It is fair to say that Brattleboro has asked about as much as it can of its citizens from property taxes.
There is, however, another route to gaining more resources. It does not include taxation or fees. Rather, I am suggesting that the town take advantage of some key but underappreciated qualities it enjoys and raise money from contributions over and above the property tax.
I am suggesting that Brattleboro do what many, if not most, charitable organizations do: invite, or appeal for, charitable contributions from those who appreciate the community and its services.
In particular, I propose that the town issue a general appeal for specific-purpose gifts of cash or appreciated securities.