Winooski council approves $62,500 one-time allocation to sustain Downtown Winooski through FY26

The Winooski City Council voted April 7 to assign $62,500 from the city's general fund balance to Downtown Winooski to cover the organization's operations through June 30, 2026.

City staff said the one-time allocation will be paid in equal quarterly installments, with the first payment authorized on April 7, 2025. The council also asked staff to include language in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) requiring Downtown Winooski to maintain an executive director position and to make a good-faith effort to seek additional funding sources that could reduce the city's share. Council asked that the MOU and the funding request be revisited as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget process, when staff will consider recommending a $50,000 increase plus a cost-of-living adjustment.

Council discussion and staff presentation Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner called for council consideration after staff presented options for covering Downtown Winooski costs until various dates:…