Brattleboro Considers Special Town Meeting to Support BMH Birthing Center

Last updated: July 27, 2026

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Brattleboro are facing a critical decision regarding the future of the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) Birthing Center. A special town meeting is being proposed to discuss the potential for raising additional tax funds to ensure the center’s survival. This initiative comes after a unanimous vote by the Select Board to draft a warning for the upcoming meeting.

Community Support and Financial Implications

Oscar Heller, the Select Board Chairman, stated that the funding would be a “one-time special assessment that wouldn’t be baked into the municipal budget.” If approved, a contribution of $100,000 would result in an estimated quarterly increase of $3.73 for homeowners with a median assessed value of $184,000. For a total of $1 million, this would mean an additional $37.25 per quarter for the same median home.

Heller emphasized the importance of community solidarity, noting, “This would be a major act of community solidarity with the Birthing Center and could be the foundation of its financial security.” He plans to include stakeholders, particularly BMH representatives, in future discussions regarding the funding structure and commitments from the hospital.

Concerns and Cautions from Residents

Some community members have expressed concerns about the hospital’s financial situation, which includes a $14 million deficit. Randy Blodgett remarked, “They need to be able to rely on sums of money that are consistent to be able to budget,” urging caution in the decision-making process. Former board member Kate O’Connor echoed these sentiments, stating, “The taxpayers of Brattleboro are not an ATM machine.”

Town Manager John Potter mentioned that an informational meeting could be arranged to address community questions before the vote. BMH, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the Select Board’s commitment to preserving local maternity services and acknowledged the need for sustainable funding solutions.

Next Steps and Community Engagement

Dr. Elizabeth McLarney, acting co-CEO of BMH, highlighted the extraordinary support from the community, stating, “Every conversation, every offer of support, and every effort to find solutions reinforces how important BMH and the Birthing Center are to this region.” Heller affirmed the Select Board’s dedication to allowing the community to explore this funding option thoughtfully, stressing that the Birthing Center’s closure would negatively impact local families and the community’s economic development.

The Select Board is also advocating for wider support from neighboring towns, sending letters to select boards in 48 municipalities in Windham, Windsor, and Cheshire counties. The decision on whether to support the BMH Birthing Center will ultimately rest with the community during the town meeting.