Vernon Staging Drive-Up Voting For Crucial Town Meeting

VERNON, CT — Vernon officials on Wednesday announced a drive-up voting system so a crucial town meeting can be staged on March 25 while maintaining coronavirus social distancing recommendations.

A public hearing will be staged via teleconference before a special town meeting "on the steps" of town hall.

"On behalf of Mayor Champagne and the town council, the health and safety of our staff and residents as well as the continuity of our local government operations is a top priority," Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "We are working around the clock and implementing creative solutions based on the latest guidance to ensure that our essential government programs and services remain uninterrupted. Drive-through voting and virtual town meetings are examples of the innovative ways that the town of Vernon is promoting community engagement and protecting the health of our democracy during this public health crisis."

Mayor Daniel Champagne said at stake is a plan to take $2,986,198 from the town's general fund and move it to the capital nonrecurring account to pay down debt related to vehicles purchased via internal lease financing. The town normally owes $708,141 annually for pay off the lease. Purcaro said by paying off the $2.9 million in one lump sum, the money would not adversely impact the tax rate for the next and future fiscal years.

The virtual public hearing is scheduled at 7:35 p.m. on March 25 via a telephone conference call.
The dial in number is 1-929-205-6099 and the Meeting ID is 182 924 186 with the password 0325.

A special town meeting is then slated for 7:40 p.m. in front of Town Hall, 14 Park Place. Eligible voters and qualified property owners will be able to drive up, remain in their vehicles and vote on the transfer.

Accommodations for walk-up voting will be made as well, Purcaro said.

Voting will conclude at 9 p.m., according to the legal notice.

Voters will present a current photo ID then vote in the affirmative or negative by show of hand, according to the legal notice.