Candidate Larson

Of the six candidates in this year's aldermanic race, only Ed Larson, a retired city police officer, seems to be running much of a campaign. Maybe you've noticed his blue-and-white signs proclaiming it time to elect Ed Larson along city streets.

Although it's not much followed or srutinized in the smallest and most local of campaigns, Friday is the pre-election campaign

Tough choices

Last week, the aldermen faced an interesting decision: Allow the city’s engineering department to borrow an extra $150,000 in bonds for projects on West and Crescent streets that the city’s voters approved overwhelmingly last June, or turn down the money because it exceeded the explicitly approved amounts on the ballot questions.

According to City Engineer Evan Pilachowski, the additional funds would help get the projects – for which the construction bids came back higher than expected – to more logical stopping points. The city attorney explained to the aldermen that it’s legal for the city to borrow the additional funds because the law allows for an additional $75,000 in borrowing above the bonded amount. Since the stimulus bonds the city is applying for carry 50 percent forgiveness, in this instance the city could actually bond for an additional $150,000.

From Treasurer Wendy Wilton
For Immediate Release:

Rutland City property taxes for the third quarter are due Tuesday, February 16, 2010 as City Hall is closed due to the observance of President’s day on Monday, February 15. Rutland City Treasurer is reminding tax payers that the Treasurer’s office will be open until 8 pm on the 16th to accept payments. Payments received after 8 pm on the 16th, or not postmarked by February 16th, will be subject to a 5% penalty. Direct debit taxpayers will have their payments deducted on the 16th.

The final tax due date of the fiscal year will be Monday, May 17th as the 15th of May falls on a weekend. All due dates are listed on the tax bills mailed in August at the start of the fiscal year and can also be found on the City’s website at www.rutlandcity.com

Mayor comments on railyard

I recently spoke with someone interested in seeing the mayor's comments to the writers of the environmental assessment for the Rutland railyard. I happen to have the letter on my desk, so I thought I'd post it for all to check out:

Download Mayor letter ea

(To access the letter please click on the above link.)