VermontH.5162025-2026 SessionHouseWALLET

An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the Town of Essex

Sponsored By: Leonora Dodge (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

8% penalty on late town taxes

If you miss the town tax due date, the town adds an 8% penalty. Interest also accrues as Vermont law allows. You owe the tax, the 8% charge, and any interest until paid.

Professional property appraisals for Essex taxes

Essex replaces elected listers with a staffed appraisal department. A qualified appraiser, appointed by the Town Manager and approved by the Selectboard, runs it. The department must appraise all real and business personal property, keep values current, and follow state standards. You keep the same state rights to challenge and appeal your assessment. Your property tax bill can go up or down when values change.

Budget posted early with public hearing

The Selectboard must publish the budget within two weeks after it first adopts it. The board must warn and hold a public hearing, then send a recommendation to the annual meeting. A public accountant must audit town finances. Voters get the auditor’s report at least 30 days before the meeting, with mailed notice. The Annual Town Report must be available at least 10 days before the meeting.

Open meetings, records, and board rules

The Selectboard organizes after the annual meeting and elects a chair, vice chair, and clerk. Meetings are open to the public unless a majority votes for a lawful executive session. The clerk keeps official minutes in the Town Clerk’s office for public inspection; minutes are approved at the next meeting. Vacancies are filled until the next meeting; if the board cannot agree, a special election is held right away. The Selectboard is the town’s legislative body. It appoints permanent boards like the Development Review Board and the Cemetery Commission and may create more. The Town Attorney must review proposed ordinances before a special town meeting and can fix wording errors without changing meaning. The charter also creates a Planning Commission under state law.

Recall votes and set voting hours

Voters can recall a Selectboard member by Australian ballot. After a valid petition, the vote happens within 60 days, or on the annual ballot if it falls within 60 days. The annual meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. on the state-set day. Voting machines or ballot boxes are open at least nine straight hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Town Manager in charge of hiring

The Selectboard must appoint a Town Manager. The Manager hires, supervises, and can remove town staff who are not elected. Decisions must be merit-based and free from discrimination. The Manager appoints key officials with Selectboard approval; terms start April 1. If a vacancy is not filled in 45 days, the Manager can fill it. The Selectboard cannot meddle in staff appointments or discipline that the Manager handles.

Voter-approved charter changes now law

The State approves Essex’s charter changes that voters passed on March 4, 2025. The Governor signed the act on March 16, 2026, and it takes effect on passage. One charter section (Section 603) is repealed.

Free Policy Watch

You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.

Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.

Pick a topic to get started

My Taxes My Health My Budget My Money My Freedom

Or tell us something more specific

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Leonora Dodge
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Alyssa Black
Democratic • House
Golrang "Rey" Garofano
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

House message: Governor approved bill on March 16, 2026
3/25/2026Senate
Signed by Governor on March 16, 2026
3/17/2026House
Delivered to the Governor on March 10, 2026
3/11/2026House
Senate Message: Passed in concurrence
2/26/2026House
Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence
2/25/2026Senate
New Business/Third Reading
2/25/2026Senate
Reported favorably by Senator Morley for Committee on Government Operations, read 2nd time and 3rd reading ordered
2/24/2026Senate
Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
2/24/2026Senate
New Business/Second Reading
2/24/2026Senate
Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations
2/20/2026Senate
Entered on Notice Calendar
2/20/2026Senate
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations
1/30/2026Senate
Read third time and passed
1/29/2026House
Action Calendar: Third Reading
1/29/2026House
Third Reading ordered
1/28/2026House
Report of Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs agreed to
1/28/2026House
Rep. Pinsonault of Dorset reported for the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
1/28/2026House
Read second time
1/28/2026House
Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
1/28/2026House
Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
1/27/2026House
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
5/14/2025House

Bill Text

As Enacted (ACT M006)
3/18/2026
PDF
As Passed by Both Chambers
3/4/2026
PDF
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
3/4/2026
PDF
As Passed by the House
2/3/2026
PDF
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
2/3/2026
PDF
As Introduced
5/14/2025
PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation

Take It Personal

Get Your Personalized Policy View

Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.

Already have an account? Sign in