A proposal to build a $12.1 million Valley Community Center (VCC) is moving forward across multiple towns, with funding to come primarily from taxpayer-backed bonds. The project, which aims to serve Brandon, Pittsford, Leicester, Whiting, Goshen, Chittenden, and Sudbury, is expected to run at an annual deficit of $246,900, raising concerns about long-term financial burdens on local taxpayers.
Despite the high costs, many residents remain unaware of the proposal. The Otter Valley Unified Union (OVUU) School Board will vote on transferring 10 acres of public land to the project for just $1 this Wednesday, February 26, at 6:30 PM at Otter Valley Union High School. While there’s an option to view the meeting via Zoom, only those attending in person will be allowed to vote.
This critical decision will be made by a voice vote at the annual meeting, where historically, few people attend. That means a small group of residents could decide whether to give away public land—a move that could set the stage for millions in future taxpayer costs.
The Plan: A Pricey Vision for a Community Center
The Valley Community Center is proposed as a multi-use recreational facility designed to address a perceived lack of indoor sports and fitness options in the region. According to planning documents, the facility will include:
- A gymnasium with basketball and pickleball courts
- A walking track
- Weight and cardio rooms
- A multi-purpose room for events and meetings
- Locker rooms, a snack stand, and office space
The proposal estimates a total construction cost of $12,175,603.99, with funding largely coming from taxpayer-backed bonds that would be repaid over 30 years. The financial breakdown includes:
| Expense Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-Engineered Metal Building | $1.9M |
| Plumbing & HVAC | $1.35M |
| Site Work (Paving, Sidewalks) | $683K |
| Interior Finishes (Drywall, Flooring, Paint) | $968K |
| Contingency, Insurance, Fees | $1.37M |
| Total Construction Cost | $12.1M |
Once built, the center will not be self-sustaining. Annual expenses are estimated at $354,900, while revenue from memberships, rentals, and programs is projected at just $108,000, leaving a $246,900 shortfall each year—which would likely be covered by additional taxpayer contributions.
What This Means for Taxpayers
To fund the project, participating towns would take on $12 million in bonded debt, paid back over 30 years. The projected annual bond cost is $400,000, which will be passed on to residents through property tax increases.
- Bond Rate: $0.31 per $1,000 of property value
- Annual Increase per $100K of Home Value: $31.47
- For a $300,000 Homeowner: $7.87/month in additional taxes
These calculations do not include the ongoing operating deficit of nearly $250K per year, which may require additional tax hikes if revenue projections fall short.
A Controversial Path Forward
Rather than seeking full taxpayer approval first, the Valley Community Center initiative has taken a different approach—securing land before guaranteeing funding.
Their current step-by-step plan looks like this:
| Step | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Get the 10-acre parcel from the OVUU School Board for $1 |
| Step 2 | Form VCC, LLC, a private nonprofit to oversee funding |
| Step 3 | Sign interlocal agreements, locking in financial commitments from towns |
| Step 4 | Put the $12M bond on the ballot |
| Step 5 | Secure final approvals, break ground in 2026 |
But compared to how large taxpayer-funded projects are typically handled, the process appears backward:
| VCC’s Plan | How You’d Expect a Project Should Work |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Grab 10 acres for $1 before taxpayer approval. | Step 1: Conduct real public outreach—see if taxpayers even want or can afford this. |
| Step 2: Form a nonprofit (VCC, LLC) to start “fundraising.” | Step 2: Present a clear funding plan before taking land. |
| Step 3: Get towns to sign a financial commitment (interlocal agreement). | Step 3: Determine total taxpayer liability—be transparent about risks. |
| Step 4: Put the $12M bond up for a vote—hope no one notices the annual deficit. | Step 4: Ensure the project is self-sustaining and not a permanent tax burden. |
| Step 5: Lock in taxpayer funding, then break ground by 2026. | Step 5: If taxpayers approve, ensure cost controls & contingency plans exist. |
Even more concerning, the presentation outlining this $12 million project does not list a single name of those leading the initiative. While it states that “five community members” partnered with OVAA to develop the plan, there is no public-facing board, no contact information, and no clear leadership structure. For a project that expects millions in taxpayer funding, the lack of transparency raises serious questions about who is actually responsible for oversight and accountability.
The first and most immediate concern is the land transfer vote on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 PM at Otter Valley Union High School.
A Vote With Low Turnout, But High Consequences
The OVUU School Board originally intended to put the land transfer on the Australian ballot for Town Meeting Day, allowing all voters to weigh in. However, state law requires that land transfers be decided by a floor vote at the annual meeting.
Historically, very few residents attend these meetings. If turnout remains low, a small group of people could decide whether to give away 10 acres of public land for just $1.
Critics argue that a decision of this magnitude should not be left to a handful of attendees. Once the land is transferred, the momentum for full taxpayer funding becomes much harder to stop.
What Happens Next?
- Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 PM at Otter Valley Union High School: The OVUU School Board will hold a floor vote on transferring the land to VCC for $1.
- If the land is approved for transfer, the project moves forward, and towns will be asked to commit financially through an interlocal agreement.
- A $12 million bond vote would then be placed on a future ballot, locking taxpayers into a 30-year financial commitment.
With construction expected to begin in 2026, supporters claim the center will fill a recreational gap in the region. However, opponents warn that taxpayers could be on the hook for millions in costs and an indefinite operating deficit.
How to Get Involved
Residents who want to have a say in whether public land should be given away for this project must attend the OVUU Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 26, at 6:30 PM at Otter Valley Union High School.
Unlike a standard election, this decision will not be made at the ballot box—it will be decided by a voice vote in the room.
For more details, residents can contact or attend upcoming Selectboard meetings in your towns.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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