Brattleboro Weighs Hospital and Birthing Center Future as Tax Idea Stalls

Hospital leaders said they are looking for money through other avenues, including applications for Rural Health Transformation grants.

A plan that would have raised Brattleboro’s municipal tax rate to help keep the hospital’s birthing center operating did not move forward at Tuesday night’s selectboard meeting, after no board member brought it to a vote.

Town officials had brought hospital leaders into the discussion so residents could hear directly about the facility’s financial situation and the choices now being considered. The meeting focused on whether local support might play a role in preserving both the hospital and the birth center, along with what level of funding would be required.

Hospital officials said the town’s willingness to consider assistance was appreciated, but they also made clear that they had not requested a tax increase from the municipality.

The idea drew mixed reactions from people in the community, reflecting disagreement over whether local taxpayers should be asked to help cover the cost.

Meanwhile, hospital leaders said they are looking for money through other avenues, including applications for grants tied to the Rural Health Transformation program. Any award would still need approval from the Vermont Agency of Human Services.

There is no firm deadline for a decision on that grant funding, though hospital officials said state leaders appear open to the hospital’s situation. They hope to have a clearer picture of their finances by Sept. 1.