately 400 acres while using only 20 percent of the funding from the Environmental Reserve Fund. The rest came from the U.S. Forest Service, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and private donations of money and land.
The continued funding of the Williston Environmental Reserve Fund is extremely valuable and necessary for future conservation projects in Williston.
Please vote ‘yes’ on Town Meeting ballot Article 6 to continue supporting this essential work.
Gary Hawley Williston Conservation Commission
Seeking a landing spot
If you might have land to donate for a wonderful cause, we have one.
We are the Williston Parent Group, part of the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative. We are trying to create peer residences for some of Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens: adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities who receive Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Waiver and have moderate to high support needs.
Many of our adult children have multiple challenges. Many are non-speaking or have very limited communication. Some have significant medical and/or mobility needs. Many need 24/7 care.
Currently, Vermont’s only options for housing is for them to remain at home with their parents, or to move into adult foster care (the state calls this Shared Living). This model can work for people with lesser needs but is inherently unstable,
and can be unsafe for people unable to advocate well for themselves. In addition, and adding to the urgency, many of the parents in our group are aging.
In 2022, Act 186 provided funding for three Pilot Planning Grants to begin exploring different models of housing. One in Monkton, an intentional community, has opened for its first four residents. The Champlain Housing Trust project in Burlington is still gathering funding. Our Williston young adults would like to stay in Williston, where their surroundings are very familiar to them; where they know friends, family and other community members. They would like to have a staff-supported peer residence where they could live with friends and be involved in their community.
Champlain Housing Trust is willing to help create a peer residence in Williston. However, as you know, housing is expensive. We are wondering if there is some land suitable for building that might be donated or offered at a discounted price to build a residence in Williston.
These individuals would like to be part of a neighborhood and ideally within walking distance of Taft Corners, for jobs, transportation, services etc. Of course, there are other requirements and some flexibility. We would love to talk more about any possibilities. Please contact us if you would like to discuss (email marlamcq@yahoo.com).
Thanks for your support. This is one of those efforts that takes a village.
This letter was submitted by Tim, Marla and Justin McQuiston; Patrick, Donna and Jack Savage; and Ed, Jenn and Bennett Townley for Williston families of the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative.
Supporting Sanchez for school board
As our community prepares to vote on March 4 to fill a Champlain Valley School Board seat, I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for Jean Sanchez, a candidate dedicated to educational equity and excellence.
Having observed our district’s operations for years, I’m convinced Jean offers the leadership our schools need. Jean recognizes our district’s core challenge: ensuring every student receives appropriate support, whether they struggle academically or have greater challenges to reach their potential.
What impresses me most about Jean is the commitment to closing achievement gaps, particularly for students with IEPs and 504 plans. Jean understands these students deserve the same opportunities as their peers and will advocate for resources to make this happen. Jean also recognizes that students’ needs exist across a spectrum. Some require additional support, while others face boredom and disengagement when not sufficiently challenged. Jean will push for programs tailored to meet students where they are, helping each child maximize their potential.
Perhaps most importantly, Jean brings the experience and educational knowledge necessary to ask tough questions about how our district allocates resources and implements policies. This accountability is essential for ensuring CVSD effectively serves every student in our community.
If you believe, as I do, that every student deserves a champion on the school board, I urge you to vote for Jean Sanchez on March 4. Our children’s futures depend on leadership that prioritizes educational equity and excellence for all. Courtney Power-Freeman Williston
LOCAL SHOP
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1792, President George Washington signed into law the Postal Service Act, establishing the U.S. Post Office Department.
• In 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, making three orbits aboard Project Mercury’s Friendship 7 spacecraft.
• In 1986, the Soviet Union launched the core module of the Mir space station.
• In 2003, a pyrotechnics display during a Great White concert set fire to the Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people.
TODAY’S FACT:
• More NASA astronauts (30 people, as of 2025) have come from California than from any other state.
The Wolverine State
Michigan, in the upper Midwest, is the 10th-largest state by population, with more than 10 million people. Michigan became our 26th state in 1837.
Interestingly, Michigan is divided into two peninsulas that are separated by a 5-mile-long channel between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. The Mackinac (MACKuh-naw) Bridge connects the upper and lower peninsulas. (A peninsula is a piece of land that juts out into a body of water.)
The state is bordered by four out of the five Great Lakes.
Michigan history
Native Americans lived in the area for more than 11,000 years. The first European to come to the area was probably the French explorer Étienne Brûlé.
The British gained the area after the French and Indian War in 1763. The U.S. gained it after the Revolutionary War. Michigan was important because of trading and moving goods through the Great Lakes.
In the early 20th century, Henry Ford and other businessmen made Detroit the center of automobile manufacturing. During this time, many immigrants arrived from other countries to work in the car factories. The city became known as Motown, or Motor City.
