Dear TRSU Community,
​
We would like to provide some insight into the main factors driving this year’s property taxes – especially for Chester, which felt the greatest impact.  We have set aside time for a community meeting this coming Wednesday for this purpose – the logistics are at the end of this message.

It’s important to understand that, in Vermont, every taxpayer contributes to the overall cost of all school districts across the state—not just their own local district.  As a result, the amount spent on education locally has only a small effect on your individual property tax bill.  Even if the TRSU were to significantly reduce its own costs, your property tax rate could still increase depending on the decisions and spending patterns of other districts throughout Vermont.  This statewide system means local efforts alone have limited impact on your final tax rate.

The key factor affecting your property tax rate this past year was the Common Level of Appraisal (CLA), which is updated annually by the state. The CLA represents how closely your town’s assessed property values match actual market values.  For example, if the CLA in Chester is 78%, it means properties are assessed at only 78% of their true market value.

Since Vermont bases education taxes on market value, any gap between these values is adjusted through the CLA.  When the CLA drops, as happened for Chester last year, it signals that assessed values have fallen even further behind the real market, resulting in a higher tax rate to make up the difference – the state wants you to pay taxes on that extra market value after all.  This shift is one of the main reasons for the recent tax increase in Chester.

The state introduced a new statewide adjustment (SA) this past year, which helped smooth out some of the sharp swings in tax rates caused by fluctuating CLA values.  However, this adjustment also makes it more difficult to pinpoint exactly how much of this year’s tax change is due to increases in statewide education spending versus changes in the local CLA.

Assuming my aging math skills haven’t completely failed me; in Chester’s case, about 60% of your tax increase was due to the CLA change.  The other 40% was due to education costs statewide – remember we all pay for each other’s schools, so our taxes are much more dependent on what other districts are doing than what we do ourselves.  This is why reducing taxes locally is so difficult; it must be a statewide effort for any meaningful change to occur.

There will be a presentation and discussion on local property taxes this Wednesday (August 6th) in the Green Mountain High School media center at 6:00 p.m. for those who are interested.  There will also be Zoom access at this login: https://trsu.zoom.us/j/84032293083 .
​
Additionally, we will dedicate time for anyone interested to discuss the significant property tax hike from two years ago.  It is crucial to recognize that this increase stemmed from a legislative change—one that was made with good intentions, yet whose impact was not fully anticipated.  Gaining a clear understanding of both the immediate and underlying factors behind these recent property tax changes offers valuable context as our community prepares for the upcoming budget season this fall.

Most Sincerely,
Layne

The Chester Ambulance Service has identified the need for a Paramedic Ambulance Service to operate in Chester and Andover and is applying for a licensure by the Vermont Department of Health. This service proposes to begin operation on (September 1st, 2025) within the geographic boundaries of Chester/Andover area. In accordance with 24 V.S.A. Emergency Medical Services Statute, public comments are invited to be received by the department by (August 15, 2025).  
 
Address comments to:  
Chief Scott Richardson
Chester Fire Department
PO Box 370
Chester, VT   05143-0370               
       Or:
Vermont Department of Health Office of Public  
Health Preparedness and EMS  
PO Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402-0070 

The Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District’s household hazardous waste depot (HHW Depot) in Springfield, is open through September, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, by appointment.
​
Make an appointment by going online to the calendar at www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org or by calling 802-674-9235. There is a fee of $10 per vehicle for up to ten gallons of HHW. Cash or check – no credit or debit cards. Bring in as much paint as you want – there is no charge for that since people who buy paint in Vermont pay a fee on each can which helps to pay for its recycling or proper disposal. There is a list online of what we take. We can also send you one. Just call and ask.

You won’t wait in line. We will remove the material from your car or truck, accept your money, and you can get on with your day. We hope to see you soon.

Whiting Library is among over 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy using Digitallearn.org resources, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive and the new PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive support public libraries in their work of improving basic digital skills among families and communities. The workshops will utilize DigitalLearn training materials, created in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady. 

