Brattleboro Calls for Contributions from Tax-Exempt Property Owners

During a recent Select Board meeting, members voted 3-2 to pursue this initiative for a second consecutive year.

The town is once again reaching out to property owners who are exempt from taxes, seeking voluntary donations to help support local services. During a recent Select Board meeting, members voted 3-2 to pursue this initiative for a second consecutive year following difficulties in balancing the town budget and a growing need for additional revenue.

The recommendation comes amid discussions regarding the fiscal year 2026 budget, where town officials noted the Select Board's interest in soliciting contributions from entities enjoying tax exemptions. In the previous year, the board had previously decided to send letters to these property owners, suggesting a specific donation amount based on their assessed tax values.

According to town documentation, three tax-exempt entities made financial contributions during the current fiscal year out of a total of 37 identified property owners in Brattleboro. The town is now asking these organizations to provide approximately 48 percent of the municipal taxes they would pay if they did not hold tax-exempt status.

In correspondence to tax-exempt property owners, the Select Board emphasizes the collective advantages derived from town services, such as solid waste and recycling programs, emergency response services like ambulance and police, and road upkeep. The message reassures recipients that these essential services will still be available, regardless of their ability to contribute.

The letter is intended to give property owners ample time to consider potential contributions, whether as a one-time donation or on a quarterly basis, while clarifying that participation is entirely voluntary and that there is no expectation of financial involvement.

Opposition arose during the board’s decision, with members Isaac Evans-Frantz and Nell Mayo voting against the motion. Concerns were raised regarding feedback from several nonprofits that felt their contributions outweighed their service usage. Evans-Frantz pointed out that the minimal revenue generated from this initiative did not justify the effort involved in requesting donations.

In contrast, Board Vice Chairwoman Amanda Ellis-Thurber expressed the importance of maintaining consistency from the previous year. Board Chairman Oscar Heller conveyed mixed feelings about the effort but recognized its potential for continuation. Former board member Dick DeGray suggested that rather than approaching entities like Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for contributions, the town should explore more creative fundraising approaches to support essential community resources.

The collaborative effort in drafting the outreach letter, undertaken by Heller and fellow board member Peter Fish Case, highlights the need for innovative solutions in light of diminished state and federal funding streams supporting local nonprofits.