Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Public Post is a community reporting initiative using digital tools to report on cities and towns across Vermont.Public Post is the only resource that lets you browse and search documents across dozens of Vermont municipal websites in one place.Follow reporter Amy Kolb Noyes and #PublicPost on Twitter and read news from the Post below.

Grand Isle Moving Forward On New Fire Station, Despite Budget Shortfall

Grand Isle is building a new fire station but, after a year-long delay, the project is going to cost more than expected.

The select board considered putting an article on the Election Day ballot to cover the difference between bid estimates and cash on hand, but decided against that option. Next the board discussed borrowing the needed $18,000 from the town's general fund, but a motion to that effect fell flat at an October 28 board meeting. Instead, the board voted to move ahead on the project and trust the gap will be covered by earned interest and the fire department's fundraising efforts.

"After much cutting, chopping and revamping the project is about $63,000 over budget," meeting minutes state. To date, the Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department has fund-raised between $35,000 and $36,000 for the project. An interest bearing checking account for the fire station has earned an additional $10,000. 

The needed $63,000 is in addition to a $1.75 million project bond. That bond was approved by voters a year ago, on Election Day 2013. The bond question also withstood the challenge of a rescind vote in January. However, construction was delayed when the select board ordered a feasibility study on the project and existing town buildings.

Amy is an award winning journalist who has worked in print and radio in Vermont since 1991. Her first job in professional radio was at WVMX in Stowe, where she worked as News Director and co-host of The Morning Show. She was a VPR contributor from 2006 to 2020.
Latest Stories