PLA President Michael Lambert said, “PLA is proud to support public libraries in being at the forefront of boosting digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide in their communities. With another year of PLA’s sustained collaboration with AT&T, more learners across the nation than ever before will get connected to vital digital literacy skills and technology resources at the library.”

PLA’s free training site, Digitallearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology.  Whiting Library’s efforts will focus on targeted outreach and training for senior citizens but anyone is encouraged to attend one of our workshops or to call the library for assistance.  Workshops will be held at Whiting Library on Fridays at 1 p.m. Whiting Library is located at 117 Main Street, Chester, Vt. Workshop topics include:
Using a PC, Friday April 4 at 1 p.m.
Internet Basics, Friday, April 11 at 1 p.m. 
Email Basics, Friday, Aptil 18 at 1 p.m.
Cybersecurity Basics, Friday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
Videoconfereing Basics, Friday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
Android Mobile Devices Basics, Friday, May 9 at 1 p.m.
iOS Mobile Devices Basics, Friday, May 23 at 1 p.m.

Please contact the library to reserve a spot at one of these workshops. More details contact Whiting Library at 802-875-2277 or visit WhitingLibrary.org.

About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or [email protected].

Whiting Library announces a series of events featuring the book “Gather” by Vermont author Kenneth Cadow. “Gather” is this year's Vermont Reads book, a statewide, one-book community reading program sponsored by Vermont Humanities.

Free copies of the book are available while supplies last at Whiting Library, 117 Main Street. A book discussion facilitated by Eric Bye from Vermont Humanities will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at the library to provide readers with an opportunity to share insights and connect with others.
Gather explores themes of community, resources, resilience, and a special dog, making it an ideal selection for meaningful discussions for adults and young adults. When readers finish the book, they're encouraged to pass it on to someone else or bring it back to the library so that it can continue to be shared.

Other scheduled events include:
The Power of Landscape on Thursday, April 17at 6 p.m. New York Times Bestselling author M. T. Anderson considers the politics of beautiful scenery and the hidden national longings behind our sense of landscape. He'll look at the history of our attitudes toward landscape, traditional New England landscape painting, and the work of some contemporary Vermont artists to discuss how different societies have found the sublime in their surroundings—and what that might mean for us in the future.

Just Getting By Film Community Meal and Screening Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at the Chester Town Hall. “Just Getting By” is Bess O'Brien's new documentary film, is a sweeping yet intimate look at the lives of Vermonters struggling with food and housing insecurity. The film tells the stories of working families, the unhoused who access food shelves and soup kitchens, people living in the temporary hotel/motel program, New Americans grappling with the cost of living in America, Native people creating innovative farming practices, and folks on the ground providing services to their fellow Vermonters in need. The film will screen at 7 p.m and at 6 p.m. there will be a free community meal.

Gather: Are We Keeping Our Promises on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. with Stephanie Yu, Executive Director of Public Assets Institute. Explore why and how our state policies are failing families like Ian’s—the main character of the novel—and what tools the state has to keep these promises more effectively.
"This program series and community read is a wonderful opportunity for readers and everyone to come together, reflect on important and relevant themes, and gain new perspectives on life in Vermont." said Library Director Gail Zachariah

For more information about these events book availability, or other library programs, visit WhitingLibrary.org, call 802-875-2277, or stop by the library at 117 Main Street in Chester, Vt.

Okemo Valley, VT: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the dates for the fifth annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival! This two-day event is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24 from 11am - 5pm in Ludlow, Vermont. Now designated as a Vermont Signature Event, this year marks a special milestone of five years! The event will take place at Okemo Field (Bixby Field) on Route 103, the use of which is generously donated again by Lead Sponsor Okemo Mountain/Vail Resorts. 

This festival is a wonderful opportunity for locals, new residents, second homeowners, and visitors to enjoy specialty foods; wine, spirits & brew tastings; artisan products; fine art; great live music; ag demos; children’s activities; and more. New this year, there will also be additional entertainment and special performances to celebrate the five-year milestone. Best of Vermont Summer Festival will be marketed throughout the Okemo Valley region, the state of Vermont, New England and the Northeast.

