Acquisition of the Woodstock Water System - This is the official website of Woodstock Vermont

This page serves as informational content regarding the Acquisition of the Woodstock Water System

Updated December 11th:

The official results from the water vote is as follows:

Article 1: To purchase the Vondell property:

Result: Woodstock votes in favor

Yes: 360

No: 171

Article 2: The necessary capital projects:

Result: Woodstock votes in favor

Yes: 392

No: 157

Updated December 2nd 2024:

History of Vondell Reservoir

Updated November 27th 2024:

December 10th Vote

Background

On October 29th, the voters of the Town of Woodstock voted to approve the acquisition of the Woodstock Aqueduct Company. The acquisition was the first part of a two-part vote to acquire the utility and bring it into compliance with state fire flow standards.

The Vote

Voters will be able to vote on two articles on the ballot:

To finance the purchase of the property referred to as “the Vondell” – ~358 acres of land on Cox District Road currently owned by the Woodstock Aqueduct Company for $1.6 million
To finance three infrastructure projects: the replacement of the water main from the storage tank on Cox District Road down to Route 4 and along the highway until the Rec Center bridge (known as Option 1B); the suspension of the water main under the Elm Street bridge; and the replacement of Well #001 and a pump for $6.7 million.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits to acquiring the land?

The Vondell is ~358 acres on Cox District Road that is home to the water storage tank, and two reservoirs (the Vondell Reservoir and the Cox Reservoir).

Ecological Importance – The Woodstock Conservation Commission did a survey of Vondell Reservoir in 2002 and found two vernal pools, containing important salamander species. Other significant biodiversity areas include rich northern hardwood forests and deer wintering areas. A Vermont Fish and Wildlife project designated the Vondell Reservoir as priority or highest priority lands for all landscape variable: interior forest blocks, connectivity block, geological diversity block, surface and riparian area and riparian connectivity.

Water Use – Vondell was developed in 1963 when Woodstock experienced a drought. It contains approximately 28 million gallons of surface water and is upstream from the Cox Reservoir and the water tanks being acquired as part of the Woodstock Aqueduct purchase. The water for the water system is presently generated from wells on Route 12 with water being pumped to the tank on Cox District Road. The tank holds roughly four days of water. Vondell holds 120 days. While the Vondell Reservoir is not presently connected to the water system, it is important that we plan for the future. With the variations brought by climate change, the wells may become unreliable and the Town needs to control this important asset. The Town will receive easements for the water system but those are as it is presently used and will not include flexibility for future technology or needs.

Recreational Use – Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association has developed about thirteen miles of trails at the Reservoir. The trails were constructed under strict standards and WAMBA has been a great steward of the property, taking measures to eradicate Japanese knotweed that threatens a vernal pool. In addition, Vermont Fish and Game stock the reservoir with trout. The property is open to fishing and hunting. In the winter, the Class Four road and many trails are available for snowmobiles, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Historical Importance – in the late 18th century through the mid 1800s, Vondell was a hill community of sheep farmers. The stone walls and many cellar holes continue to exist on the property, some visible from the Class Four Road.

Vondell is a unique property with a lot to offer. The Town feels it is important to retain it as a community asset. The Selectboard is working with the Vermont Land Trust and private donors and is optimistic that some of the bond will be immediately paid off through grants and donations.

Why is the purchase of the property coming before the voters now?

The terms of the acquisition negotiated by the Town and the Woodstock Aqueduct state that the Selectboard will bring the opportunity to purchase the property to the voters before the end of the calendar year.

What will the cost be of removing the property from the Grand List?

The annual tax revenue from this property is ~$13,000.

What is the property appraised at?

The property is appraised at $2,058,000.

Does the town have rights to the water even if it doesn’t own the property?

The town retains the rights to the storage tank, the pipes, the reservoirs, and the water as it’s currently used now.

What is Option 1B and why is it important?

Option 1B refers to the infrastructure project that will replace the water main from the storage tank on Cox District Road all the way down that road and down Route 4 to the Rec Center Bridge. This work will increase the carrying capacity as well as improve the pressure within the system, bringing most of the hydrants into compliance with state standards.

What will I pay?

Bond payments will be based on property assessed value. All taxpayers can expect to pay $12.71 per $100,000 of assessed value for Article 1 (the Vondell) and $11.75 per $100,000 of assessed value for Article 2 (infrastructure projects). This assumes no grants or donations. These payments will decrease each year as the interest is paid off.

These costs are based on a bond term of 30 years

Connected users will be responsible for the majority of the bond service, as they benefit the most from water infrastructure. In addition to the payments above, they will be responsible for $198.53 per 5000 cubic feet of usage.

For example, a property with 7700 cubic feet of usage per year should expect their bill to increase by $346.99.

Are rates going to increase for users?

Yes. WAC has not increased user rates since 2015 and even before that rates were lower than necessary to fund meaningful investment.

A new rate card is being developed for both water and sewer rates by the Finance Committee. Users should expect rates to increase to support the successful operation of the utility, and to save funds for future capital improvements.

Why is local options tax being allocated?

The Selectboard asked voters to approve a local options sales tax on Town Meeting Day 2024 to be earmarked for infrastructure expenses with the knowledge of many upcoming infrastructure needs, including water-related projects. The local options tax was approved and implemented on July 1, 2024. The Selectboard has allocated $60,000 of that annual local options tax revenue to the bond for water infrastructure projects.

Local Meals, Rooms, and Alcohol tax revenue is used to fund the Economic Development and Community Fund. Stable water infrastructure is fundamental for our current economy, as well as supporting growth in our community. The Selectboard has allocated $75,000 of that local options tax annual revenue to the water infrastructure projects.

Why is this vote by Australian ballot?

Per state statute, all bond votes must be conducted by Australian ballot.

How do I vote?

You can vote at Woodstock Town Hall (31 The Green) from 7am-7pm on Tuesday, December 10th. Absentee ballots are available from the Clerk upon request.

Vermont has same-day voter registration. You can check your registration status on the Secretary of State’s website here: https://mvp.vermont.gov/

Sample Ballot

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Updated November 8th:

Special Town Meeting Warning Dec 10th 2024

Results from Woodstock’s Special Town Meeting to Acquire Woodstock’s Water Systems

After an amazing and unprecedented turnout, Woodstock voted in favor of
acquiring the Woodstock Aqueduct by a vote of 383 for and 103 against.
Thank you to everyone who came out to vote and participate and thank you all
for your patience as we worked through a larger than expected turnout.

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