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December 2025
It's amazing how quickly the new year starts to rush in. We don't want to skip right past December (remember to apply for the Municipal Service Scholarship soon), but there are a few early January items you shouldn't miss. First, take a look at the updated Legislative Priorities before the session begins January 6 and, if you haven't already, read VLCT Advocacy's Legislative Preview. Then take a look at the Town Meeting resources and make sure to attend the Town Meeting Articles and Warnings training on January 7. You can find that and see more of what's planned for 2026 on the Annual Events and Training Schedule webpage.
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Town Meeting Resources – New Updates!
As you prepare for Town Meeting, take a look at the resources VLCT has to offer. The Model Town Meeting Articles, Australian Ballot Info Sheet, Failure to Elect Officers Info Sheet, and the Model Social Services Appropriation Policy have all been updated recently.
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Can Regulatory Fees Be Used to Raise Revenue?
As a general rule, no: regulatory fees cannot be used to raise revenue. However, the answer will always depend on the specific wording of the enabling authority (the power the State gives municipalities to act) and the purpose (i.e., the objective) and scope of the regulatory services that the fees finance.
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Vicious Dog Euthanization Upheld by Superior Court
The Chittenden County Superior Court upheld the decision because there was adequate evidence to support the selectboard's conclusion. The court explained that its role is not to “independently weigh the evidence to make its own findings,” but rather to “determine if there was adequate evidence to support the selectboard’s decision.”
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Tips for Winter Property Safety
Vermont’s winters impose some special risks on man-made structures, motivating PACIF’s loss control staff to suggest several important ways to head off damage before it happens. When all PACIF members work to reduce their potential for claims, fewer claims occur, which directly influences future property coverage rates.
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Safety Bulletin: Good Nutrition Fuels Safety
Poor nutrition increases our risk for injury because it can lead to fatigue and slower reaction times. Proper nutrients support muscle function, balance, and recovery. Eat balanced meals throughout the day to keep energy levels consistent.
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Safety Management Trainings for Sports and Special Events
Protecting against, responding to, and recovering from emergencies during sports or other large-scale events requires specialized knowledge and training. These courses focus specifically on incident management, crowd and evacuation management, crisis information management, and developing capability to operate in multi-agency collaborations.
| | New Program: Governing All with Skill. Join us on January 13 to learn more about this new program with Abundant Sun. VLCT members can access, for free, eight self-paced modules designed to support those serving their communities with practical tools and deeper understanding. Learn how to govern wisely, with calm in the midst of chaos and fairness at the heart of every decision. | | Featured Resources & Opportunities | | |
Effective Testimony Guide for Municipal Officials
Discover practical tips for crafting persuasive testimony: learn how to organize your message, present facts clearly, and build credibility with legislators. Use this guide to strengthen your voice and influence decisions at the State House.
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Meet Muni-Pal, VLCT's New AI Assistant
This artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant is designed to help you find resources to do your job. Muni-Pal is in beta mode, or experimental mode, as VLCT seeks to determine if an AI assistant can help our members access the information they are looking for on our website in a more effective way. Try it out!
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Actions to Enable Housing Development in Your Community
This resource offers simple, practical ideas for how communities of all sizes can support affordable and workforce housing. It addresses how municipalities can make housing a priority, cut through red tape, reduce the risks and costs for housing developers, and team up with others to find and access funding.
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CHIP Webinar Series
Learn the steps needed to implement CHIP in your community. Designed for local leaders.
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Winter Road Maintenance
Learn your winter road maintenance options and obligations with respect to road classes.
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Member Showcase: A Community Milestone in Dorset
Dorset’s new 5,200 sq. ft. town office combines modern design with sustainable features and a warm, open layout. This net-zero space reflects teamwork, pride, and a commitment to serving residents for decades to come. Congratulations Dorset!
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Mental Health Year-End Reflection
As the year draws to a close, December naturally invites a moment of pause. Experts often emphasize that reflection can be more impactful than just traditional New Year’s resolutions. While resolutions tend to focus on specific goals or behaviors, reflection invites a deeper, more compassionate look at the past year.
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On Demand: Open Meeting Law Basics
This training is critical for elected and appointed members of all statutory municipal boards, commissions, and committees – as well as all committees appointed by selectboards and other legislative bodies.
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