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Open Meeting Law and the Board of Auditors
Is the Board of Auditors an advisory or non-advisory public body for the purposes of Vermont’s Open Meeting Law? The law draws a distinction between advisory and non-advisory (decision making) public bodies by imposing stricter requirements on the latter. VLCT considers a Board of Auditors to be a “non-advisory” body because the auditors have final statutory decision-making authority over the selectboard’s compensation.
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When is a Zoning Application Complete?
An application for zoning permit is complete when it meets all the substantive requirements and contains all the mandatory information as set forth by the local zoning bylaws and any applicable Vermont State law, and when the applicable application fee is paid. The completeness of an application is crucial, as it determines the applicable regulations for review, who reviews the application, and the timing of the review process.
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Compensation and Benefits Survey Launched; Due No Later Than July 31
One designated person in your municipality should have received an email link to complete the Compensation and Benefits Survey last week. Complete the survey now to get your free bound print of the Compensation and Benefits Report in October to help you set budgets and salaries for next year!
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PACIF Learn
VLCT PACIF members have access to 260+ online risk management courses through PACIF Learn. Employers can assign courses, check progress, run reports, and document employee certifications –including Water/Wastewater CTEs. Each course takes 30-60 minutes to complete. Courses in Health & Safety, Cybersecurity, Driver Safety, Employment Liability, Law Enforcement, and more are available.
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EAP Offers a Wealth of Resources for Employees
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stressed can seriously impair a person’s job performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. VLCT PACIF members' employees (and their households) are eligible for services through Invest EAP. Core services include counseling, work-life balance support, financial and legal consultation, substance abuse support, and crisis intervention.
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Employee Benefit: Coverage Through Northeast Delta Dental
Provide your employees with either a low-cost, high-value Group benefit administered by you, the employer, or access to cost-effective Individual Direct plans. Both types of coverage dovetail with the dental portion of Vermont Health Connect's health insurance plans. Plan years begin July 1, 2025 (fiscal year) or January 1, 2026 (calendar year). Open enrollment for dental groups renewing in July is now officially underway!
| | Did you know? PACIF is a member-owned risk-sharing pool that exists for the sole benefit of Vermont municipal entities. PACIF provides comprehensive workers’ compensation and property/casualty coverage with extensive risk management and operational support – that's why 95% of eligible municipal entities are members. We listen carefully when you share your coverage needs, and we closely monitor emerging trends in risk. Loss Control staff work to help you manage your present risks and prepare for the risks that lie ahead, and when something does happen our claims adjusters are right here in Vermont, available to help you over the phone or by email. | | |
Featured Resources & Opportunities | | |
VLCT.org Has the Information You Need
The VLCT website contains the latest news, training, resources, and guidance you need. Not sure where to look? Start with Resources in the main menu. From there you can find information organized by topic. Click through to the Resource Library where you can filter by Resource Category or Topic. Need information about employee benefits? Look under the Insurance tab, where you'll also find Claims, Safety, and more.
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Model Open Burn and Junk & Solid Waste Ordinances
The newest additions to VLCT's model policies and ordinances, this resource provides guidance to the tools the State has provided municipalities to better manage and regulate solid waste, junk, salvage yards, and open burns at the local level.
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Selectboard Member Curriculum
New selectboard members have a lot to learn about the legal requirements of their role as well as the managerial and administrative duties that come along with it. This curriculum can help you get started as it points out where to go for relevant information.
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The Next Federal Transportation Bill
Congress is negotiating what the next federal transportation bill will look like. It’s critical for local governments to connect with their Congressional delegations before May 30 on local transportation progress, plus their community needs.
| | Member Showcase: Public works staff from around the state gathered in Barre on May 7 for the 2025 Vermont Municipal Equipment Show & Field Day. Congratulations to Marlboro's Joe Soumar and Jonathan Simon who took first place in the snow plow contest and will compete against the best of New England. | | | | |
Open Meeting Law for Boards and Committees
Watch this training to learn or review the basic requirements of Vermont's Open Meeting Law. This training is critical for elected and appointed member of all statutory municipal boards, commissions, and committees (click Buy Now for a list) - as well as all committees appointed by selectboards and other legislative bodies.
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