Sure as the muddy roads are graded and the sap has turned to syrup, we think you’ll find this journal’s second edition chock full of the must useful news, information, and events.

From new technology, finance, and insurance offerings to various tips and answers and templates, there are plenty of resources to bookmark and use as you need them. If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow us on Facebook for daily updates and links to the latest.
VLCT now offers finance help at many levels, not only by answering individual questions but also via group trainings and consulting services. Rely on Sarah Macy, VLCT's Government Finance Specialist, for expert assistance. Discover how.
Use these resources to better manage and protect your municipality's hardware and software.
Grants of up to $10K are available to support 12-month projects that foster inclusion and belonging. Consider the possibilities!
Selectboards may restrict or close a highway, in any season, when certain conditions are met.
Use these free CISA resources to protect your municipality from cybersecurity threats.
Do you know if you're taking the standard allowance? You must decide by 4/30.
View our free trainings on demand, including one from 4/5 on the ARPA reporting due 4/30.

Now is the time to decide if you'd like to offer your employees Supplemental Life and/or Pet Health insurance. These new products from VLCT will be available soon at low group rates that will be paid through employee payroll deductions. Supplemental life insurance allows employers who offer group life coverage through VLCT to offer additional life insurance to employees and employees' spouses and/or children. Pet insurance has become one of the most requested workplace benefits and helps your employees manage the rising costs of pet healthcare. Find out more.

VLCT Executive Director Ted Brady, VLCT Board President Jessie Baker, and other municipal leaders held a press conference on Tuesday, April 19 where they unveiled the results of the first independent report on the effects of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in Vermont.


It comes as no surprise that state law governs the sale of town-owned property. Under the law, a selectboard has three options. None of the options requires a town to put the property out to bid, but if a town holds a property in a fiduciary capacity, it must handle it in a responsible manner, keeping the interests of the original owner in mind.


The anticipation has been excruciating, and now PACIF members can become acquainted with the new Loss Control Manager, Jeff LaBossiere. After filling his head with all aspects of municipal safety and much more, he is ready to get out of the lab and into town garages, offices, ball fields, and what-have-you.


Did you know that PACIF claims representatives can help members recover the costs of property damage caused by a third party that is not covered by PACIF? They have been doing this as a matter of course for a long time. We recently streamlined certain steps for everyone's convenience.


A few First Amendment audits have been conducted in Vermont, with mixed results. Our new resource page offers eye-opening insight and real-world guidance.


The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes investments in municipal infrastructure for small and rural communities: high speed internet, improving rural transportation, fixing roads and bridges, and more. This article from the National League of Cities (NLC) provides an overview of the opportunities in the law for small communities and links to tools & resources you will find useful as you discover what this law can do for your town and how to make the most of its funding. Read more.

Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
Where can you get free cybersecurity resources?
KnowBe4
CISA
Facebook/Social Media

April showers unfortunately bring more than May flowers. They can also bring moisture into your town buildings.

When not addressed, excess moisture can lead to problems like mold and rot. Add a dehumidifier to keep your indoor air safe and healthy for employees and citizens.

Use the Efficiency Vermont Marketplace to find and compare efficient dehumidifiers, and then find rebates on eligible products by visiting efficiencyvermont.com/rebate.

The Academy of American Poets first organized this celebration in 1996 to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. There are numerous observations of the month-long event throughout Vermont, including in Bennington, Bradford, Newport, St. Johnsbury, and more. Scroll through the images (+ see poetry events you can attend).


Thursday, April 28 @ 9:00 AM
This training features legislative and program updates from PVR, a presentation from the Vermont Center for Geographic Information, and a general discussion with your colleagues to hear creative solutions. Register here.

Monday, May 2 @ 11:00 AM
Stay up to date on action during the 2022 legislative session with Karen Horn and Gwynn Zakov. Share your thoughts, whether they are on topics being discussed in the State House or a different legislative concern. Register here.

Thursday, May 5 @ 9:00 AM
Learn the legal and practical parameters within which the BCA must operate – including deadlines, the rules governing participation, and requirements for decision making. Register here.

Wednesday, May 11 @ 9:00 AM
Hear from experts who will discuss strategies for working through tough conversations, review best practices for managing and resolving conflicts that comply with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law, and explain some options for when a resolution or agreement is clearly not attainable. Register here.
PARTNER EVENTS

Wednesday, May 11 @ 7:30 AM
Hosted by the New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association, this ever-popular event returns to the Barre Civic Center this spring. Register here.

Thursday, June 2 & Friday June 3
Get helpful municipal information about safety, regulation, and best practices in Vermont's short-term rental industry. Hosted by VT Short-Term Rental Alliance. Register here.

Follow VLCT on Facebook to stay up to date on everything we have going on. We share resources, events, relevant news stories and more. Did you see our recent Facebook live? If not, add VLCT as a favorite so you never miss our posts or live events. To start, navigate to our page, facebook.com/VTLeague click the three little dots on the top right of our profile, select Follow Settings, and then hit the radio button next to Favorites. Follow Us!

VLCT in collaboration with the Leahy Center for Digital Forensic & Cybersecurity has created a custom template you can use to Request IT Service Quotes. In addition to the template the Leahy Center compiled an IT Services Options Catalog. These new resources are to help members of all sizes select an information technology provider that meets your unique needs. Review the new resources.

Rob Gaiotti, Bevan Quinn, and Lisa Walker of Dorset, Guilford, and Stowe, respectively, knew that in 1810, James Wilson manufactured geographic globes in Bradford, Vermont. Flawlessly out-figured, folks! To read more about Mr. Wilson and his globes, and to find the April trivia question, click one of the three nearest links. Acknowledge the anagram.

Everyone who was subscribed to the print edition of VLCT News is now subscribed to VLCT Journal. Find all issues at vlct.org/journal.

As always, be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check the updated home page of our website for breaking news and announcements.

Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.
* PACIF POP QUIZ ANSWERS
  • Everyone can access free cybersecurity services and tools from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
  • Certain PACIF members can be reimbursed for KnowBe4 training for their employees.
  • We do not recommend using social media as a resource for cybersecurity.