Pownal works best with citizen involvement. There are many opportunities to serve the town; from asking to be appointed to a board or commission, asking for appointment to an open position, volunteering for specific events or activities, and running for an elected position. The information below describes the various boards and commissions that keep the citizenship involved in the process of town government. In addition, current vacancies, volunteer opportunities and employment positions are shown.​

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OPEN POSITIONS
The following vacancies are available on various boards, commissions, and positions for the Town. Holding a civic position can be a rewarding and productive experience. Depending on the role and position held your input can help shape the direction of the town.

** There are not any open positions at this time. **

JOIN A BOARD OR COMMITTEE
To apply for an open position please submit a letter of interest by selecting the button below.​ Please be sure to indicate the position you wish to hold. 
Thank you for your interest!

apply for a vacancy

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Visit the home page for details of the next scheduled meeting for our various boards and commissions.  When one is scheduled the date/time and agenda will be available at the bottom of the page.
And visit communicate for the meeting agendas and minutes of past meetings.

Development Review Board (DRB)

The Development Review Board (DRB) is a (7) member board plus two alternates appointed by the Selectboard. The DRB elects its own officers and adopts rules of procedure. Meetings are held at the call of the Chair or as determined by the Board. The DRB may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of material germane to any issue before the Board. The board keeps minutes of its proceedings and records the vote of each member on each question, which minutes are filed with the Town Clerk.

The DRB:

1. Considers appeals from actions of the Zoning Administrator;
2. Acts on requests for variances on appeal;
3. Considers applications for conditional use permits;
4. Considers applications for expansions or changes in nonconforming uses or structures;
5. Reviews site development plans; and
6. Reviews and approves subdivisions under the Town's Subdivision Regulations.

Current Board Members
Matthew Gardner, Chair  (3 year term, expires 2024)
John Bushee, Vice-Chair  (3 year term, expires 2023)
Karl Strohmaier, Clerk  (3 year term, expires 2023)
Cindy Legge  (3 year term, expires 2022)
Matt Zwinge  (3 year term, expires 2024)
Paul Scagnelli  (3 year term, expires 2024)
David Dence, Jr.  (3 year term, expires 2022)
Scott Wells (alt.)    Jim Winchester (alt.)
Megan - Admin Assistant

Please contact Megan with any questions or concerns.
802.823.0116 x102

Planning Commission

The planning commission may have not less than three nor more than nine voting members. The planning commissioners are appointed by the town's select board. The following are the powers and duties of planning commissions in the State of Vermont:

• Prepare a municipal plan and amendments thereof for consideration by the Selectboard, and review amendments thereof initiated by others as set forth in 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117 subchapter 5.
• Prepare and present to the legislative body proposed bylaws and make recommendations to the Selectboard on proposed amendments to such bylaws.
• Undertake studies and make recommendations on matters of land development, urban renewal, transportation, economic and social development, urban beautification and design improvements, historic and scenic preservation, the conservation of energy, the development of renewable energy resources, and wetland protection.
• Prepare and present to the select board recommended building, plumbing, fire, electrical, housing, and related codes and enforcement procedures, and construction specifications for streets and related public improvements.
• Prepare and present a recommended capital budget and program for a period of five years for action by the select board.
• Hold public meetings.
• Require from other departments and agencies of the municipality such available information as relates to the work of the planning commission.
• Enter upon land to make examinations and surveys in the performance of its functions.
• Participate in a regional planning program.
• Retain staff and consultant assistance in carrying out its duties and powers.
• Undertake comprehensive planning, including related preliminary planning and engineering studies.
• Perform such other acts or functions necessary or appropriate to fulfill the intent and purposes of 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117.

Current Board Members
Tiffany Zwinge , Chair  (4 year term, expires 2023)
John Bushee, Vice-Chair  (4 year term, expires 2022)
Megan Randall, Clerk  (4 year term, expires 2025)
Ronald Bisson  (4 year term, expires 2023)
Bryan Harris  (4 year term, expires 2024)
Fred Miller  (4 year term, expires 2025)
Paul Scagnelli  (4 year term, expires 2025)
Barbara True-Weber  (4 year term, expires 2023)
James Winchester  (4 year term, expires 2023)
Megan - Admin Assistant

Please contact Megan with any questions or concerns.
802.823.0116 x102

​Parks & Recreation

The Pownal Parks and Rec Committee was formed to discuss and generate ideas for use of town-owned lands and their potential development for outdoor recreation.  Members are volunteers who desire to enhance the quality of life for Pownal residents, and build a sense of community.  The Committee is under the supervision of the Selectboard, and has no decision-making powers or authority of its own. The initial focus of the Parks and Rec Committee is to build capacity with an emphasis on small, attainable projects to garner community support.  All forms of recreation will be considered by the Committee, with special attention given to those opportunities for families and children of all ages.  

