March 2025

Vermont League,

This month we look forward to warmer days to come as we transition into spring, with Town Meeting successfully complete for most municipalities. If you haven't already, take a look at the Post Town Meeting Process and the new Failure to Elect Officers resources to help guide your follow-up tasks. We sincerely thank everyone who's already sent in their Contact Update s, and we extend a warm welcome to those receiving this VLCT Journal for the very first time.

News

Resources

Careers

Events

Legal Updates

NEW! Model Flag Policy

A flag policy is intended to help guide how municipal legislative bodies display flags on municipal property. Even with a flag policy in place, a legislative body must be sure to implement it consistently so it is actively controlling the municipality’s flag displays. Straying from the policy or ceding control over what and how flags are displayed could turn the flag display into a public forum for private speakers.

Mud Season Is Here: Transitioning Road Maintenance

March can bring both snow and mud to town roads. Here is a quick summary of the relevant state laws and VLCT resources to inform and guide road maintenance during this transitional time.

Risk Management

Risk Management Guidance for Municipal Leaders

Municipal leaders will gain insight into the risks that face your municipality and how to mitigate those risks to help keep people and resources safe. Hear best practices, practical guidance, and decision insights.

Mitigating Risk in Your Technology Contracts

Read this blog from VLCT PACIF's counterpart in Colorado to learn about negotiating changes to certain provisions of vendor-provided contracts in order to mitigate many of the risks associated with technology products. If your municipality is a PACIF member, contact us for Vermont-specific details.

Thoughts and Hopes from the Newest Members of the VLCT Equity Committee

We recently posed four questions to the newest members of VLCT’s Equity Committee about their interest in and goals for serving on it. The committee endeavors to support the ascendance of diversity, equity, inclusivity, belonging, and justice in Vermont local governments and communities.

Learn About These Committee Members

Featured Resources & Opportunities

New! Town Clerk's Handbook

This key publication for town clerks is now available! Read it online for the latest information or download a copy to keep in your office. Expand the Table of Contents to browse through the many resources related to the town clerk's role.

Learn How to Access Treasury's Reporting Portal for ARPA

Existing users should sign in now to make sure nothing has changed on your end. New users who don't yet have access will need to follow several steps to create a login.gov user account.

What Should the Town Health Officer Do When They Receive a Dog Bite Report?

The town health officer must, in part, complete four steps that are outlined within the Vermont Department of Health's Town Health Officer Manual.

ICYMI: Latest News

Save the Date! Municipal "Plow Rally" May 7

Nominate a deserving individual or department to be recognized for their outstanding work.

Sen. Welch Accepting Spending Requests

Applications for FY26 federal earmarks are due by 5 PM on Friday, March 28.

We're Advocating for You on Capitol Hill

In D.C. last week, Ted Brady and Josh Hanford expressed local concerns to our congresspersons.

Provide Feedback on Public Safety Comms

Your feedback by March 28 is essential in shaping the statewide dispatch system.

Complete Your Annual MRGP Checkup

Fees and reports are due April 1. Review all of the compliance items to confirm your town's status.

Pre-Crossover Flurry of Bills in State House

Read our March 17 Weekly Legislative Report to learn the Vermont bills taking shape recently.

How Two Cities Used ARPA Funds to Support Critical Local Services

This blog highlights two communities that used revenue replacement to fill gaps in the city’s general fund to support delivery of critical services for their residents ensuring they both obligated and spent all their funds.

Member Showcase: Chip Devenger has been Sutton's Town Moderator for 54 years. At age 21, Chip attended Town Meeting as a brand new voter, and the previous moderator happened to retire. Chip had not planned to run for the office, and he doesn’t recall who nominated him. But he does remember that on that day, with his mother as the town clerk/treasurer and his fifth & sixth grade teacher on the selectboard, he was elected Moderator.

Store

Muni Morning w/Kathleen: Selectboard Organization & Onboarding

Now available to watch on demand! Pro Tip: Helpful documents are included to download with all of our on-demand training.

Buy Now for $0.00

About VLCT Journal

Find all issues of the VLCT Journal at vlct.org/journal.

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Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.

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