The purpose of this page is to provide a quick list of information that you might find useful as a resident or if you have just moved to town. Sort of like a "cheat sheet" on living here! If you have a suggestion on something that you think should be listed here, contact our Communications Coordinator.
- Town Offices Phone: 802-442-1037
- Police Department non-emergency Phone: 802-442-1030
- See a full list of Town department contact information
We have a pretty extensive list of Resources on this website. Check there for things like health and wellness, community newsletters, recreational facilities, educational links, food resources, social services, medical providers, religious institutions, libraries, news and media outlets, waste management, and housing resources.
Useful Information on Living In Bennington
Emergencies
In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, visit our Police Department page and/or our Fire Department page. VILLAGE and RURAL fire departments are separate, information for both is on our Fire Department page. Did you know our Fire Departments are all volunteer run? Contact an active member of the department to learn how you can volunteer.
How Do I Stay Informed About Happenings in Town Government?
For municipal information, your best source is our website. You can also subscribe to many pages on the Town website to be informed when they have been updated... for that use our e-notify page. We have a Facebook page for the Town, and an Instagram account. That's a good place for regular updates, but any unique information that is posted on social media is also posted on our News page.
For information about community events and business happenings we have a number of organizations in town that can help you!
Considering moving to Bennington? Talk to a Vermonter! Get some straight talk via "Think Vermont" about what it's like to live and work here in Vermont.
Community
Annual Events
Speaking of happenings, there are a few annual events to be aware of... Battle Day weekend is always the weekend closest to August 16, the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington. It is a state holiday so Town and State offices will all be closed. There is also Mayfest which is on Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend and is run by the Better Bennington Corporation (BBC). In the Fall is Garlic Town, which is on Labor Day weekend which is run by the Southwest VT Camber of Commerce. Bennington Trailfest is always the last Saturday of July. Other events include the Home-brew Festival in the spring run by the Southwest VT Chamber of Commerce and the Harvest Festival in the fall run by the BBC, although those dates vary year to year. In addition, there are numerous other events throughout the year... check out the info on events, attractions, and business listings below.
Public Transportation
The Green Mountain Express serves our local transportation needs and includes information on connections to other regions.
Where Do I Find Information on Trails, Parks, and Hikes?
Check out our outdoor recreational activities page, and our parks and playgrounds page.
Recreation
We have a Bennington Community Recreation Center (called "the Rec" for short) which has an indoor pool, fitness rooms, and a wide variety of youth, exercise, and senior programs available. There is also a Senior Center, which is part of our recreational program and is open to all over the age of 50.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
We have a list on our resources directory here.
Events, Attractions, Business Listings
Check out Vermont Begins Here and the Shires of Vermont website.
Religious Institutions
Bennington has a wide range of religious institutions, churches, and temples. You can find a list on this page in our resource directory.
Libraries
We have two; the Bennington Free Library in Bennington and the John G. McCullough Free Library in North Bennington. Listings are in the resource directory.
School System
Our public schools are part of the Southwestern Vermont Supervisory Union. School taxes are voted on separately from municipal taxes and the vote happens at Town Meeting.
Health and Wellness
Links to our local hospital, urgent care, mental heath services, and substance use disorder services are listed in the resources directory.
Dogs
We have a dog park at Willow Park. Your doggies need to be licensed with the town and that is due each April 1st. Dogs in town are required to be on leash. Please pick up after your dog when walking anywhere in town or in parks, paths, or recreational areas!
Town Maintenance
Semi Annual Hydrant Flushing
In the spring and fall, the town performs its STATE Mandated Program that usually occurs every April and October. It ensures a higher Water Quality and allows for proper Hydrant Maintenance for Fire Protection. While flushing is happening... You may experience low water pressure and discolored water. These are normal and unavoidable side effects of the program and pose no health threats. We recommend you schedule clothes washing and other cleaning projects after daily flushing hours and once your water has run clear. If you experience discolored water Run Your Cold Water Until It Is Clear. We will notify folks via our Town Facebook page and on our website News page, Public Notices, and through local media channels to let you know when the flushing is happening.
Winter Parking Ban
In order to allow our crews to be able to do their work snowplowing, a winter parking ban is in effect from November 15 through April 15. That means that during that time you are not allowed to park on the street in order to allow our crews to plow as needed during the cold months. Reminders will be given in the fall on social media and there is an initial one week grace period after which tickets are issued.
Trash, Recycling, Compost, and Hazardous Waste
If you own your home in the Town of Bennington, stop in the Town Office located at 205 South Street to get your transfer station sticker. This will allow you access to our Transfer Station and you can find information on all of that on the waste and recycling page on this website. The page includes information on composting rules and hazardous waste collection.
Burn Permits
All outdoor burning requires a permit from the Town of Benington (camp fires, brush fires, etc.) A Campfire Permit is $10.00 and is good for the remainder of the current year. Brush Fire Permits are $5.00 and are good for a 2 week period. Please contact the Town Office for additional information 802-442-1037.
Civic Engagement
Get involved in Town Government
OK, so maybe not the first thing you want to do when you move here, but once you are settled in... please consider serving on a board or commission! Simply put, we can't run this town without the dozens of people who serve the community by volunteering to be on a commission, board, or committee. You can learn more about Town government and how it works by clicking here.
Town Meeting
A rare and wonderful democratic tradition! Learn more on our Town Meeting page which also includes information on the items to be voted on as part of Town Meeting.
Voting and Elections
Check out our page on Elections which includes information on what voting district you are in, sample ballots, election results, absentee and early voting, and how to register to vote.
Town Clerk
Our town clerk is the keeper of our land records, burial records, weddings, elections, property transfers, and more. Visit their page here!
Town Ordinances & Police Policies
We do have a noise ordinance, and other ordinances related to living in Bennington. You can view them all here. Policies and procedures specific to the Bennington Police Department are listed here.
Taxes
Both the School Tax and the Municipal Tax are billed at the same time and are due each year on November 10th. School and Town budgets are voted on during Town Meeting. You can visit our collections page for more info or copies of your bill and for information on Homestead Declarations. If your home is on town sewer and water, you will be billed for that quarterly. You can learn more about water and sewer services on their page on this website.
I Want to Build or Remodel On My Property
Check out our pages on planning and permits. Short answer is if you are building something new or remodeling something old, you will need a permit. This includes decks or storage buildings! If you live in the Historic Preservation District, there will be an additional step required. You can find out if you are in the district on this webpage. In any case... DON'T WORRY! We want to work with you. Contact us BEFORE you start a project and we will make sure it's as painless as possible. Please note that if your project is over $10,000 your contractor needs to be registered with the state. Visit https://sos.vermont.gov/residential-contractors to search for registered contractors.
Town Partners
Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Bennington County Regional Commission
Better Bennington Corporation