March is a month of transition: in many parts of the state, crocus and daffodils are already popping up through the snow, maple sugaring season is coming to a close, and mud season is in full swing. Likewise, this March issue of the VLCT Journal features transition and progress: information to help you wrap up town meeting, two event save-the-date notices, and three items about grant funding and strategies to be successful.
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Some grant programs require project inclusion in specific databases or plans. Others award bonus points during review. Boost your competitiveness by ensuring your project is on “the List” before you apply . Learn more. |
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Schedule time now for one-on-one help from VLCT's Federal Funding Assistance staff.
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This resource will help you navigate the numerous statutory requirements of this time.
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See what funding is available now – and learn what you need to qualify.
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Read the Vt Dept. of Public Service's draft Telecommunications Plan. Respond by 3/29.
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Read the status of municipally relevant legislation on public safety and transportation.
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Share photos of your Town Meeting Day, muddy roads, or the upcoming eclipse.
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Save the date for this fun event! Taking place on June 21 at Vermont's only municipally owned 18-hole golf course, Green Mountain National in Killington, this is a great opportunity to take a break from your normal duties and enjoy a summer day with colleagues and vendors from around the state (and beyond). Learn more.
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The selectboard has the authority and responsibility to draw (issue) orders that instruct the treasurer to pay the town’s bills. The board must meet and concur on a decision to draw the order: no single member may take action individually. This dynamic can make it difficult to ensure that town payments are made on time, especially for boards that do not meet frequently. Read our new resource, Signing Orders for Payment, for more information on how selectboards can more efficiently ensure that town payments are made on time.
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Boost your project's competitiveness by pre-qualifying it through the USDA's Strategic Economic and Community Development Program (SECD). The SECD program reserves a percentage of funds from certain USDA programs for projects with regional benefits to economic and community development. SECD-earned points are added to the score your application earns, boosting your total score and increasing the application's competitiveness.
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If you have attended a VLCT event lately, you likely already met Adele Taplin, who became our Communications Associate for Events and Programs in January. Adele is excited to call Vermont home again after nearly 10 years of living in Denver and Philadelphia. She encourages members to reach out, comment, and ask her questions about events, and she strives to support and help meet members' needs through VLCT's trainings.
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Dog owners, breeders, and sellers have specific licensing and permitting requirements, all with different fees due on April 1 of each year. Use this article as a handy guide for navigating dog licenses, pet dealer permits, breeder licenses, and working farm dog licenses.
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PACIF members received an email in February with instructions for conducting their workers' compensation self audit. If you have not yet completed yours, please do so by the end of March (earlier than usual due to an upcoming system upgrade). Instructions and more information are available on our website through the link below or by contacting the PACIF Underwriting team.
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This article by a long-time favorite VLCT author touches on several historical milestones in the movement for women's rights and for acknowledging the many contributions by women in the United States and Vermont. We recommend using it as a starting point for delving more deeply into the accomplishments of women through the years. Learn more.
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When is your PACIF Workers' Comp Audit due?
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March 1 (Oh nooo, it's late!)
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In this podcast, NLC's Clarence Anthony sits down with Bill Braniff, Director of the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to talk about the growing issue of hate and extremism. They discuss how local leaders can partner with the federal government to use an approach based on public health rather than criminal justice to respond to and prevent hate-fueled incidents.
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Learn about VLCT services and see what we've been up to recently. This handy brochure is your one-stop shop for learning what VLCT does and how we work to serve you. Whether you've been in local government for decades or you're brand new to it, the 2024 Member Guide is a quick read and will help you make sure you're taking full advantage of all that VLCT has to offer your town, your staff, and your elected and appointed officials. Check out the 2024 Member Guide.
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Thursday, March 21
10 AM – 11 AM
Zoom
Learn about local and state-level plans around the 4/8 total solar eclipse so your town can prepare for an influx of visitors. Register.
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Saturday, March 23
9 AM – 2:30 PM
Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee
Learn key foundational information about selectboard responsibilities, meet board members from around the state, and catch up on the latest legislative happenings. Register.
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Wednesday, March 27
12 PM – 1 PM
Zoom
Bring your lunch and your questions for our monthly get-together. We look forward to seeing plenty of new officials! Register.
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Tuesday, April 9
10 AM – 12 PM
Zoom
Learn about the forethought and planning that can make all the difference before you apply for a grant. Register.
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Some parts of the state still have snow on the ground, but we're already planning for the leaves to turn color and VLCT's annual conference – Town Fair. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for announcements about programming, keynote, fun events, and more. Save the date.
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Looking for something you saw in a previous issue? You can easily find all issues of the VLCT Journal at vlct.org/journal.
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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