A special thank you to Mary W. Davis Realtor & Associates for returning as the presenting sponsor again this year. This festival is more than just an event – it’s a vibrant celebration of summer, creativity, collaboration, and the powerful spirit of connection.  

The chamber’s festival committee is seeking additional sponsors, vendors, and volunteers for this special 5th year festival celebration. Sponsor and vendor forms are now available on the festival website page. 

To learn more, go to:
• Sponsoring: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/sponsorships
• Vending: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/vendors

Discounts will be given to Okemo Valley Chamber Members and returning vendors will also be given preferential locations. 
​
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven association and the voice of 300+ businesses and the communities of 12 Towns & Villages in South Central Vermont along the VT Scenic Route 100 Byway surrounded by Okemo, Ascutney & Magic Mountains.  OVRCC provides advocacy, support, and unified regional marketing to promote and enhance businesses in the region as well as the four-season economy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Carol Lighthall, Executive Director, Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
[email protected] 802-228-5830

The Town of Chester is studying housing development potential at the 139-acre Town-owned property south of GMUHS to serve the local workforce and community members. 

Open House
The Town will be hosting a public open house on Tuesday, March 18th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Chester Town Hall (upstairs) to discuss housing development at this property. The community is welcome to drop in anytime between 4 and 7 to participate in this open house; there will be no formal presentation. Attendees can expect to spend 15 - 20 minutes learning about the project and answering interactive questions to share your thoughts on the need for housing in Chester and the type of development you’d like to see on this property. Snacks will be provided, and attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a local gift card.

Why Housing?
As with many Vermont towns, Chester is currently experiencing a shortage of housing affordable for the local workforce and community members. 

In 2023, the median income of Chester households was $67,031. For housing to be affordable, all housing costs (including maintenance and utilities) must equal 30% of a household's income or less, meaning that the median Chester household should pay no more than $1,675 each month for housing. This is equivalent to purchasing a home of approximately $237,000. Average home values (according to Zillow ZHVI) have increased from $242,460 in 2020 to $347,891 in 2024, a 44% increase in four years. Furthermore, the Mount Ascutney Region needs to develop between 1,207 and 1,781 new housing units by 2030 and between 3,750 and 7,391 by 2050, according to the 2025 Vermont Housing Needs Assessment. 
The Town has recognized the need for more housing to serve the community and is analyzing several Town-owned properties to understand if they are suitable for affordable housing development.

About the Project
The Town has hired Vermont-based planning and design team SE Group to conduct this project, which includes a site feasibility analysis, a market study, and community outreach. This project is being funded through a Municipal Planning Grant awarded by the Vermont department of Housing and Community Development. 

More information can be found at https://arcg.is/1m54nr1 or by reaching out to the Town Office at (802) 875-2173.

The following Elective Offices are open for 2024:
 
Town Moderator – one-year term
Selectboard – two – one-year terms
                             one - three-year term
Trustee of Public Funds – one - three-year term

Trustees of the Whiting Library – three - three-year terms
                                                                       one – one-year term of an unexpired three-year term
GMUSD Director – two – three-year terms
 
Petition forms for the above positions are available at the Town Clerk’s Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have any questions, you can call the Town Clerk’s Office at 802-875-2173.
 
Petitions must have 25 – 30 signatures and they are due back in the Town Clerk’s Office by January 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
 
(Petitions to have an article on the town meeting warning must have 120 – 130 signatures and are due back in the Town Clerk’s Office by January 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.)
 
 

The Stone Village Art Guild, in cooperation with the First Universalist Parish of Chester, will hold a Fine Art and Craft Fair on Saturday December 9th, from 10-4 at the First Universalist Parish. The Fair will feature Fine Art, including Watercolors, Oil and Pastels by local artists. Crafts, Sweater Style mittens that Bernie would be proud to wear, fabric baskets, jewelry, ornaments, and a Bake Sale will also be available.

The First Universalist Parish is located in the Historic Stone Village at 211 North St, in Chester VT. For more information, contact Melody at 802-875-5414 or email [email protected].