February 2026

We might still be in a deep freeze, but maple sugaring season (and mud season) are just around the corner. Before you know it, Town Meeting will have gone by and the legislature will have hit crossover week. Before we speed ahead into spring, take a moment to meet VLCT PACIF's new Senior HR Consultant Christine Trombley Marsh, consider joining VLCT's Board of Directors, and make sure to review this Slips, Trips, and Falls safety brief – because it's still icy out there for now.

News

Resources

Claims

Careers

Events

Legal Notes

Consider All Statutory Factors of Necessity Before Taking Property

The takeaway from this recent Vermont Supreme Court decision is that when faced with an apparent need to condemn property for a sewer or wastewater system, a town and its municipal attorney must carefully consider and document all five of the factors included in the statutory definition of necessity.

Can You Reconsider/Rescind a Town Meeting Vote?

The short answer is yes. If a warned article is voted on at an annual town meeting, that article may be reconsidered or rescinded by the voters at a subsequent special town meeting warned for that purpose. Read this article to learn more about how to do this and what is (and isn't) allowed.

Post Town Meeting Process Info Sheet

Use this info sheet as a guide for navigating the numerous post-town-meeting legal requirements found in Vermont statutes.

Risk Management

Avoid Costly Vehicle Backing Accidents

Nearly 25% of municipal auto and related claims are associated with vehicle backing. Prevent these types of accidents through training, adoption of policies that eliminate unnecessary backing, and investing in back-up cameras. Remember that back-up cameras are eligible for PACIF Grants.

Submit Your Unemployment Insurance Wage Report

It is the time of year again when the VERB Trust needs your UI Annual Wage Report. Please note that all UI Program participants, regardless of size, must complete and submit this report electronically.

Workers' Compensation Audits Begin Soon

PACIF members will soon receive an email with a link to the Workers’ Compensation Audit Values Collection form, where they'll be able to upload the required documents. Members with a 2024 audited workers’ compensation contribution of less than $5,000 will be able to complete a simplified audit process.

Selectboard Onboarding and Board Development. Each March, voters elect new selectboard members who are then expected to take on major responsibilities, often with little guidance. This simple onboarding will reduce missteps, improve decisions and communication, and help develop more effective boards.

Learn More

Featured Resources & Opportunities

Understanding Fund Balance

Fund balance is a central part of municipal financial management. It represents resources that have accumulated over time and can be used to support operations, manage cash flow, and respond to unexpected needs. Until last year, statute was not clear about how local governments may handle fund balance, but VLCT’s advocacy work during the 2025 legislative session helped change that.

Small Project Pitfalls: New FEMA Public Assistances FAQs

New FAQs address two issues related to FEMA’s Small Project procedure: changes to project scope and what happens when a Small Project costs less than expected. Early communication with the state and staying compliant with FEMA requirements can help you avoid common pitfalls and having to repay funds.

ICYMI

Strategic Abandonment: Plan for Sustainability

This approach is about making careful, long-term decisions about the use of limited resources.

FEMA PA Audit Compliance Findings

Practical and ready-to-use advice that addresses the most common compliance questions.

The Value of PACIF is in All Members

Broad-based member participation keeps this risk pool healthy and reliable.

Vermont Town Careers

Take advantage of this free membership benefit and advertise your job openings with us.

Federal Grant Requirements for Cybersecurity

As of October 2024, cybersecurity must be included as part of your internal control systems.

Election Safety with VMCTA

VLCT stands with town clerks for upholding respect and safety in election administration.

NLC Congressional City Conference

Join NLC and municipal officials from across the country at this annual conference where local leaders engage on policy, learn from experts, and make connections. March 16-18 in Washington, D.C.

Member Showcase: 50 Towns Visited by Municipal Operations Support Staff

In 2025, VLCT Municipal Operations Specialist Kathleen Ramsay visited municipalities across Vermont to better understand operational capacity, capital and infrastructure needs, reliance on grants, and emerging hot topics. Hear about the trends and strain points she identified and how VLCT plans to help.

Benefits of Up-to-Date Job Descriptions

Updating descriptions is sometimes the last thing on the list to tackle because there are so many other issues that require HR’s time and attention. But revising job descriptions is very important, especially when you are hiring people.

Store

On Demand: Advocacy Chat

Did you know VLCT's biweekly Advocacy Chat is available to watch on demand? Don't worry if you miss the live event every other Monday at 1 PM – just check the store the following day to view the latest.

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About VLCT Journal

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

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