October 2026


Good morning!



Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended Town Fair last week. This edition of the VLCT Journal looks ahead to what's next. Negotiations with PACIF/VERB remain ongoing; VLCT's updates webpage has more information. It isn't snowy yet in most of the state, but we know many of you are determining winter road maintenance needs and working on your 2027 budgets. It's hard to believe that Town Meeting day will be here before we know it. It's been a busy fall, but don't forget to complete your PACIF renewal and read important updates about the transition to DeltaVision for employee vision coverage.

 

News

Resources

Claims

Careers

Events

 

Legal Updates

Attn: Delinquent Tax Collectors – Here's a Handbook Just for You

The collector of delinquent taxes plays a vital role in ensuring that town property taxes are paid by all of the taxpayers of the town. Municipal Assistance Center staff attorneys prepared this Delinquent Tax Collection Handbook to assist the municipal officials who are statutorily responsible for this function. 

Town Report Best Practices Guide

This guide can assist you as you develop your Town Report. The tips, guidance, and top ten list of best practices were informed and inspired by reports submitted to the Town Report Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to Fayston – the winner of the 2026 Members Choice Award.

 
 

Risk Management

Stay Safe and Save Money: Tips to Avoid Weather-Related Injury

According to a 2021 study, 97 percent of all weather-related injuries in the United States are slips, trips, or falls on ice or snow. Additionally, damage to vehicles and property or vehicular losses remain high during winter months when variable conditions affect road traction, shoulder reliability, visibility, and municipal drivers’ ability to identify plowing perils. Follow these tips to avoid some common pitfalls. 

VLCT PACIF Receives AGRiP Recognition

AGRiP Recognition is a method for member pools to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of internal operational procedures against industry best practices. Any pool that meets the Advisory Standards is granted Recognition for three years, helping assure its governing body and members it is operating as effectively as they expect. 

What Makes PACIF Distinct? Programs & Benefits for Vermont Municipalities

As you work to complete your annual PACIF Renewal (values collection), now is a good time to review PACIF's offerings and programs – to make sure you're using all the benefits available to your municipality.

 
 

Apply Soon! The Municipal Service Scholarships is accepting applications through VSAC until February. Now is the time to think about municipal service opportunities and see if VLCT's scholarship is a good fit for you or a student you know.

 
 

Government Banking

As the bank for Vermont business, Northfield Savings Bank is proud to be the go-to local banking solution for Vermont’s municipalities, utility districts, school districts, and more.

 

Featured Resources & Opportunities

Understanding Property Valuation and Tax Increment in CHIP

The value of a CHIP housing site before development creates a starting point, and, as development occurs and the property value grows, a portion of the new tax revenue can be used for eligible infrastructure costs. Accurate property information and good financial records are very important for a CHIP project. 

Capital Planning: Small Town Incremental Approach

Regardless of your size, capital planning is a practical way to look ahead, prioritize needs, and avoid costly surprises. Roads, bridges, buildings, vehicles, and water systems eventually need major repairs or replacement. These tools help small towns get started with capital improvement plans and capital budgets.

A Guide to Planning Simple, Effective Selectboard Retreats

Board development doesn’t have to be formal or complicated. A selectboard retreat is a chance to welcome new members, reconnect as a team, and focus on the work ahead. Consider starting with a casual gathering so members can get to know each other in a low-pressure setting – where town business is not discussed.

 
 

ICYMI: Latest News

Celebrate Excellence in Local Government Congratulations to Hartford's Lori Hirsfield and Jericho's Catherine McMains.

2027–2028 Municipal Policy

Review the policies that will guide VLCT's advocacy efforts for the next biennium.

Years of Service Pins

Didn't get your years of service pin at Town Fair? We can send it to you!

Municipal Service Scholarship

Know a student interested in local gov? Encourage them to apply!

Governing All with Skill

There's still time to complete the program. Learn skills you can use every day with residents.

Unemployment Insurance Rates Reduced

The UI Trust will have an overall rate reduction of 3.3% and a new .4% rate minimum.

 
 
 

City Summit 2026, November 19-21

NLC’s City Summit is one of the most comprehensive conferences for local elected officials and municipal staff. This year it's taking place in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

Member Showcase: Fayston Wins Member Choice Vote

Congratulations to Fayston who won this year's Town Report Contest's Member Choice Award. Additional congratulations go out to Westfield, Lincoln, Putney, and Essex Junction City who all received gold in their population categories. Thank you to everyone who participated!

 
 

How Open Enrollment Impacts Your Finances

Open enrollment is your annual opportunity to review your health coverage and other benefits and confirm your elections for the coming plan year. This routine decision affects your finances for the next 12 months.

 

Store

 

About VLCT Journal


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


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