The Bennington Select Board presented a proposed operating budget of just over $2 million Monday night at the Town Hall.

The proposal is $177, 278 higher than the current budget. Town Administrator Deb Davidson said that other than a 4% cost-of-living increase, the budget did not increase notably since 2023.

Health insurance costs increased 14% and dental insurance increased 4% for town employees. Other increases include a 12% hike in workers’ compensation costs and a 17.8% increase for town insurance. Four elections in 2024 accounted for a slight increase in the costs to the elections budget. 

The town purchased 10 new AED units at a discounted price to distribute at all town buildings, including the library, Town Hall and transfer station. One major purchase for the year was a Chevy Tahoe for the Fire Department to use at brush fires, following the sale of the old brush hog truck. 

During discussion of the cost for ambulance, Select Board chair Jim Cleary said he would be meeting with representatives from Vail Resorts, the owner of Crotched Ski & Ride, about demand for and cost of emergency services. 

The public can obtain copies of the budget before the deliberative session by calling the town offices. Cleary encouraged all residents to attend the deliberative session on Monday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 pm, upstairs in the Bennington Town Hall.

“That is the opportunity to have healthy debate about anything in the budget,” Cleary said. 

For information, go to townofbennington.com.