Select Board schedules special meeting to finalize local option tax ballot language

The Bennington Select Board voted to hold a special meeting Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Bennington Firehouse to finalize language for a proposed local option tax and submit it to the Secretary of State by the August 3 deadline. Chair Tom Haley said the item will be brief and placed on the agenda so the town doesn’t lose the opportunity to include the question on the state-prepared mailed ballot.

Supporters argued inclusion on the state-prepared ballot would reach more voters. Select Board member Jackie Metz said putting the question on the state mailing ‘‘will reach the greatest number of our electorate and give the greatest number of people in this town an opportunity to voice their position,’’ while opponents, including Nancy White, said state-wide mailings could bring uninformed voters into a local decision and urged more public meetings and transparent minutes. Town Manager Dan Monks explained that the state mails ballots to all registered voters in a national election year and that municipalities have the option to place local ballot items on the state’s printed ballots.

The board agreed to proceed with additional public outreach and listening sessions but stressed the need to meet the state deadline if the board wants the item mailed to all registered Bennington voters. The special meeting was scheduled by voice vote.