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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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Essex residents get advance financial reports

Beginning March 16, 2026, the Selectboard must hire a public accountant to examine the financial statements of town funds. The Annual Auditor’s Report must be available to voters at least 30 days before the annual meeting. Notice of its availability must be mailed to every Essex household at least 30 days before that meeting. The Annual Town Report must be available to residents at least 10 days before the meeting.

Essex sets replacement and meeting rules

Beginning March 16, 2026, Selectboard seats become vacant upon death, resignation, incapacity, or a move outside Essex. Remaining members may appoint an eligible replacement until the next annual or special meeting; disagreement requires a prompt special election. The Town Moderator leads town meetings; when absent, the Town Clerk opens the meeting, and electing a temporary moderator comes first. Death, resignation, or a move outside Essex also creates a Moderator vacancy. The Selectboard may appoint a replacement until the next annual or special meeting; disagreement requires it to call a special election.

Essex updates taxable property review rules

Beginning March 16, 2026, Essex’s Department of Assessment must review, or arrange reviews of, all taxable real estate in town. Reviews must follow Vermont appraisal standards. The charter no longer expressly includes business personal property in this review duty. This change does not set new tax rates or require any particular change to a property’s value or tax bill.

Essex changes who appoints town officials

Beginning March 16, 2026, the Town Manager’s appointment of the Fire Chief requires Selectboard approval. The approval list no longer includes the Grand Juror, cemetery commissioners, fire wardens, fence viewers, or Inspector of Lumber and Shingles. The Town Manager may fill another office the Selectboard is authorized to appoint after it remains vacant for 45 days. The Selectboard may also appoint additional boards, commissions, and committees when it considers them in the town’s best interest. No particular new group or resident service is required.

Essex removes a town charter provision

Beginning March 16, 2026, the law repeals section 603 of the Essex town charter. The supplied text does not include the former section’s contents. Its effects on residents, town operations, or household finances cannot be determined from this provision alone.

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

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on March 16, 2026

    3/25/2026House

  2. Signed by Governor on March 16, 2026

    3/17/2026House

  3. Delivered to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/11/2026House

  4. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence

    2/26/2026Senate

  5. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence

    2/25/2026Senate

  6. New Business/Third Reading

    2/25/2026Senate

  7. Reported favorably by Senator Morley for Committee on Government Operations, read 2nd time and 3rd reading ordered

    2/24/2026Senate

  8. Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations

    2/24/2026Senate

  9. New Business/Second Reading

    2/24/2026Senate

  10. Favorable report by Committee on Government Operations

    2/20/2026Senate

  11. Entered on Notice Calendar

    2/20/2026Senate

  12. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations

    1/30/2026Senate

  13. Read third time and passed

    1/29/2026House

  14. Action Calendar: Third Reading

    1/29/2026House

  15. Third Reading ordered

    1/28/2026House

  16. Report of Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs agreed to

    1/28/2026House

  17. Rep. Pinsonault of Dorset reported for the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

    1/28/2026House

  18. Read second time

    1/28/2026House

  19. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    1/28/2026House

  20. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    1/27/2026House

  21. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

    5/14/2025House

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT M006)Opens in a new window

    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

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