October 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended this year's Town Fair. You'll find a few key parts of the conference covered in this issue of the VLCT Journal, but we're always looking forward. As you prepare for Town Meeting Day, take a look at these Town Report Best Practices and scroll below to see examples of excellent town reports. Explore the legal, regulatory, and market effects of short-term rentals, either in person or via Zoom on November 8. Stay tuned for more from PACIF on the new Policy Portal and, in the meantime, prepare for winter hazards because snow will fly before we know it.

News

Resources

Claims

Careers

Events

Legal Updates

Listers’ Grievance Decision Letter Only Needs to be Mailed to Property Taxpayer

The letter does not need to be mailed to the taxpayer's attorney. The Vermont Supreme Court decision affirms that due process, in property tax assessment grievance cases, is satisfied when the listers’ grievance decision letter is mailed to the taxpayer, even if the taxpayer is represented by an attorney.

VLCT Submits Amicus Brief in Support of Tunbridge in Trails Case

Owners of a property in Tunbridge have appealed an Orange County Superior Court ruling that the town has the sole legal authority to determine whether and how to build, maintain, and repair the legal municipal trails located on their property. A decision from the Vermont Supreme Court is expected later this fall.

Compensation and Benefits Report

The 2025 Vermont Municipal Compensation and Benefits report is now available digitally, and printed copies are in the mail to municipalities that responded to the survey. We encourage you to use this information as you plan budgets and hiring for next year.

Risk Management

Don't Leave Money on the Table: Apply for a PACIF Safety Grant by October 31

The 2025 PACIF Grants reimburse members for up to 50% of pre-approved purchases that are intended to reduce the likelihood of PACIF claims. Applications are being accepted and considered on a rolling basis. Make sure to submit your application now.

PACIF and VERB Annual Report

We extend our appreciation to every member of PACIF or VERB for your continued commitment and loyalty to VLCT’s insurance trusts. Both trusts achieved strong gains in net position this past year. Minimizing loss and protecting people remains a key goal to help keep the risk pools and our members strong.

PACIF Delivers Exceptional Coverage with a Wealth of Services, Programs, and Support for Vermont Municipal Entities

Learn what distinguishes PACIF from commercial insurers and discover key benefits already available to you. VLCT PACIF works individually with each member to help manage currents risks and prepare for the future. PACIF listens carefully when members share coverage needs and closely monitors emerging trends.

Thank you, Sponsors! Business Alliance Program members, especially Town Fair and Corporate Sponsors, help us keep the costs low and the quality high at Town Fair and throughout the year. Explore the list of program members and consider them when you send out RFPs or compare vendors.

See the Sponsors

Featured Resources & Opportunities

The ARPA Closeout Process Is Starting ...

But only by invitation! Treasury has begun the early closeout process for ARPA recipients. Approximately 100 municipalities across the country received invitations. (If you were one, let us know!) You can begin to prepare for closeout by reviewing the Award Closeout Preparation Checklist.

VLCT Annual Report

VLCT remains in a strong financial position and able to answer your call – whether it is one of your 3,000-plus legal inquiries, thousands of event registrations, or hundreds of policy questions and claims. Thank you for being a member.

Help Grow Vermont's Local Leaders

VLCT's Municipal Service Scholarship awards at least one $2000 scholarship annually to a municipal employee or their dependent who plans to work or volunteer in local government. Spread the word and apply today! Applications are through VSAC and are due mid-February.

ICYMI: Latest News

Years of Service Lapel Pins

You can still get your years of service lapel pin. Fill out this easy form and then check your mail.

Gov. Scott Highlights Civility at Town Fair

Prior to introducing the keynote speaker, Gov. Scott addressed Town Fair attendees.

Federal Shutdown: National Flood Insurance

Authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program has lapsed; learn what this means.

Town Fair Evaluation

Town Fair attendees: please take a moment to provide your feedback on this year's event.

Congratulations VLCT Award Winners!

Bill Fraser of Montpelier, Linda Marin of Wolcott, and Farley Brown of Craftsbury were recognized.

Find Several Town Fair 2025 Presentations

Many presenters have already shared their slide decks for VLCT members to view.

City Summit Registration Now Open!

City Summit is where local leaders connect, learn, and engage with experts and their peers. Build your leadership skills and gain proven strategies to support the work you are doing in your community.

Member Showcase: Congratulations to All Finalists and the Members Choice Winner – Guilford

Take a look at the town reports from the nine winners (three in each population tier) and don't miss the Town of Guilford – winner of the 2025 Members Choice Award. Thank you to everyone who participated!

When Does COBRA Coverage Apply?

This convenient new resource summarizes for municipal officials and staff who have human resources responsibilities the key circumstances under which an employer needs to offer COBRA coverage to a parting employee. COBRA administration is not easy and requires a lot of follow through, especially in the initial phases.

Store

On Demand Training and More

Did you know the vast majority of VLCT's live training is available to watch on demand? Visit the store to "purchase" a product, and you'll receive a link to view the recorded training and access supporting documents. Learn on your schedule!

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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