 Proposed FY23 Budgets
On Tuesday, March 1, voters will be asked to consider the proposed FY2023 City of South Burlington budget. The total budget is $52,525,176.75 with $17,962,812.57 to be raised from property taxes.
THE GENERAL FUND
Proposed: $28,461,478.56.
The General Fund receives revenue from a variety of sources, including grants, fees, and property taxes. Approximately 37% of the revenue comes from sources other than property taxes. As approved by City Council, the proposed budget includes an increase of 6.27% in the tax rate over last year. 5.19% of this increase is attributable to operational costs, with 1.08% of the increase funding the Penny for Paths and the Penny for Open Space increase resulting from the reappraisal. Beginning with FY2023, these pennies will be listed separately on tax bills.
What is the average annual cost to a property owner?
• Condo owner : $79.13 (avg value of $289.865)
• Detached primary residence: $118.13 (avg value of $432,720)
Services include police, recreation & parks, library, public works, fire & rscue, planning & zoning, city clerk, traffic signals and street lights, and administration.
UTILITIES
Water Fund Budget: $3,056,039.00 Rate Increase: 3.00% or $8.53 annually
Sormwater Fund Budget: $4,420,196.58 Rate Increase: 1.67% for $1.44 annually
Sewer Fund Budget: $5,074,576.74 Rate Increase: 1.95% or $6.83 annually
Learn more about the proposed budgets.
South Burlington City and School District Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Books
You can view the electronic version posted here. Printed copies are now available at City Hall!
If you'd like one mailed to you, please reach out to the City Manager's Office at (802) 846-4107.
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Budget Narrative
In accordance with the City Charter, the proposed budget for FY 2023, which has been discussed and approved by the City Council (January 18, 2022), is now available to the voters for their consideration on March 1, 2022. Read more.
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Annual Town meeting ballots have arrived it the City Clerk's office! If you wish to vote early, you may
- call the office at 846-4105 to request a ballot to be mailed to you,
- go online to your my voter page and request a ballot,
- or you may come into City Hall to pick up your ballot and take it home or vote in the office.
If you do come to City Hall, please remember that we can only hand a ballot to the actual voter, therefore you cannot pick up someone else's ballot. Early voting will end at noon on February 28th. All ballots must be received back by the close of the polls on Election Day in order to be counted.
At the City Council meeting on Monday night, the city-wide mask mandate was updated. The mandate remains in place with masks being required in city-owned buildings and all public buildings throughout the city. The Council did approve an “Opt-Out” option for businesses
Read more.
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Beginning this month and next, the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) will conduct habitat management work at Wheeler Nature Park through their Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program. It mainly involves invasive plant removal to improve habitat priority for birds as identified by Audubon Vermont. Learn more.
PLEASE REGISTER YOUR DOGS & CATS!
Are you a pet owner? This is the time of the year that many people adopt a new dog or cat or maybe adopted a new pet during the pandemic or have a dog and cat and didn’t realize you needed to register them? This is a friendly reminder that part of being a good pet owner is to register your pet with the City Clerk’s office. Who needs to be registered? Any dog or cat 6 months of age or older.
Learn more.
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 RESCHEDULED FROM FEB 3
Seeking Community Input for Possible Kirby Road Extenstion Zoning Change
Public Meeting: February 17, 2022 | 7 pm | Virtual
The South Burlington’s Planning Commission has set up a volunteer Airport Rezoning Task Force to consider a possible zoning change to allow aviation-related uses and buildings on land east of Airport Parkway, in the vicinity of Kirby Road Extension. They are seeking community input. You can join the meeting:
Online: https://www.gotomeet.me/SBCity/airport-rezoning-task-force-2022-02-17
By phone: (872) 240-3311, Access Code: 919-877-869
In person: City Hall, 180 Market Street
Read more about the project..

Land Development Regulations Approved by City Council
On March, 7, the City Council approved the new Land Development Regulations, as proposed. This concludes a lengthy process. Learn more.
 South Burlington Recreation Path: One of the Top 10 Trails in Vermont
The South Burlington Recreation Path made the list in the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy blog. They also mention the Penny for Paths work closing the gaps in our system.
Check out the list.
See the trail info for the Recreation Path and others.
It’s a great time of year to get out and enjoy our parks and trails. Happy recreating!
 Speed Limit Change on Hinesburg Road Now in Effect
In response to the City's request to consider a speed limit change along the entire length of Route 116/Hinesburg Road in South Burlington, VTrans has lowered the speed limit. New signage has also been installed.
Read more.
 Our Flag at Overlook
Thank you to those who have shared the concern about the Overlook Flag being absent. In one of the recent wind storms, a mechanism on the flagpole was damaged. We have ordered a replacement part and as soon as it arrives we will ensure its quick repair to get the flag flying again.

Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership Focus Area & Outreach
Through 2021, the Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership (CVCP) worked to establish a focus area within the partnership land area to help prioritize conservation and stewardship projects. The goal of the focus area is to be able to share a specific land area with other potential conservation partners so that projects are easier to identify, funding can be more focused, and a regional strategy be better defined.
 New Housing for City Center
A new building will be joining the burgeoning Market Street area in the near future. Last month, the City issued site plan approval for four-story building that will include 61 dwelling units ranging from studios to three bedrooms.
Read more.

OnLogic Facility Approved By DRB
OnLogic, designer and manufacturer of industrial computers (among other products and services) with its US headquarters in South Burlington, received approval for its second facility in the community.
Planning a concert, dance recital, debate or play? The South Burlington Public Library Auditorium is now available for public use! Learn more.
 Vermont's Homeowner Assistance Program Offering Grants
Now accepting applications Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is now accepting applications from Vermont homeowners who are behind on their housing expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act, the Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program provides grants for eligible Vermont homeowners for missed payments on their mortgage, utilities, property taxes, and homeowner's or condominium association fees. The program is restricted to expenses related to a homeowner's primary home (other eligibility criteria apply).
To learn more and apply, visit vermonthap.vhfa.org.
Looking for a Full and or Part time job? The City of South Burlington is looking to hire great people to join our team. Here are a few of the several open positions:
Career Firefighter
Performs fire suppression, emergency medical services operations, hazardous materials mitigation, special operations / technical rescue and fire prevention. Performs maintenance on vehicles, equipment and the fire station. Has knowledge of the National Incident Management System. Learn More
Public Service Specialists -- Welcome Center
Looking to fill 2 positions -- one will also support the City Clerk's Office and one will support Taxes and Assessment. The Public Services Specialist is the first point of contact for visitors to City Hall at 180 Market Street. The specialist will greet and assist visitors and aid them in requests. Learn more.
CLICK HERE for our most current openings. We have several!
School District Events & News
School Board Meetings
Feb 16 | 7 pm Regular Meeting
Agendas and Participation Info on the District website under Announcements
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UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
For a complete list of meetings & events, please visit the calendar at www.sbvt.gov.

FORUMS: City Council and School Board Candidates
February 16, 2022 | City Hall Auditorium | Hybrid event
6:00 pm School Board candidates 7:30 pm City Council candidates
Join members of the SBHS Debate Team and resident-volunteers Vince Bolduc and Monica Ostby, who have organized these two events to give voters a real-time interactive opportunity to get to know the candidates. There is a virtual option and sessions will be recoded for those who cannot attend.
 Pre-Town Meeting/Public Hearing
Monday, February 28, 2022 | 7 pm
The legal voters of the City of South Burlington are further warned and notified that a virtual public information meeting will be held to discuss Articles I and II on Monday, February 28, 2021 on GoToMeeting.
From your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://www.gotomeet.me/SouthBurlingtonVT/city-councilmeeting-sm02-28-2022sm
From your phone: (669) 224-3412 Access Code: 296-671-597
WARNING: Annual City Meeting
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 | 7 am - 7 pm
The legal voters of the City of South Burlington are hereby notified and warned to meet at their respective polling places at the Chamberlin School on White Street, the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School on Dorset Street, and the Orchard School on Baldwin Avenue on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 7 o’clock in the forenoon, at which time the polls will open until 7 o’clock in the evening, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian Ballot on the following articles:
ARTICLE I ELECTION OF CITY OFFICERS & CITY COUNCILORS To elect all City Officers and City Councilors as required by law.
ARTICLE II ANNUAL CITY BUDGET Shall the City adopt the City Council’s proposed budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 totaling fifty two million five hundred twenty five thousand one hundred seventy six and seventy five cents ($52,525,176.75) of which, excluding previously voter-approved levies, it is estimated seventeen million nine hundred sixty two thousand eight hundred twelve and fifty seven cents ($17,962,812.57) will be raised by local property taxes?
POLLING PLACES FOR VOTING ON THESE ARTICLES ARE THE CHAMBERLIN SCHOOL ON WHITE STREET, THE FREDERICK H. TUTTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL ON DORSET STREET AND THE ORCHARD SCHOOL ON BALDWIN AVENUE. VOTERS ARE TO GO TO THE POLLING PLACE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT.
The legal voters of the City of South Burlington are further notified that voter qualification, registration and absentee voting relative to said annual meeting shall be as provided by the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, February 22 | 6:30 pm | Hybrid Auditorium, City Hall, 180 Market Street Virtual Option: see info below
- PUBLIC HEARING: CDBG Application
(7 pm)
- City pension asset update and pension actuarial update
- Discuss funding received from the American Recovery Plan to include values for use of the funds, and possible processes
- Consider lease of 577 Dorset Street to School District
- Charter Committee resolution
- January financials
Access agendas and minutes.
VIRTUAL OPTION Want to attend the meeting virtually? You can join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Here are some etiquette guidelines:
- Keep your camera and microphone off.
- During invitations for the public to speak, you should turn your camera on to be recognized.
- If you are having audio issues using your computer's audio, we find it works best to watch the meeting on your device AND dial in to the phone number directly.
Watch the Last City Council Meeting Recording
Want to see what happened during the latest City Council meeting? Can't attend the live session online? We've got you covered. You can watch the recorded January 18, 2022 meeting here.
Watch the latest Steering Committee Meeting January 24, 2022 recording here.
PUBLIC ART GALLERY
On Exhibit: Harlan Mack
 Featuring sculpture from the series “Future Kin” (2017) and large and small scale paintings, the exhibit crosses nearly a decade of work, including several from a residency at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation in Captiva, FL. A lifelong Vermonter, Harlan Mack is a rural multidisciplinary artist living and working in Johnson, VT. He describes his work as a series of narratives in painting, sculpture, oral narrative, and poetry.
Stop by City Hall at 180 Market Street to view his work.
EMPLOYEE ART
On Exhibit: Art Quilts by Sue Alenick
 On the third floor of City Hall, Sue Alenick’s Art Quilts are now on display. Sue began quilting in the 1970’s and entered her first craft show in 1981 two weeks after moving to Vermont for the second time. She has been recording the minutes of City Council and various boards since then.
Learn more about Sue and view her pieces through the end of March in City Hall.
RECREATION AND PARKS

