OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES–DRAFT
September 1, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson & Randy Pike. Rhonda Ashcraft and Lori Marchegiani were absent. Members of the public present were Craig Stone, Stephanie Pike, Michael Miller, Patty Dow, Emily Dow, Jon Hurdle (Deerfield Valley News), Bonnie Batchelder (Auditor), Stephan Chait, Kyle Farnsworth, and Tom Fox.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Addition to old Business: Septic testing. Also under correspondence, Fire Chief on Police Response.
NEW BUSINESS
FY2025 Audit Results
Bonnie Batchelder, whose firm had been engaged to do the FY25 audit, was present to answer questions. Edwards noted the audit report, which is posted on town website, is lengthy. Edwards ask Batchelder to start with a high-level understanding of why we do the audit, and what the public should understand about it.
Batchelder stated that a normal financial ‘s purpose is to ensure the financial records are fairly stated and materially within what the limits of what the town is budgeting and expected. Internal control is tested, risks are noted, and significant areas are assessed. For expenditures, that includes how we process our payment orders and payroll. For revenues, tax income and grant income are reviewed. They disclose items they recommend we could strengthen for financial tracking. In FY2022, Batchelder Associates recommended we go to NEMRC, and we did. The FY26 audit will start 100% in NEMRC with the reconciled balance. We will now have a historical record of fund balances, as well as an understanding of how money was received and spent against budget.
Batchelder answered other questions including:
- Debt burden, p 9
- Halifax is not carrying too much debt
- Tracking and closing out funds for the Celebration Committee to disband it
- A town meeting article could designate funds being returned to the General Fund versus those monies raised beyond the original outlay which could be used to seed future celebrations by a non-town managed group
- For comparison against historic Town Reports and budgeting, what information is relevant, since we voted to end the elected auditor role?
- Pages 12-13 of the audit report show the governmental view. (Avoid pages 10-11, which are set up as if we were for-profit business).
Batchelder acknowledged the many hours put in by Patty Dow and Karen Christofferson to supply the information for the audit, and said we were a good place with positive fund balances and a more appropriate accounting system which should ease future audits.
Christofferson made a motion to authorize herself, Patty Dow, and Edee Edwards to sign paperwork for the engagement of Batchelder Associates. Pike seconded. Discussion noted that we had done similar at the last meeting. Motion carried 3-0.
Bottom line is Batchelder has no major concerns.
(Later in the meeting, Christofferson addressed a point about coding our orders for Edwards.)
Highway (and Bridge) Updates
Christofferson covered a variety of updates:
- The bridge at Rte 112 and Branch work will take about 1 week more. They are pouring concrete. A close out meeting will be scheduled with Christofferson.
- The Town garage’s internet and phone service has been switched to DVFiber. There were some hiccups, but assistance from DVFiber and GMP has meant the hookup is done, it is functioning now, and we may be getting some complementary services for a period of time. The expected fees will run about $95/month for these services.
- We are on a future list to get assistance from UVM to study a bridge. We need to determine which one, and understand how much we can rely upon student work to save costs on a future engineering study.
Secretary computer issues
The secretary laptop (two years old) stopped functioning; Paul Blais assessed the laptop and confirmed it’s dead but is unsure of the source. Christofferson will work with Blais on getting a new laptop.
Edwards made a motion to authorize a board member to spend up to $1500 to replace the secretary laptop. Pike seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Regional Cooperation on Highway Crew Recruitment, Training, and Retention
The Board reviewed regional efforts to address highway crew recruitment, training, and retention, with the idea of building a regional program to assist with a difficult labor market. Halifax will continue participating in the multi‑town initiative, which was convened by Guilford with support from the Windham Regional Commission and BDCC/SVED.
As a follow on, for our local interest in current year wage increases, the board agreed to proceed with this year’s compensation review using the 2025 information rather than waiting for the October VLCT salary survey for 2026.
