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Cost jump to $11.3M forces Royalton to weigh loans, bonding or local option tax
Summary
Officials told residents the Fox Stand Bridge estimate rose from $6M to $11.3M, raising the town's 5% match to about $565,000; options discussed included using capital reserves, a payment plan from the state, bonding, or a local option tax.
Nel and other town representatives reported that the bridge cost estimate has increased sharply: an earlier July 2025 figure of about $6,000,000 has been updated to approximately $11,300,000. The change raises the town's 5% match to roughly $565,000.
"In July 2025, we were told $6,000,000... and now... the updated cost is $11,300,000," Nel said. Town staff explained they have $100,000 in a capital improvement reserve (about $82,000 currently saved) and could increase annual set‑asides; one town staffer said the town would have to raise approximately $190,000 per year for the next two years to meet the updated match if that is the chosen route.
Sen. Becca White outlined the state's funding constraints and noted the state could offer financing options, but cautioned that earmarking in Vermont is less common now. "There's opportunity for bonding," she said, and mentioned the state could offer loan or payment plans though details (interest, terms) were not specified at the meeting. Residents also discussed pursuing a local option tax; Sen. White described how a 1% local option tax typically returns 75% to the community (with 25% to the state pilot fund) and said proposals are under discussion to alter splits for additional local percentages.
No formal town decision was recorded at the meeting; board members asked staff to compile options and draft bullet points for outreach and potential town-voter planning.