Grand Rapids also became an important
Mini Fact: The state animal of Michigan is the wolverine.
manufacturing city, where furniture and other goods are made.
Living in Michigan
Although Lansing is the state capital, Detroit is the largest city, with around 4 million people in the metro area.
Besides building cars, people in the state also work in food processing, aerospace and mining. Farmers grow blueberries, cherries, apples and grapes, along with corn, beets and soybeans.
Michigan is the third-largest grower of Christmas trees and is home to the Domino’s and Little Caesars pizza chains.
Natural Michigan
The Upper Peninsula includes forested areas and mountains, especially in the west. Lakes and islands can be found throughout the state. Temperatures in the northern part of Michigan can be very cold in the winters, and this region receives 160 inches of snowfall each year on average.
For the sports fan
Detroit offers four major-league sports teams: the Lions (NFL), Tigers (MLB), Red Wings (NHL) and Pistons (NBA). NASCAR and Formula One races also attract fans.
Words that remind us of Michigan are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Next Week: National Grammar Day
Famous Michiganders
• Gerald R. Ford served as president of the United States from 1974 to 1977. He had been vice president under President Richard Nixon.
Ford was a star football player in high school and college. He graduated from the University of Michigan and practiced law in Grand Rapids until entering the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he was elected as a U.S. congressman from Michigan 13 times.
• Serena Williams, winner of tennis’s Grand Slam title 23 times, was born in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1981. She and her older sister, Venus, were coached by their parents and won 14 major women’s doubles titles together. Serena also won four Olympic gold medals.
Today she runs the Serena Williams Foundation, which has built schools and provided scholarships for students. She has also appeared in films and TV shows.
“The Legend of Michigan” by Trinka Hakes Noble
“Building the Bridge School” by Laura A. Stewart
Mini Jokes
Mary: How far is it from one tree to another in
Founded by Betty Debnam
photo by William F. Wood
photo by Joe Ross
photo by Edwin Martinez
A General Motors plant near Lansing.
Gerald Ford
Serena Williams
countries to work in the car factories. The city became known as Motown, or Motor City. Grand Rapids also became an important
Try ’n’ Find
teams: the Lions (NFL), Tigers (MLB), Red Wings (NHL) and Pistons (NBA). NASCAR and Formula One races also attract fans.
Words that remind us of Michigan are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
• 1 package (13-ounce) or 2 packages (7 ounces each) blueberry muffin mix • 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries
What to do:
• “The Legend of Michigan” by Trinka Hakes Noble
• “Building the Bridge School” by Laura A. Stewart
Mini Jokes
Mary: How far is it from one tree to another in a thick forest? Martin: Just a hop, skip and a stump!
Eco Note
1. Prepare muffin mix according to directions on the package. Add 3 tablespoons juice from cherries and mix well.
2. Line a 2-quart baking dish with waxed paper. Pour mixture into baking dish.
3. Cook in a microwave oven on medium for 7 minutes. Rotate dish and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Cut cherries in half.
5. Turn cake over on a plate and decorate top with cherries. Serve warm or cool. Makes 9 servings.
7 Little Words for Kids
Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
1. group of trees (5)
2. one of a kind (7)
3. doing dishes, for example (5)
4. soft place to sit (5)
5. person who helps the sick (6)
6. walk behind (6)
7. tablet (4)
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
grove, special, chore, couch, doctor, follow, iPad.
An invasive insect, dubbed the “murder hornet” because of its powerful sting and ability to destroy a honeybee hive in as little as 90 minutes, has been wiped out in the Pacific Northwest. The northern giant hornet was first spotted in Washington state near the Canadian border five years ago and may have arrived from China in plant pots or shipping containers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Washington state counterpart say there have been no detections of the world’s largest hornet since 2021.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles about the automotive industry.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
by Dan Thompson
Recreation & Parks WILLISTON
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE
The Spring/Summer Program Guide was mailed to Williston Homes this week. Registration is now open for all Spring/ Summer Programs. Be sure to register early to secure a spot before they fill.
SUMMER CAMPS
Registration for summer camps is now open for Williston residents. Non-resident registration begins Feb. 24. New camps include Ninja Science and Girls Ninja Science. Camps that have filled but are taking waiting list registrations are Baking Fun, Advanced Baking, Advanced Culinary, All About Clay, Woodworking and Tech, Horse Camp (session 1), Kids Kitchen (sessions 1 and 2), Tennis, ages 9-12 (sessions 1 and 2), Farm to Table, Slimescapades, Safe Sitter, Fun w/Food and OUR Camps (sessions 1 and 6). Register online at www.willistonrec.org.
SENIOR COMMUNITY MEALS
Ages 60-plus. The Rec Department and Age Well will combine to host free meals from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesdays. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Registration for each meal closes one week before the scheduled date.
