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Select board changes ballot language to 'replacement' for depreciation funds
Summary
The board voted 5–0 to replace the word 'purchase' with 'replacement' in two depreciation fund ballot items for highway and recreation, clarifying intended use of funds.
The Rutland Select Board on Jan. 14 amended two ballot warnings to use the word "replacement" instead of "purchase" in descriptions of depreciation funds for highway and recreation equipment.
Board members said the change clarifies that the depreciation funds are intended to pay for replacement, repair and maintenance of equipment rather than to authorize initial purchase of vehicles or equipment. The board discussed the purpose of the depreciation funds alongside the highway department's planned adjustment to a rate described during the meeting as a small increment (phrased by staff as "about half a cent per $100 up to a full cent").
A motion to change the wording in both ballot items was made, seconded and approved by voice vote, 5–0. Board members asked staff to ensure the revised language appears in the final warning provided to voters. The board recorded no roll-call tally in the public transcript; the motion carried unanimously on voice vote.
Select board members said the change was intended to preserve the voters' role in authorizing any initial capital purchases and to keep the depreciation funds focused on replacement, repair and maintenance. The revised ballot wording will be included in the voter materials distributed before town meeting.
