By Jennifer Dawson

Following a spate of town meetings across Vermont, town budgets have now been approved to fund essential services for the year ahead. 

On the lower end of the scale, Andover’s budget is a relatively small $1.24 million, while South Burlington’s comes in at a much larger $55.8 million. But, these figures are, of course, proportional to the size and needs of each town. 

Now with the budgets set, you may be left wondering where exactly your tax dollars go. That’s a great question. One major area is the procurement of government contracts necessary to maintain and strengthen basic community services, and improve overall quality of life for Vermont residents. From public works in Springfield to IT infrastructure in Putney, local contract dollars in small towns are being put to good use. 

Funding Springfield’s public works improvements 

The recent Springfield Town Meeting, held on March 3, saw a new town budget of $15,872,049 up for approval. It passed the next day, with 810 voters in favor, and 503 against. 

At the meeting, it was noted that public works take the biggest chunk of the annual Springfield town budget, 27% in total. Public works basically covers essential infrastructure maintenance and new construction projects. This spending makes sense when you consider the challenges posed by the town’s aging infrastructure. 

For example, last year, over six miles of road was successfully paved and repaired through contracted services. Work was carried out in the Overlook neighborhood, as well as on Pleasant Valley Road, Brockway Mills Road, Eureka Road, and Spencer Hollow Road.  

Time for a new culvert: contracts for safer roads 

Another great example of where Springfield contract dollars go is the now-closed contract bid to replace a culvert on Randall Hill Road. Contractors had until March 4th to submit their bids to the Town Manager. Once the job is done, the existing road will also be repaved with base pavement. The estimated cost for this project is $210,000, according to engineer consultants, and is scheduled to happen between June 15th to August 1st, 2025. 

In most cases, bidders will have to wait around 20-30 days to hear whether they’ve been successful. Needless to say, government contracts are extremely competitive, with large contractors winning around 20% of the bids they submit. Despite this, the work is vital. Culverts, in particular, create safer roads as they help drain away water, so it doesn’t pool and flood. Springfield residents can, therefore, rest assured their tax dollars are well-spent.

Putney approves zero-tax increase town budget 

Over in Putney, a small town in Windham County, around 200 local voters recently approved a new town budget. This includes a general budget of $1.8 million, and a $1.3 million highway fund. What’s notable about this town budget is that it won’t increase taxes, something voters were unanimously in favor of as they’ve been hit with a 105% increase in property tax bills over the last five years. 

Of the many things Putney residents’ tax dollars are spent on, a recent notable example is the town’s investment in IT services. Last year, the Town of Putney invited IT providers and consultants to bid on a managed IT services contract. Specifically, a qualified contractor was needed to maintain and improve the town’s Windows-based computer network. 

When government workers have access to fast internet and efficient troubleshooting and repair services, they can deliver better services and information to residents. However, many local governments are currently stuck with outdated systems that are slow and difficult to use. In Putney, a modern and robust network infrastructure would make a big difference to how the local government operates and serves constituents. The contract is slated to run for one year, with the potential to extend it annually for up to three years if the partnership proves successful.

A large chunk of Vermont town budgets go towards government contracts. While these contracts can vary wildly in nature, they’re all ultimately designed to help keep communities safe, healthy, and liveable. From public works in Springfield to IT services in Putney, local contract dollars are making a real difference to the quality of life in small towns.