Brattleboro drops idea of tax hike meant to aid its hospital’s endangered birthing center

Brattleboro dropped a proposed municipal tax hike to support Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s financially struggling birthing center after hospital leaders expressed concerns about divisiveness and affordability. The hospital faces a $4.8 million annual deficit and may close its obstetric services within six to nine months unless a solution is found. Hospital and town officials now advocate for state-level interventions, including adjusting Medicaid reimbursement rates.