May is a glorious time in Vermont! If you are one of our state's newest local officials – whether elected, appointed, or hired – this might be your first experience with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns monthly VLCT Journal. Some items here were also in the April issue to make sure all our readers have easy access to many of VLCT's core services and resources.
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The benefits of your VLCT membership are diverse and deep. This lively, friendly summary is helpful for new and experienced officials to get acquainted with the League. Take a look.
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New officials: Check your email for login credentials or visit the MAP FAQs for guidance.
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With our wrap-up in the works, see early results of this remarkably challenging session.
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Take advantage of this easy to apply for funding opportunity. Applications accepted until 10/31.
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Stay tuned for more about this new VLCT program funded by a Rural Development grant.
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Keep our "Call Us!" sheet handy to see who does what at VLCT and how to reach them.
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Recognize this month and see how Asian and Pacific Islanders have enriched America.
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See Special Correspondent David Gunn's take on why and how to celebrate June 19th.
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Voters can allow non-residents to fill some local offices due to Act 157 from 2021.
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Every year, VLCT holds a variety of trainings for local officials. You can visit the 2024 schedule to look forward several months, then visit the events calendar about a month ahead to see the agenda and register. Interested in a training that has already gone by? Many are held annually, so mark your calendar for next year – or check our online store to see if it's available on demand. Make sure to save the date for Town Fair 2024, our annual conference for local officials: October 2-3 at the Killington Grand Hotel. Look forward with the 2024 schedule.
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The VLCT website contains many resources to help you learn about your role and handle common challenges. For info about municipal law, in the main menu go to Programs>Municipal Assistance Center. For a broader range of topics, look under the main menu's Resources tab. Scan through the other menu items to see more programs and services for VLCT members. Lastly, make sure not to miss the Store, News, and Classifieds links located at the top of the page.
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VLCT PACIF members can access free, confidential services that support you and your household's personal wellbeing through Invest EAP. Their services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This article from Invest EAP explains the variety of areas in which they can help, including solutions-focused counseling, financial consulting, support for managers and supervisors, and more.
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One feature of our Municipal Access Portal (MAP) is an easy way to submit a legal inquiry or ask a financial, federal funding assistance, 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. Our response will go to your MAP dashboard, which keeps a record of your questions and our answers.
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VLCT operates two member-owned risk-sharing pools: the Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund (PACIF) and the VLCT Employment Resource and Benefits Trust (VERB). Their boards of directors are municipal officials who tailor the coverage and related programs to meet the specific needs of Vermont municipalities. These trusts offer personal interactions, risk management programs, training, and other opportunities that are invaluable compared to the transactional basis of commercial insurance.
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This summer VLCT will begin engaging with members about our 2025/26 Legislative Policy. We're looking for local officials interested in working with us during the summer and early fall to develop the policy that will be recommended to the VLCT Board of Directors in September and voted on by VLCT members at Town Fair.
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Many federal grant programs are now taking applications. Our website includes information on open grants that you're able to easily view by topic area. Feeling overwhelmed? You can book time with federal funding staff to get one-on-one assistance and talk about your ideas and projects!
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Nearly all of VLCT's trainings are available in our online store to view on demand. From Basics for Delinquent Tax Collectors to Open Meeting Law and from Budgeting to Dog Control, you can find it all and watch when it's most convenient for you. Plus, you can also find the annual Compensation and Benefits Report and the Municipal Calendar (soon to be updated for 2024/25). Check it out.
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Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
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Which of these services can you can get from VLCT staff?
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Drafting/reviewing of ordinances, bylaws, policies, and charters
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Customized small group training
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All of the above — and more!
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With the theme Uplifting Women: Leadership • Safety • Success, women in local government from across the country will gather in Hollywood, Florida to learn about local policy issues, discuss federal advocacy concerns, expand their network with female elected officials and statewide leaders, strengthen their governance skills, and explore creative solutions to their communities' challenges.
Throughout this year, WIMG is striving to provide local leaders with resources for addressing housing access, domestic violence, youth empowerment, and the pipeline for future women leaders.
Early pricing ends June 12. Register a group of four and receive the fifth registration free.
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The open enrollment period for VLCT's fiscal year group Dental Insurance plans is in full swing! This means that municipalities not already offering this great employee benefit can sign up soon to add it, and those that offer it already should notify their employees that, for instance, they can now add dependents without a qualifying event. Sign up!
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Tuesday, May 28
10 AM – 12 PM
Learn about project development and ways to fund your project. Register.
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Thursday, May 30
9 AM – 12 PM
Gain practical insight into writing effective decisions and how the “E-Court” operates. Also hear about legislative work that address local zoning and development. Register here.
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Thursday, June 6
2 PM – 3 PM
Meet your team at Equifax Workforce Solutions and learn the basics of using Equifax’s CaseBuilder web-based system. Sign up.
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Friday, June 21
8 AM – 3 PM
We invite all Vermont municipal officials, governing board members, and employees to enjoy a summer day at VLCT’s 2024 Local Officials Golf Outing. Register.
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The Classifieds section of vlct.org is part of the Municipal Access Portal, so members 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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