SoBu Play
Spring Programs and Summer Camp Guide to be released electronically February 14.
SBHS Rink Open!
The rink is open to the public after school hours until 10 pm on a first come, first serve basis. All rink inquiries and reservations should be directed to Principal Pat Burke.
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Kevin L. Dorn Senior Center
Location: First floor, 180 Market Street
February Activities Guide
All planned activities in the Senior Center are listed on its calendar via the link below. Please note that some programs need pre-regististration and have fees.
February Activities Guide
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Groups gather in the Senior Center on a snowy afternoon to play Mahjong, Canasta, Cribbage and Bridge
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Brushstrokes & Brews
Starting in January, the Senior Center began hosting a once a month “Brushstrokes and Brews” event. Instructed, step by step acrylic painting and afternoon tea/coffee is the perfect way to round out the last Friday of each month. Learn more.
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If you have any questions about the programs, please contact Rebecca at 923-5545 or email at risham@southburlingtonvt.gov
South Burlington Senior Center will be an AARP Tax- Aide Location
Starting on Fridays in February, the South Burlington Senior Center will be a location for AARP Tax- Aide volunteers to assist with 2021 tax returns.
Looking for Volunteers
Do you like to help others? Are you looking for something to do in your free time? Do you have a hobby or activity you would like to teach others?
We are looking for volunteers for a variety of activities. Contact Rebecca Isham (923-5545) for more information.
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Public Library is open:
Monday - Thursday 10 am - 7 pm Friday 10 am - 5 pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
 Following City Council’s resolution to promote public health and safety and help slow the spread of COVID-19, the library will continue with a modified schedule of online, hybrid, and distanced in-person programs through the end of February.
Virtual Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers are available on our YouTube channel: SBPLVT Storytime. Music and Movement with Miss Emma will be postponed until March. We plan to resume in-person Storytimes on March 1.
All book groups for adults will continue online, and some programs will be offered with a hybrid option. The Winter Concert Series has been postponed, to be continued as a Spring Concert Series. The three-part series will commence in March, when we can all look forward to a season of warmth and renewal.
We will continue crafts and movies for older children. Tech Classes, Poetry Group, English Conversation Circle, and other appealing programs for adults also continue in person. Please expect to remain masked and physically distanced from others outside of your household inside the library.
Please check our website and Facebook for updated program information
Remember that we are here for you six days a week in our welcoming new space. So come in, grab a stack of books or movies, or relax by the fireside while you read away a winter afternoon.
Federal Tax Forms Now Available
Federal tax forms are in! Check under the stairs for the most common forms. If you need others, head to the 2nd floor and sign up for a computer where staff can help you search. Printing a copy of those forms is free; you’ll have to read the booklet online or pay to print that.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE CITY NEWS
Not on our mailing list? Want to receive the bi-weekly South Burlington City News and other news in your email box?
Visit us at www.sbvt.gov and sign up under "How do I?"
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