On February 14, 2023

City voters to consider option tax 

Rutland city voters will consider a 1% sales option tax on Town Meeting Day, March 7.

The option tax has been discussed by the Board of Aldermen several times in the past but this will be the first time it’s put before voters.

The option tax was last considered in 2017 when David Allaire faced Michael Coppinger in the mayoral race. Coppinger used the option tax as a campaign platform, while Allaire opposed the tax. 

“I didn’t feel the timing was right,” said Allaire, who won the 2017 race. “I wanted to get into the office and look at the lay of the land and see how our finances were. When I got elected I thought we were in good shape financially.”

Allaire said his position has changed. 

“We have some looming issues in front of us,” he said. “Unless we find an outside revenue resource, we’re not going to be able to tackle them.” 

The city is facing a lack of funds for capital improvement and a city pension deficit. 

The option tax would generate an estimated $1-$1.2 million. Allaire said he’d propose that some of the money go to property tax relief. 

Allaire is facing challenger Mike Doenges for mayor on Town Meeting Day.  

Doenges, the chair of the Board of Aldermen, also supports the option tax. 

“It’s not a massive tax,” Doenges said.  

Doenges said shoppers are used to seeing the option tax as neighboring towns, including Rutland town and Brandon, have a local option tax in place. 

Doenges said he’s spoken to  many business owners, who will carry the burden of collecting the tax. They were mostly supportive.   

“They don’t seem to have any negative feedback,” Doenges said. 

City voters will also consider a $23,261,061 budget on Town Meeting Day. The budget is up 2.4% from the previous budget. 

Allaire said he was able to fight inflation by not budgeting for positions the city has been unable to fill.

There are four vacancies on the 32-officer police department. Allaire said he would find funding if those positions were filled. 

Allaire also eliminated an assistant city attorney position after  struggling to find the right candidate. 

The city saved around $420,000 in salary expenses.

Allaire said fuel, salaries and increases in cost of materials used by the public works department are driving the slight budget increase.  

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…