Town Clerk | Town Offices
The Town Clerk and Treasurer’s (Town Office) hours are:
Monday: 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Phone: 802-537-2611 Email: bensonclerk@myottmail.com
Trash | Recycling
Benson is a member of the Rutland County Solid Waste Alliance. Our trash and recycling center is located at the end of Glenn Road and is open on Wednesdays from Noon – 4 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am – 4 pm. Residents need to purchase a yearly permit which is available at the Town Offices for $35 per year, valid until March 31. Trash bag stickers are sold at the Town Offices and also at the G&L General Store. Each bag needs one sticker, which are two dollars apiece.
We have free disposal for batteries and electronics. Recycling is single stream and also free of charge. There is a compost station available for disposal of food scraps.
Fire Warden
The Benson Town Forest Fire Warden is Lyndon Austin. If you are planning on burning on your property you may need a Burn Permit. Any person setting a fire (natural wood, brush, leaves or grass) must have a burn permit (unless there is snow surrounding the open burning site). If they do not, they may receive a “Vermont Fire Prevention Ticket,” which results in court action and a fine. They are also subject to responsibility for any costs involved in putting a fire out by the fire department. ALL fires must be attended until they are out. Please contact Lyndon ahead of time at 802 922 1049. This is his cell phone so texting is also an option.
The Forest Fire Warden is responsible for suppression of wildland fires within the town. He is also responsible for enforcement of open burning laws, by issuing burn permits, inspecting problem sites, and educating townspeople in proper burning practices. If you see a brush or forest fire within Benson, please call the Fire Warden or 911.
Dog Licenses
Dog tags for 2024 are available at the town office. All dogs that are six months of age or older must be licensed on or before April 1st. Proof of current rabies vaccination required. Cost is $9 for spayed or neutered and $13 for others.
Voting
Voting takes place at the Community Hall, located next to the Town Offices. Town Meeting is held on the first Tuesday of March. Warnings for voting (including special meetings and/or elections) are posted at the Town Clerk’s Office, the Wheel Inn, and the G&L General Store.
The Documents page of this website has Voter Registration Forms, Absentee Ballot Forms, and forms that are needed in order to run for elected office. The Vermont Secretary of State has a Voter FAQ page, and also a very informative Town Meetings & Local Elections resource page.
Benson Public Library
The Benson Public Library is located in the front portion of the Community Hall. The library maintains a Facebook page with current hours and information.
Cemeteries
Benson has a cemetery committee that maintains our cemeteries. We have a total of 10 cemeteries in town, but the two largest are the Fairview Cemetery (it was first used in 1898 and contains more than 350 graves) and is still being utilized for new burials, and the Old Cemetery (it was first used in 1789 and contains 698 graves) which is located behind the Community Hall.