Following the meal, a program tailored to seniors will be offered from 1-2 p.m. The meal menu and program listings will be posted at www.willistonrec.org. To register, call (802) 876-1160 or email recreation@willistonvt.org.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
CIRCULAR WEAVING INTRO
Ages 13-plus. Come learn this fun, inexpensive and relaxing way to weave. This program will introduce weavers to the circular loom. Participants will either make a bowl or a flat piece and will be shown a variety of techniques to create different effects.
Participants will be provided yarn and a loom to keep. Instructor: Bradie Hansen TABLE TENNIS
Ages 12-plus. This pickup program meets on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m., October through May. Those between the ages of 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Preregister at www.willistonrec.org.
ADULT PROGRAMS
ZUMBA GOLD
Ages 18-plus. Zumba Gold is a modified version of Zumba that is geared toward active older adults seeking lower-impact workouts. The class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Classes start March 6 on Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., $10 per class at the R.E.C. Zone- 94 Harvest Lane Instructor: Ciara Gregory
ACCESSIBLE YOGA
Ages 18-plus, geared toward folks ages 50-plus. Vinyasa Yoga Flow. Each class begins with a brief meditation and then moves into an easy practice that can be done on a yoga mat, in a chair or both. Instructor: Robin Zabiegalski. Mondays, 1-2 p.m., $5 per class at the REC Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
YOGA FLOW
Age 18-plus. Each class will start with a brief mindfulness meditation, then move into an easy Vinyasa Flow practice. You will practice a flow of yoga shapes both on the ground and standing, then you will settle on some longer stretches. Instructor: Robin Zabiegalski. Fridays, 6-7 p.m., $10 per class at the REC Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
SELF-DEFENSE KICKBOXING INTRO
Ages 18-plus. This class mixes training techniques from multiple martial arts, including Filipino stick fighting, kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu, to create a fun, non-competitive
environment where participants can learn practical self-defense skills. Perfect for both beginners and those with a prior martial arts background. Instructors: ONTA Studio staff
JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT PROGRAMS
Ages 16-plus. This program is geared to 50-plus but is open to all ages. Instructors will show you how to take it high or low. Cardio Sculpt Low/Low, Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:309:30 a.m. and Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cardio Sculpt Low/High, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m. and Sundays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Instructor: Kit Sayers. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
BONE BUILDERS
Ages 50-plus. A program of the United Way of Northwest Vermont. This free, low-impact weight training program is designed to prevent and reverse osteoporosis in older adults. Classes are held twice per week. Instructors: Ann Naumann and Joyce Oughstun. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. at the REC Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
TAI CHI INTRODUCTION
Ages 50-plus. The ancient art of Tai Chi improves balance, increases mindfulness and relaxes the mind and body. This class will present sequences of movements derived from the Sun style, which is slow, smooth and upright in posture. Instructor: Adina Panitch. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
SENIOR STRENGTH & FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY
Ages 50-plus. This program will concentrate on developing upper and lower body
strength, improving balance and strengthening your core. In this dementia-friendly class, participants are encouraged to work within their abilities. Instructor: Jazmine Averbuck. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAMS
NINJA SCIENCE FEBRUARY CAMP
Ages 5-13. This camp combines all the martial arts, tumbling and parkour that kids love with environmental science education. We’ll be doing lots of technique-oriented karate and martial arts games and talking about space and animal tracking. We help girls and boys realize their full potential in an environment that is playful, supportive and fun. Instructors: ONTA Studio staff
YOUTH LACROSSE LEAGUES
Grades 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8. Registration is now open for lacrosse, a fast-paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer coaches are needed. Sign up to coach when you register your child. Early bird deadline is March 9.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION
Ages 15-17. Attendance in all scheduled class sessions is required for successful course completion. Do not register if there are dates you cannot attend. Behind-thewheel lessons will be scheduled individually. Must have a valid Vermont learner’s permit. Instructor: Epic Driving LLC. Summer sessions also available.
Jan. 19 at 11:10 a.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with female who had fallen.
Jan. 19 at 6:27 p.m. — Report of a male sleeping in a car in the Hannaford parking lot. Male was moved along.
Jan. 20 at 11:33 a.m. — Report of trailers that had been broken into on Commerce Street. Tools were taken out of the trailers.
Jan. 20 at 9:59 p.m. — Male came into the police department lobby stating he was cold and had an active arrest warrant. Male was evaluated by rescue for cold exposure and then transported to the correctional facility.
Jan. 21 at 5:36 p.m. — Report of a suicidal male on Cornerstone Drive. Male was brought to the hospital for evaluation.
Jan. 21 at 6:47 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male suspect was gone before officer’s arrival.
Jan. 21 at 9:37 p.m. — Suspicious vehicle reported on Day Lane. Vehicle was broken down.
Jan. 22 at 10:54 a.m. — Female advised that she had a check stolen out of her mailbox that was cashed by an unknown individual. Case is still under investigation.
