Spring has made it to Vermont! This issue of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns' VLCT Journal is a completely new experience for our state's most recently elected, appointed, or hired local officials, yet parts of this publication were seen just last month by other readers. Our intent is to make sure that many of VLCT's core services and examples of useful information are readily accessible to all of you.
Much of the new information points out the opportunities now available to members through our recently launched Municipal Access Portal. We hope you are getting comfortable with using it.
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If you received login credentials in VLCT emails but haven't logged in yet, watch this short video from Ted Brady to learn how. Take a look.
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College juniors or seniors as well as graduate students can apply by April 28.
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Use this handy list to help you tap into help with finding and applying for federal grants.
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Many federal grant programs are now taking applications. Our page shows all open grants.
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The 2023 Project and Expenditure Report is available in Treasury's portal.
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Read what is most important to municipalities as the 2023 legislative session winds down.
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Apply or nominate someone else by May 5 for VLCT's appointment to the state-level board.
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Time is short for members of our Unemployment Insurance program to report their 2022 payroll.
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Please contact a member of the PACIF underwriting team if you have any questions.
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Shortly before March 30, when we launched our new Municipal Access Portal (MAP) in our refreshed website, VLCT set up accounts and emailed login credentials to all of the municipal officials and staff whose emails we already had on file. If you received these emails the week of 3/27, we hope you have been able to log in and use some of the new MAP features. If you're not sure whether you have an account, please send your name, title, and municipality to mailings@vlct.org, and we'll follow up with you.
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On March 30, vlct.org launched a new look. The site refresh keeps up with best practices and accessibility standards as well as providing a new main menu navigation. You are now asked to log in to view some content, keeping this important member benefit secure. To help orient you to where things are and get an overview of what's changed, click through to watch the video. Video not your thing? Look under the Programs, Resources, or Quick Tools menu items for some of our most popular web content.
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VLCT PACIF members can access free, confidential services that support you and your household's personal health, safety, and wellbeing through Invest EAP. Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Invest EAP can help in a variety of areas including solutions-focused counseling, financial consulting, support for managers and supervisors, and more.
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One feature of our new Municipal Access Portal (MAP) is an easy way to submit a legal inquiry or ask a financial, federal funding, or general question. Instead of calling or emailing us, log in at vlct.org/login and click "Submit an Inquiry" or "Ask a Question" under Quick Tools in the main menu.
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Everyone must have a unique email address to access the Municipal Access Portal and its features. Multiple MAP accounts cannot use the same email address, because the system relies on your name and email to create your individual account.
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You are now able to pay for events and store items via credit card! In fact, a credit card may be your best option for some purchases, giving you instant access to digital products. Even better, member rates are automatically applied for events, and PACIF members can use a simple discount code in the store. Of course, you can still select Bill Me at checkout, and now you have an ACH option along with credit card.
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Take advantage of these two funding opportunities for VLCT PACIF members. Applications for both are accepted on a rolling basis. The grants for approved equipment and facility improvements provide up to 100% reimbursement, ranging from $500 to $7,500 depending on contribution size. John Law Scholarships – for training related to risk management or safety – reimburse members up to $500 for individuals or $2,500 for groups.
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Please plan to join us at our annual conference on September 26 & 27, 2023 in South Burlington for informative trainings, connecting with other municipal leaders, and time to browse our popular Exhibitor Hall.
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Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
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What insurance coverages does VLCT offer?
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Property, Vehicle, and Liability
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All of the Above – and employee benefits!
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LEDs have come a long way in recent years. What used to be a high-cost option for businesses and homes has become the standard when replacing old lighting. In fact, new federal and state laws call for only high-efficiency LED lighting to be sold starting in 2023.
As a result, Efficiency Vermont’s lighting incentives are also changing. Many of their point-of-sale and cashback offers expire on 7/1/23, and the rest expire on 12/31/23. Until then, you can get the best LED lighting incentives ever on projects up to 500 bulbs.
Click on the heading above or call Efficiency Vermont at (888)921-5990 to talk about your municipality’s lighting needs.
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The benefits of VLCT membership are so diverse and deep that we have developed this lively summary of your benefits and services. It can be especially helpful for new officials just getting acquainted with VLCT and all that we offer. Don't miss out! View the 2023 VLCT Member Guide.
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Wednesday, April 26
8 AM – 4 PM
This all-day (in-person) informative course will cover all things highway safety with presenters from VLCT PACIF, VOSHA, and the Vermont DMV. Register here.
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Monday, May 1
11 AM – 12 PM
Hear the latest legislative happenings from Karen and Gwynn. Because the 2023 session is nearing its close, this will be the last biweekly chat this year (but you can also look forward to the wrap-up chat on June 5). Register here.
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Wednesday, May 3
9:30 AM – 12 PM
A high-level overview of the selectboard’s legal responsibilities regarding finances is followed by a deeper dive into the basics of governmental accounting. Sign up.
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Thursday, May 25
10 AM – 11 AM
Valuable tips and information on how to navigate and use the EyeManage system. Register.
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Wednesday, May 10
7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Barre Civic Center, Barre
The fun returns with the Snowplow Rally and Backhoe Competition, trade show exhibits, and lunch. Register today!
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Wednesday, May 10 – Golf, 12 PM – 4 PM
Thursday, May 11 – Conference, 8 AM – 3 PM
Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee
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Navigating the halls of Vermont's State House can be challenging. To help you, VLCT Advocacy staff have a handy guide. It gives you the tips and tricks you need to know to effectively communicate with your legislators; links you to where you can find the most up-to-date information; and showcases how to testify, follow up, and use the media to advocate on behalf of your municipality. Use the guide.
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The Classifieds section of vlct.org has been upgraded! Now part of the Municipal Access Portal, you can log in to submit and manage your ads.
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Specializing in working with municipalities, our Business Alliance Partners are interested in helping you do your business efficiently with cost savings in mind. Check out this list of current partners.
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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.
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* POP QUIZ ANSWERS
All of the Above is the right answer! Visit our Risk Management Services page and explore under the Insurance menu to learn more about our two risk-sharing pools and range of desirable employee benefits.
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