VLCT UPDATES

Your authority as a municipal official is derived solely from Vermont law. Therefore, it is important to act within the limits of the law and only when you are authorized to do so. This info sheet tells how to perform basic legal research.

ARPA: Standard Allowance
Will you take it? You should! And Treasury recommends you do, too. Watch this Compliance and Reporting webinar and you will likely agree. The decision to elect the Standard Allowance is “one-time” and must be made during the April 30, 2022 reporting.

ARPA: Best Practice
If your municipality intends to take the “Standard Allowance,” then add this item to the agenda of the next regular meeting of the legislative body to document it on the record. (You'll find sample language for a motion here.)

Created by the American Rescue Plan Act, VHAP helps eligible Vermont homeowners with payments to prevent home foreclosure, tax sales, and homeowner displacement.

This US Treasury webinar, presented on 3/21, focused on reporting and compliance for Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) of government.

Please contact us at underwriting@vlct.org well before you sign a contract. Our underwriters can review the contract’s insurance requirements to protect your interests throughout the project and also help you procure builder’s risk coverage if you need it.

Drone Coverage for PACIF Members
If your municipality currently uses a drone or is thinking of purchasing one in the future, be aware that drones are not automatically covered and must go through an application process. Contact underwritingdept@vlct.org for more information.

Two new products will be available to members who currently receive group life insurance through Madison National Life: supplemental life insurance coverage and pet insurance through Pet Partners. Details to follow.

OTHER UPDATES

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has compiled a catalog of free services to help organizations, regardless of size, adopt a heightened posture when it comes to cybersecurity and protecting their most critical assets.

DUNS/Sam.gov Update
Starting Monday, 4/4, you will no longer be able to use the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number anywhere in SAM.gov. The new Unique Entity ID will be the official government-wide identifier for federal awards.

Community Project Funding Requests
Each U.S. Representative may nominate up to 15 community projects to include in the federal FY23 appropriations bills. To suggest a project for Congressman Peter Welch to nominate, complete this survey by 4/18. For more information, contact Rebecca.Ellis@mail.house.gov.

The Northern Border Regional Commission grant application opportunity is now open. An information session (registration required) will be held 3/29. The deadline to submit a letter of interest is 4/22.

Groups of all types and venues of all sizes in Vermont are encouraged to join music makers in 1,000 cities and 120+ countries to “come out and play” on Make Music Day, 6/21/21. Start planning now to get your town in on this very effective tool for community-building and economic development.
UPCOMING TRAININGS & EVENTS

After summarizing VLCT PACIF, we'll explore human resources and the risks and responsibilities of managing a municipal workforce, followed by a presentation of the latest ARPA funding information.

Join Karen and Gwynn as they report on the latest legislative activity in the State House.

Learn more about Treasury’s final rule and the changes it brings for how you can spend your ARPA award and report it. Your first report is due by April 30!

This free Managing Underground Safety Training (MUST) class is so important for anyone who puts a shovel in the ground that Project WorkSAFE and PACIF recommend having road crews take it periodically.

Have you thought about spending some of your ARPA funds to create a formal capital plan for your municipality but don’t know where to start? Attend this virtual forum to learn the basics and much more.

This is the first of three spring trainings VLCT MAC and the Property Valuation and Review Division are hosting as part of the Town Officer Training Series for listers, assessors, and board of civil authority members.

This webinar will examine the intersectionality of our sexual, gender, and racial identities as LGBTQIA+ public servants and how the different facets of our experience shape the way we serve.

This training features legislative and program updates from PVR, a presentation from the VT Center for Geographic Information, and a general discussion with your colleagues to hear creative solutions.

Learn the legal and practical parameters within which the BCA must operate, including deadlines, rules governing participation, & requirements for decision making. A mock BCA hearing will also be available to view.

Hear from experts who will review strategies for working through tough conversations, including a review of best practices for managing & resolving conflicts, and how to discuss options when a resolution or agreement is clearly not attainable.
VLCT STAFF IS HERE FOR YOU
Call 800-649-7915 or email info@vlct.org if you have any questions.

PACIF MEMBERS
Be sure to notify us as soon as you are aware of a claim!
Efficient handling of each claim depends very much on how soon it is filed.