Congratulations to the Barre Partnership on launch of the wedigbarre.com campaign for Barre’s Main Street reconstruction project. Marketing efforts will be key to maintaining the city’s vitality during Vermont’s version of the Big Dig. The slogan, mascot and informational website are important steps in the right direction. Check the site at www.wedigbarre.com
Barre Council and the Berlin Select Board are reviewing proposals to ease municipal taxes for those making commercial investments that increase the grand list. Barre currently has the authority to waive a portion of the increased tax value, but the required level of investment puts the program out of reach for many smaller businesses. The proposal in Barre would open the program to smaller investments. The Berlin selectboard is considering asking voters for stabilization authority for the first time.
Barre resident Pete Fournier joins councilor Dominic Etli as city representatives in a four-municipality exploration of a consolidated Public Safety Authority. The PSA committee resumes meetings Thursday evening in the Chamber conference rooms after Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin and Montpelier reaffirmed their interest in pursuing consolidated police, fire, ambulance and dispatching services.
Tournament champions Brent Sleeper, Richard Bashara, and Brad Rouleau won for the third consecutive year. Teammate William Patno won for the second straight year. Cigna HealthCare sponsored the event at the Barre Country Club. UVest Financial and Cody Chevrolet were also sponsors. Chittenden Bank captured low net, and Fothergill, Segale & Valley had the second low net. Details at central-vt.com/chamber/golf
For the first time ever, one of the raffled entries won the $4,000 top prize in the Chamber Annual Raffle. Mona McCain and Terry Carlyle won the winning ticket the evening of the April 28 raffle. Superior Development got the $500 consolation prize for second place. The evening was sponsored by FairPoint Communications. Marion Milne was the top salesperson. Additional information at central-vt.com/chamber/raffle.