Swanton officials advocate for annexation to support new village municipal complex

During a recent Senate Government Operations meeting, discussions centered on the proposed annexation of property in Swanton, Vermont, aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs for the local government and police department. Town Administrator Brian Savage presented the case for House Bill 364, which seeks to incorporate a newly purchased property into the village limits to facilitate the construction of a new municipal facility.

Savage emphasized the urgent need for additional space, particularly for the police department, which has outgrown its current location within the Swanton Village Municipal Complex. The existing facility, built nearly 50 years ago, is now at capacity, and the police department has had to repurpose other areas of the complex to accommodate its growing responsibilities. With the town's population expanding and police coverage extending beyond the village, the current setup is no longer sufficient.

The proposed new facility would house the village offices and electric department, allowing the police department to reclaim much-needed space. This move is seen as a "win-win" for the community, as it not only addresses the immediate space issues but also aligns with the town's long-term planning goals. The project is currently tied to a bond vote, which Savage encouraged residents to support, highlighting that the financial burden would primarily fall on the electric utility fund rather than local taxpayers.

In addition to the annexation discussion, the committee reviewed the unanimous support from the Swanton Town Select Board for the project, reinforcing the collaborative relationship between the town and village. The bond amount for the new facility is estimated to be between $7.5 million and $7.8 million, reflecting adjustments made after a previous vote did not pass by a narrow margin.

As the community awaits the outcome of the bond vote, the discussions at the Senate meeting underscore the importance of infrastructure development in supporting local governance and public safety in Swanton. The proposed annexation and new facility are poised to enhance operational efficiency and better serve the growing needs of the community.