Citizens are encouraged to share their ideas for outdoor recreation with the Parks and Rec Committee. This may be done by participating in a meeting or sending an e-mail to info@townofpownal.org.

Current Board Members
Jennifer Boucher, Chair
Brian Foppes, Vice-Chair
Peter Hopkins, Secretary
Rebecca Dragon
Bryan Harris
Paul Scagnelli
Tiffany Zwinge
Matt Zwinge

Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee members are appointed by the Pownal Selectboard and has been organized based upon the guidelines set forth in the Pownal Town Plan.

​Visit communicate to review the town plan.

School Board

The Southwest VT Union Elementary School District (SVUESD), is responsible for the prekindergarten through grade 6 in Pownal, Shaftsbury, Woodford, and prekindergarten through grade 5 in the Town of Bennington. This includes 6 elementary schools. Any Pownal Resident can run for a seat on the school board, and those who do run are motivated by a variety of reasons. The most common reason to run for a seat is because the candidate has a child in the schools and wants to have an impact on that child's education. Other reasons include aspiring to a position in town governance, seeking to improve the standing of the school district, or to taking the district in a new direction. Whatever the reason is, we encourage you to become involved in our wonderful school.

Current Board Members

Scott McEnaney, Chair  (3 year term, expires 2024)
Cynthia Brownell, Vice-Chair  (3 year term, expires 2022)
Tammy Sohl, Clerk  (3 year term, expires 2023)
Christopher Murphy, Chair  (3 year term, expires 2024)
Chaila Sekora  (3 year term, expires 2023)
Susan Hoag  (3 year term, expires 2024)
Dick Frantz  (3 year term, expires 2023)
Jeff Leake  (3 year term, expires 2024)

Pownal Elementary School
Attn: Southwest VT Union Elementary School Distric Board
94 School House Road
Pownal, VT 05261

Board of Abatement

The Board of Abatement follows a statutory process for relieving taxpayers from the burden of property taxes, penalty (collection fees) and interest when the law authorizes abatement and when the board, in its discretion, agrees that the request is reasonable and proper. It exists to permit the board to prevent an injustice or to help a taxpayer who faces extraordinary circumstances that make it difficult for the taxpayer to meet their tax obligations. Abatements are cautiously granted as they reduce the income to the town and require the town to either spend less or increase the taxes on the rest of the taxpayers to make up the difference. A board may abate "in whole or part" property taxes, interest or collection fees. 24 V.S.A. §1535(a). The Board of Abatement is formed by members of; the Select Board, Justices of Peace, Board of Listers, the Treasurer, and the Town Clerk. You can learn more about abatement at this link.

Board of Civil Authority

The Pownal Board of Civil Authority ("BCA") is required by 32 V.S.A. Chapter 131 to conduct appeal hearings of lister property valuation decisions. The Board is formed by the members from the Select Board, Justices of Peace, and the Town Clerk. The purpose of these rules is to establish uniform procedures for conducting such appeal hearings and to ensure compliance with Vermont's Open Meeting Law. The BCA also determines voter eligibility, and hears appeals of Lister grievance decisions, conducts tax assessment appeals.

Board of Health

The Board of Health of a municipality is made up of the local Health Officer and the Town Select Board. The duties and responsibilities of the Vermont Boards of Health are established by Statute, which include taking action to mitigate significant public health risks and enforcing health laws and rules set by the State of Vermont. They meet when necessary.

Please contact the Town Health Officer with any questions or concerns.
Fred Miller, THO
802.379.2892

Sewer Commission

The Sewer Commission is responsible for running the wastewater treatment facility and budget.  In Pownal, the Selectboard serves as the sewer commission. They meet on the 4th Thursday of each month when necessary.