With chilly temperatures finally settling in, Vermonters are shifting gears from a prolonged rainy summer and busy conference season into autumn and the inevitable budget development process. In this issue of the VLCT Journal, we update readers on legislation-related summer work and introduce you to our newest staff member; review a particular change resulting from the HOME Act; and focus on three diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging topics. Among other things.
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The second half of the biennium is approaching, summer study committees are working to meet deadlines and turn in reports, and VLCT is considering our 2024 municipal priorities. Read what's happening.
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Apply by 11/9 for this program that uses the E.P.I.C. method to build better cultures.
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Applications emailed to members on 9/29 need to be completed and submitted very soon.
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Find the latest flood and disaster recovery resources at vlct.org/flood.
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So far, 125 Vermont communities have adopted this declaration – a significant milestone!
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Learn which municipal vehicle was voted Best In Tow during Town Fair 2023.
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This year's Vermont Municipal Compensation and Benefits Report has found its way to the members that responded to the summer survey! This annual report compiles compensation and benefits information from municipalities throughout the state for the full breadth of municipal positions. Stay competitive by using this report to see what municipal employers similar to you are offering. Participating municipalities should already have received their one bound print via USPS and access to the digital files via email. Non-participating municipalities can purchase the set at VLCT's online store. Visit the store.
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Three awards were given out during Town Fair in September honoring people who have supported local government in significant and long-lasting ways through their dedicated daily public service.
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As of July 1, 2023, the HOME Act changed several laws, such as repealing the right of voters in rural towns to require that all zoning bylaw updates be adopted by Australian ballot. Now the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal a rural town's zoning bylaw lies solely with the town’s selectboard.
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Don’t put your employees at financial risk if they have a medical need for extended time off – whether due to an emergency or planned necessary care. Learn about protecting them with short-term disability coverage that has a partial salary replacement benefit at low group rates. Kelley Avery, VLCT's Benefits Program Administrator, is happy to explain the coverage and get you a quote.
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Josh Hanford, who spent nearly two decades with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, started working for VLCT at the beginning of October. Learn more about him and why he chose VLCT.
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Towns with covered bridges on their PACIF property schedules need to anticipate the costs that might not be covered if repairs or replacement becomes necessary. The best way to prevent a distressing surprise is to have the bridge professionally appraised, then schedule the bridge for its appraised value. This keeps the risk-sharing element fair for all members, including those that don't have such valuable structures to cover.
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The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower federal court's decision concerning signs at a 2021 meeting of the City Council of Kingston, New York. The appeals court's decision has direct implications for VLCT members because Vermont is in the Second Circuit.
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Of the various ways in which municipalities need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), some technological ones may be made more specific as soon as 2024. The U.S. Department of Justice plans to update ADA regulations for state and local governments to improve the accessibility of websites and mobile applications. Learn more about the proposed standards.
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When are PACIF renewals due?
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Doesn't matter as long as the UM/UIM Form is turned in.
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For city leaders, brownfield sites represent unrealized potential: opportunities to create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, increase the tax base, and reuse and enhance already existing infrastructure in a more sustainable manner, according to J. Christian Bollwage, Mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey in this article for NLC.
The U. S. Department of Environmental Protection (EPA)'s Brownfields Program is up for reauthorization. Bollwage calls September's congressional hearing refreshingly bipartisan, encouraging local leaders to share their brownfield redevelopment success stories with their members of Congress.
The EPA is soliciting applications through Nov. 13 for Brownfields multipurpose grants, assessment grants, and cleanup grants funded under the current authorization.
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Running a municipality is hard. Aging infrastructure, homelessness, public safety concerns, and incivility have pushed your limits and those of your residents. This annual report highlights some of the ways that we at VLCT, your municipal association, worked conscientiously during 2022 to connect you with workable solutions. See the summary.
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Tuesday, October 24
12 PM – 1:30 PM
Tentative Location: Townshend Town Hall
Selectboard members from in and around Windham County are invited to come meet other colleagues from the region, share successes and challenges, and hear how VLCT is preparing for the 2024 legislative session. Register.
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Wednesday, October 25
9:30 AM – 12 PM
This annual training explains basic budgeting principles, financial management challenges, how to comply with legal requirements, and best practices for preparing the budget for town meeting. Register.
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Wednesday, November 8
2 PM – 3:30 PM
As of July 1, 2024 all non-profit and municipal employers must participate in unemployment insurance, regardless of staff size. Whether you need to register with the Department of Labor for the first time or are already participating, this session is for you. Presented by Common Good Vermont and the Vermont Department of Labor. Learn more and Register.
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Wednesday, November 15
10 AM – 11:30 AM
This session will provide an overview of the role and responsibilities of the Delinquent Tax Collector and the municipal tax process. It will also cover legal requirements for a variety of tasks and will briefly review the various property tax collection methods. Register.
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Town Fair sponsors not only help us produce a high quality event for a low registration fee, they also support VLCT and our members all year long through the Business Alliance Program. See the sponsors.
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As always, be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check the updated home page of our website for breaking news and announcements.
Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.
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* POP QUIZ ANSWERS
October 13, 2023 is the right answer, so if your renewal hasn't been submitted yet, please send it as soon as possible. Send any concerns or questions to underwriting@vlct.org.
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