It's November, and though the cold arrived late, we know road crews are getting ready for snow and everyone is working to finalize the budget and prepare reports for Town Meeting in March. This issue features a variety of timely resources including links to our Town Meeting webpage, information about grants for COVID-19 related paid leave costs, vision insurance rates and coverage, and previews of things coming soon. Plus, you can test yourself in the Pop Quiz and save the date for Town Fair 2023.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow us on Facebook for daily updates and links to hot topics.

Nearly 400 members responded to the 2022 Annual Member Survey. The insights gleaned help us make changes to better serve you. Learn about a few exciting changes that are coming soon and see which lucky member won the iPad. See the insights.
Get ready for Town Meeting with newly reviewed and updated resources to help you prepare.
Be reimbursed after you pay employees for COVID-19 related leave taken 7/1/22-6/30/23.
Over 50% of Vermonters live in communities that have adopted the Declaration of Inclusion.
Use this handy annual reminder from PACIF to prepare for and stay safe this winter.
Unemployment insurance renewals were mailed to members on 11/10. First-quarter payments are due January 1.
There's $294k available for this grant from DEC. Applications are due by November 29.

You now have the ability to obtain affordable physical damage and liability coverage for any drones your municipality owns. PACIF's underwriting team can send you the application and go over license and policy requirements. Contact them at underwriting@vlct.org to find out more. Get your coverage.

Since 2020, the state has invested $338 million in housing, a previously unheard of amount. Yet housing, especially affordable housing, is still hard to come by. VLCT Advocacy discusses what can be done, such as amending Act 250 to eliminate unnecessary processes in designated areas. Share this action paper with your legislative candidates to help them learn a few of the ins and outs of this important topic.


Town Meeting! Preparations in town offices around the state are underway, and VLCT's Municipal Assistance Center is here to help. To get you started, read this article that highlights the rules and changes that may apply to you. Then visit vlct.org/TownMeeting to review the guidance and take advantage of the samples and templates available to you.


Nearly all of the EyeMed(R) vision care materials have been updated recently. This includes plans and rates for 2022 through 2026, enrollment and claim forms, and resources to help you and your employees make the best use of this vision benefit. EyeMed recently removed the option to fax enrollment/change forms, so make sure to submit yours via email or through the member portal.


Bonnie Waninger joined VLCT in late October with years of experience in helping local governments navigate layers of regulations and requirements, put together funding packages, and obtain and use grants effectively. She is diligently studying the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to sift through its 367 funding opportunities so she can help members make good use of those federal dollars.


The Compensation and Benefits Report provides data to help you make decisions around salaries, benefits and more. But, did you know it also has some interesting statistics? Make a guess and then check your answers. For each position ,do you think there are more elected or appointed officials?
  • Clerks
  • Treasurers
  • Constables
  • Road Commissioners
  • Delinquent Tax Collectors

With a reported national truck driver shortage hitting historically high levels due to an aging workforce and poor working conditions, competition for qualified drivers has sent long-haul trucking salaries up and made hiring for municipal drivers more competitive. The National League of Cities examined what strategies the City of Girard in southeast Kansas (population: 2,682) and others did to help alleviate the crisis and keep qualified drivers working for them. Read more.
Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
How soon after you find out does a work-related injury or illness need to be reported?
Doesn't matter, any time is fine
Within 72 hours, but sooner is better
By the end of the work week, or within 7 days
Trees with a green thermometer and Efficiency Vermont logo.

Cities and towns across the state are saving money, strengthening communities, and helping Vermont meet its climate goals through efficiency upgrades.

Efficiency Vermont offers free consultations to identify and prioritize energy-saving opportunities. Find out more in our new Sustainable Energy Resources topic page.

Do you know?
Which county is saving $6,000 a year on reduced energy costs thanks to efficiency upgrades at their county courthouse and sheriff’s department? Find out.
collage of training postcards with the words ON DEMAND TRAINING in the middle

Nearly all of VLCT's trainings are recorded and available for you to view on demand. We know your schedules are crazy and sometimes you can't attend live. These recordings are viewable at any time that works for you. Visit the bookstore to purchase a recording or view the recorded trainings library to see what's available for free.

Wednesday, November 30
10 - 11 AM
The role of a zoning administrator can vary greatly from town to town, depending on the municipality and Selectboard, but all must fulfill the same minimum statutory duties. This session will focus on reviewing those duties and sharing information on other zoning administrator responsibilities. Register.

Wednesday, December 14
9:00 - 10:30 AM
This session begins with an overview of the role and responsibilities of the delinquent tax collector and the municipal property tax process. It also covers legal requirements and property tax collection methods available under Vermont law. Sign up.

Monday, December 19
11 AM - 12 PM
Join Karen Horn and Gwynn Zakov as they prepare for the 2023 legislative session. Mark your calendars. Regular Advocacy Chats begin on Monday, January 9 and continue until the end of the legislative session. Register here.
PARTNER EVENT

Tuesday, December 6
Whether it be transportation, sewage and water, electric charging stations, recreation, or broadband – infrastructure is the foundation on which we organize our communities. This conference aims to dive deeper into the challenges that are preventing projects from moving forward at the pace needed; and to explore ideas for grassroot solutions to help build the infrastructure needed to grow our communities.

The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) has expanded its town matching grant program to help accelerate the build-out of broadband access while decreasing its cost. "This is a great opportunity for towns to boost the power of the dollars they spend getting their residents connected," says Governor Phil Scott in this article from the VCBB. The author also quotes Katie Buckley, VLCT's Federal Funding Assistance Program Director, and offers instructions on how to apply for the matching funds. Match your funds.

Anyone who plans annual events knows that the planning begins almost as soon as the last event is over (and sometimes even before). That is certainly true for Town Fair. We're happy to announce that next year VLCT members will again convene at the DoubleTree in South Burlington.

Save the date for Town Fair 2023 on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 26 & 27. Learn more.

VLCT will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Members with claims emergencies during this time should call (802) 272-5331. This number is for emergencies only. You can also report your claim online.

Find all issues of the VLCT Journal 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.
* POP QUIZ ANSWERS
Lately, the Pop Quiz has had more than one correct answer, but that is not true this month. By state law, employers must report within 72 hours of learning of a work-related injury or illness, and sooner is better. Late reporting can develop into significant long-term costs. Learn more and report a claim here.