WEYBRIDGE — Weybridge residents at their town meeting on Monday endorsed some charter changes that will allow the local selectboard to appoint, rather than having voters elect, its town clerk, treasurer, road commissioner and assistant road commissioner. This will allow the selectboard to appoint people to these positions regardless of where they live.
The referendum seeking election of the town clerk and treasurer passed by a 173 to 25 tally. A broader article seeking permission to appoint the clerk, treasurer, road commissioner, assistant road commissioner “and other personnel deemed necessary for the efficient running of the town” also passed, 168-29.
The charter change requests will be forwarded to the Legislature for their approval, which should be a formality.
Also on the ballot were referenda seeking to abolish the office of town auditor; allow for liquors to be sold in town; and allow for wine and beer licenses to be sold in town. Residents voted 184-15 to abolish the auditor’s position (and instead contract with a licensed, public accountant); voted 160-41 to allow for beer and wine licenses; and voted 150-50 to allow for the sale of liquor in the community.
Weybridge residents agreed, by voice vote, to approve a 2015-2016 highway budget of $397,710, the general fund proposal of $81,363, and the proposed elementary school spending plan of $1,098,470.
Other articles on the warning earning approval included:
•  $20,000 for the local fire department.
•  $13,000 to continue the municipal recycling program.
•  $75,000 to repave approximately half a mile of town highway.
•  $38,000 to apply toward the cost of establishing sidewalk between Weybridge and Middlebury on the Pulp Mill Bridge on Seymour Street. The town of Middlebury is also contributing toward the project.
•  A combined total of $21,019 for various Addison County social service agency programs.
There were no contested elections on the Weybridge ballot this year. Running unopposed were Spence Putnam, one year, as town moderator; Gwendolyn Nagy-Benson, two years, selectboard; Bruce Paquin, three years, selectboard; Jamie Northrup and Christopher Eaton, two years and three years, respectively, on the local school board; and Michelle Bayliss, three years, UD-3 school board.