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Bennington select board votes 6-1 to put 1% local option tax package on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot
Summary
The Bennington Select Board voted 6-1 to place a combined 1% local option sales tax, 1% meals and alcoholic beverages tax, and 1% rooms tax on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot and to mail the state-prepared ballots to active voters. Board members said further public outreach and policy development on spending will follow.
The Bennington Select Board voted 6-1 on July 29 to place a combined local option tax article on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot and to authorize mailing the State-prepared ballot to all active, not-challenged Town of Bennington voters.
At the meeting, Select Board member Jim Sullivan read the ballot language aloud: “Shall the Town of Bennington authorize the assessment of a 1% local option sales tax, a 1% local option meals and alcoholic beverages tax, and a 1% local option rooms tax pursuant to 24 VSA section 138 to be collected and administered by the Vermont Department of Taxes.” Sullivan made the motion to recommend the article and to approve mailing the ballots; the motion was seconded and brought to a roll-call vote because two members participated remotely.
Chair Tom Haley framed the board’s responsibility narrowly: “If the voters don't think that they've gotten enough information in November, they should vote no,” he said, adding the board plans to continue outreach and public hearings before the vote. The board and Economic Development Committee members said an existing policy governing allocation of revenues will be updated and that multiple listening sessions and public forums are planned.
During roll call, Sarah Perrin voted yes, the remote participant who identified himself as Ed voted yes, Nancy White voted no, and Chair Tom Haley, Jim Sullivan, Clark Adams and Jackie Metz voted yes, yielding a 6-1 outcome in favor of placing the question on the ballot. The board concluded the special meeting and moved to adjourn.
Next steps: the board said it will pursue additional public education and policy updates on how revenues would be allocated if voters approve the tax.
