November is a month of transition. Elections usher in change, daylight hours get shorter, cold weather and snow begin to arrive, and we prepare for winter and what's to come. In this issue of the VLCT Journal we offer updated guidance on holiday displays, share resources for Town Meeting, and direct you to new staff and assistance through the Municipal Operations Support team.


Follow our Facebook page for more news, updates, and announcements: facebook.com/VTLeague.

New! Municipal Operations Support


In response to needs you expressed in VLCT's member survey and through conversations with us, VLCT sought and was awarded funding to help you with three critical areas: government finance, operations, and management and administration. Strengthen your capacity.

ICYMI: FEATURED NEWS

Fall Advocacy Update

Read about election results and other legislative topics as we prepare for the 2025 session.

Unemployment Insurance Rates Reduced

Bills arriving at the end of the month will have, on average, a 12% rate reduction for 2025.

VLCT's Thanksgiving Office Hours

The VLCT office will be closed 11/28 and 11/29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Charlotte's Net-Zero Town Garage

Financed through a pilot project that offers low interest rates for climate-friendly buildings.

Open Meeting Law On Demand

Learn the basics of the law including updates made via Act 133 in 2024. This training is free.

EPL Referral Program is Here to Help

Find out why members love PACIF's Employment Practices Liability Referral Program.

Visit the News Feed

VLCT's 2023 Annual Report


Your municipal association is here for you, ready to answer questions ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It feels like the extraordinary and urgent questions are becoming more common, including those on flooding, budget constraints, and houselessness. The 2023 Annual report includes a brief overview of what 2023 tossed at us and provides a statement of VLCT's net position. Read more.

FEATURED RESOURCES & ARTICLES

Update: Holiday Displays On Municipal Property


Each year holiday displays of all kinds are set up across the state, especially in November and December. Some of those displays are on municipal property, which may have significant legal and political implications. In this article, VLCT Staff Attorney Carl Andeer discusses what you should take into consideration ahead of time and reviews several recent court cases that have affected the guidance.



Learn the ramifications.

Record Your Australian Ballot Informational Hearing


Among the many changes to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law in 2024's Act 133 was an amendment to the use of the Australian ballot system of voting. The law now requires informational hearings to be recorded and a copy of the recording to be posted in a designated electronic location until the results of the voting have been certified.



Find out more.

Elected/Appointed/Eliminated Offices: 2024 Survey Says ...


In advance of town meeting, VLCT is often asked how many Vermont towns have changed an office from being elected to appointed or even eliminated completely. The 2024 Compensation and Benefits Report reveals how many municipalities have voted to make such a change. Note: Only certain positions are eligible to be changed or eliminated.


See the related stats.

See What's In Store with EyeMed Vision Insurance


VLCT offers vision benefits to its members through EyeMed Vision Care. Member employers choose from three plan options. The "Packaged" plan is provided to employees as part of their health insurance benefit. The two voluntary plans (one Standard and one Enhanced) are for employees who want to take advantage of our low group rates through payroll deductions.


Discover the details.

Kathleen Ramsay Joins VLCT


As a self-proclaimed local government nerd, Kathleen Ramsay, formerly the Middlebury Town Manager, is excited to help communities across the state. She shares, "Everywhere I go, I'm looking for ideas to make our communities better. That’s why most of my travel photos feature municipal parks and facilities, downtown signage and decoration, and 'extra' roadway features.'" Kathleen will work with flood-impacted communities to assess operational capacity, determine plans to address vulnerabilities, and advance recovery and long-term resilience efforts. 


Meet Kathleen.

Town Meeting 2025


Are you excited for Town Meeting 2025? Or maybe you feel a little daunted by the herculean task of preparing for one of the most important annual functions your town has. In either case, VLCT is here to help. Visit our Town Meeting webpage for a host of useful resources and guidance including a model warning, article, and social services appropriation policy, a town meeting quick guide, a chart of elected and appointed officers, and several FAQ pages to provide a refresher or help you get started.

Find the resource you need.

Pop Quiz and VLCT logo.

POP Quiz

Take the quiz then scroll below for answers!

When will Volunteer Fire Districts receive the template for their Assigned Risk roster?
Umm... no clue.
I think around the 1st of December.
Doesn't that happen in July?

NLC: Supreme Court 2024-25 Important Municipal Cases


The 2024-25 United States Supreme Court Term officially kicked off on Monday, October 7. Several significant cases could impact local governments. Cases of importance this term include questions of employment law issues related to Title VII and the Fair Labor Standards Act, environmental law and the permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act, the scope of authority for a federal regulation relating to “ghost guns,” when attorney’s fees can be assigned, and The Americans with Disabilities Act.


Learn more.

Browse the Latest Resources

PACIF Rates and Contribution Credits for 2025


For 2025, the PACIF Board of Directors approved $200,000 to fund PACIF Grants and returning $1.5 million of member equity (surplus) as credits toward members' contributions. While overall rates will rise by a very modest 0.2 percent, each invoice will also reflect the member's claim history and any increased exposures (e.g. higher payroll or building values). PACIF’s continued rate stability and return of member equity would not be possible without all of you, our members. Thank you for your loyalty and for being great risk management ambassadors! See more PACIF distinctions.    

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS

Tax Sale Law Update


Wednesday, December 11

10 AM – 11:30 AM

Learn how to comply with the 2024 changes to Vermont Law with new legal requirements for selling property for nonpayment of taxes.

Register.

Advocacy Chat: Preview 2025



Monday, December 16

1 PM – 2 PM (New time for the 2025 session!)

Join us to discuss the issues the Vermont General Assembly is likely to – or you think should – take on in this new biennium. Register.

December Legal Lunch



Wednesday, December 18

12 PM – 1 PM

Bring your lunch and your questions for a live, interactive Q&A with VLCT’s Municipal Assistance Center attorneys. Register.

Advocacy Chat 1/27/25



Monday, January 27

1 PM – 2 PM (New time for the 2025 session!)

In each chat, VLCT’s advocacy team will share progress made on the issues that matter most to local governmentRegister.

Click for all VLCT events

Congratulations to Trisha Clark!

VLCT's Trisha Clark was presented with NLC's Stutz award last month. The Stutz award is given to a municipal or league employee who has served for 25 years. We extend many congratulations and a huge thank you to Trisha for her years of service. Send your congratulations.

About VLCT Journal


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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* POP QUIZ ANSWERS

VFDs will receive the template to fill in their roster around the 1st of December.