Jan. 22 at 8:53 p.m. — Report of a suspicious vehicle at Chili’s. Vehicle was gone before officer’s arrival.
Jan. 23 at 7:29 a.m. — Report of a male sleeping in the vestibule at East Rise Credit Union. Male was moved along.
Jan. 23 at 8:35 a.m. — Units took part in procession for
fallen border patrol agent.
Jan. 23 at 9:21 a.m. — Vehicles gone through on Hideaway Lane and Foxwood Circle. Reports that vehicle registration and insurance information was taken.
Jan. 23 at 12:54 p.m. — Retail theft reported at REI. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
Jan. 23 at 11:53 p.m. — Male sleeping in the vestibule at East Rise Credit Union. Male was moved along.
Jan. 24 at 8:07 a.m. — Male sleeping in the vestibule at M&T Bank. Male was moved along.
Jan. 24 at 11:41 a.m. — Vehicle gone through on Hillside Drive. Vehicle registration and insurance information was taken.
Jan. 24 at 7:08 p.m. — Report of a suspicious female in Best Buy. Female had dementia and had wandered from home.
Jan. 24 at 9:02 p.m. — Stolen vehicle reported on Echo Place. Car was located a couple hours later in Shelburne. Car was returned to owner.
Jan. 25 at 12:21 a.m. — Male sleeping in the vestibule at M&T Bank. Male was moved along.
Jan. 25 at 11:14 p.m. — Male sleeping in the vestibule at M&T Bank again. Male was moved along.
Police also responded to six alarm activations and four motor vehicle crashes, and conducted 41 traffic stops during this time frame.
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My earned income stopped when I retired last March, so I’m wondering if I need to file a tax return this year.
Retired in 2024
Dear Retired,
Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year will depend on how much you earned last year, as well as the source of the income, your age and filing status.
For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2024 gross income — which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits unless you are married and filing separately — was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you probably won’t have to file. But if it’s over, you will. Here are the thresholds:
Single: $14,600 ($16,550 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2024).
Married filing jointly: $29,200 ($30,750 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $32,300 if you’re both over 65).
Head of household: $21,900 ($23,850 if 65 or older).
Qualifying surviving spouse: $29,200 ($30,750 if 65 or older).
To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2024,” or you can see it online at IRS. gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf.
CHECK HERE TOO
Be aware that there are other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even
SAVVY SENIOR
How much do you have to make to file taxes in 2025?
if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2024, owe any taxes on an IRA, health savings account or an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you’ll need to file.
You’ll also need to file if you’re receiving Social Security benefits, and one-half of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you’re married and filing jointly.
To figure all this out, the IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file because you’re due a refund. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA — click on “Filing Requirements-Do I need to file a tax return?” Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.
CHECK YOUR STATE
Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also
excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies, see Taxadmin.org/ fta-members.
TAX PREPARATION HELP
If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can Free File at IRS.gov/FreeFile, which is a partnership program between the IRS and tax software companies. Your 2024 adjusted gross income must be below $84,000 to qualify. Or, if you have a simple tax situation and your income is below $200,000, or $250,000 if you’re married and filing jointly, you can now file your taxes for free through the new IRS Direct File program in 24 states at DirectFile.IRS.gov.
If you need some help, contact the IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, which provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury. gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you.
You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
service at AARP.org/findtaxhelp or call 888-227-7669.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room
(Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656
DP 25-07 White Cap Ventures requests pre-application review of a proposed 30,075 SF building and 162 space parking lot on Parcels 3 and 4 totaling 4 acres at the end of Winter Sport Ln in the Industrial West Zoning District (IZDW). DP 24-06 Rivers Edge Development c/o O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates requests discretionary permit review of a 107-unit residential subdivision in accordance with SP 23- 01 Glaser Specific Plan on a ±94.66-acre undeveloped parcel at the southwest corner of Mountain View Rd and Old Stage Rd with ±48.42 acres of protected open space offered for Town ownership in the Residential Zoning District (RZD). Continued from January 14, 2025.
Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org
2025 TOWN MEETING DAY PREVIEW
FY 2026 Budget Proposal: Investing in Williston’s Future
The Town Budget is the spending and funding plan to provide Williston’s municipal services.
Williston’s proposed town budget for FY 2026 is $15.94 million—just under a 6% increase from 2025. The municipal budget directly supports core services that make Williston a great place to live: from roads and public safety to parks and recreation.
The budget includes investments to our police department, full-time career firefighters/EMT’s, our road crew, paving improvement projects, our library, regional services including transportation and more.
Additional Budget Details
Service investments reflect our commitment to public safety: a new patrol officer to ensure timely and reliable responses to residents’ needs, a social worker to address community wellbeing and provide essential support services following national models, and ongoing funding for our full-time fire department to respond to an increasing number of fire and EMS calls.