The Board approved moving forward with retention efforts, including Pike and Edwardsscheduling a meeting with the highway crew in mid‑September to gather input on workplace needs and safety.
VLCT Annual Meeting voting delegate
The Board needs to designate a VLCT Annual Meeting voting delegate for October 6, which conflicts with the Selectboard’s regular meeting. Edwards noted that Halifax should participate in the vote to ensure the town’s priorities are represented in VLCT’s municipal policy platform. Edwards will be traveling October 6th. A decision was deferred until the next meeting.
Grader Refurbishment update
Pike said the grader refurbishment at Milton CAT is nearly complete and the machine expected back by Friday or possibly earlier. Arrangements are underway with Scotty’s Trucking to transport the grader back to town once Milton CAT confirms the pickup date.
Pike noted that the grader’s return is critical for the Stage Road paving grant, as grinding and grading must occur promptly to maintain the September project schedule and secure grant funding. Once the grader is back, the first priority will be grading the Stage Road project area, followed by scheduling work on several town roads needing attention due to washboarding.
Pike estimated that the refurbishment project will save the town approximately $315,000, and Milton CAT has praised the town’s maintenance of the machine. The grader will return with an estimated five‑year warranty.
Town Plan draft & Public Hearing
The draft Town Plan has been released and will be made fully accessible on the town website once formatting issues are corrected. The public hearing will be held October 13 at 7:00 PM in the Town Office. The Board agreed to expand public notice through the website, Front Porch Forum, MailChimp, and physical postings.
The Board completed required paperwork for the Municipal Planning Grant to update zoning regulations. Board members signed the Good Standing Certification and formally adopted the grant resolution.
Edwards made a motion to formally state that the resolution is hereby passed. Pike seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
The Planning Commission will sign next, as required. The grant request will be submitted before the December 2 deadline, with an anticipated award range of $10,000–$15,000 and a 10% town match of $1,000–$1,500.
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
The Board agreed to proceed with the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. An initial meeting has been completed, and a two‑hour onsite assessment will be scheduled for September 28–30. The Board authorized moving forward with the visit and coordinating attendance from relevant staff. The assessment will produce a cybersecurity report and recommended next steps, with potential grant funding available for implementation.
Septic Testing
Edwards noted additional delays in the repair of a septic system the Town Health Officer has been pushing forward. With the new date, Edwards may not be able to be assist the THO. Other board members offered to help cover that assistance, which will span 3 days.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Craig Stone noted that an industry publication stated country-wide, we are short 170,000 commercial drivers. The regional working group will have its work cut out for it. He also expressed concern about people moving from town-to-town after training.
CORRESPONDENCE (10 minutes)
Windham Regional Commission updated us that they must do an additional Public Hearing due to a technical issue, for the Regional Plan. This will be on September 21 at 6 PM. Edwards has posted information about this in paper around town.
A Rescue Inc Member Town Consortium Meeting is being held on Sept 29 at 6:30 PM in Brattleboro. We do not have a delegate at present. They serve the Thomas Hill area of Halifax only.
A Whitingham plow situation previously discussed was resolved by them. We do not need to meet with them.
Edwards brought up a situation on Whitneyville Road where building was occurring without permits. This did not make it in time to get on our agenda this time, but it needs to be on a future agenda. In 2022, the Selectboard did not require a ROW permit or suggest a road upgrade when asked, but it appears that this might have been misconstrued that no other permits were needed. Other building permit matters are being handled by the Zoning Administrator, and by the PC/ZBA at their next meeting. The current Selectboard concurred that we would want to see a Right of Way permit application and assess current road conditions, as has been our practice knowing these ROW permit discussions may help assess public safety access or address concerns by other neighbors or users of the road.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
Pike made a motion to accept the minutes of the August 18, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting as amended. Edwards seconded. The motion carried 3-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
Selectboard order #5 was reviewed and signed for the total amount of $27,996.07.
ADJOURNMENT
Christofferson made a motion to adjourn at 8:13 pm. Edwards seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
