 Next Tuesday, March 5th, is Town Meeting Day — one of my very favorite days of the year! It’s the day we select those to represent us on the City Council and School Board, vote on the finances to support our community values, and think about how we govern ourselves. Please take time to vote and, while you are there, thank the City Clerk and her staff, as well as the many poll workers who work tirelessly for fair elections in South Burlington!
On our website and linked here, you can find information on what you can expect to see on the ballot. All of the information related to Town Meeting Day can be found here. Included here is the annual City/School Budget Book, recordings of presentations on both the City and School Budgets and ballot items, and information on how and where to vote early or on Town Meeting Day.
FY25 Budget: The Council unanimously approved a FY25 Budget that continues our commitment to core municipal service delivery, continues our investments in school safety, and financially invests in the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The overall increase in tax rate would be 5.82% or $0.0286. The average condo owner would see an increase of $84.88 in their annual tax bill next year, and the average homeowner would see an increase of $125.24. The full FY25 Budget Book can be found here.
Water Tank Expansion Bond Vote: Also on your ballot is a $5.75M bond vote for a water tank expansion project. This bond would fund the construction of a second 2.1M gallon welded steel water tank at Dorset Street, and would enable us to provide enough water to the City for the next 50 years. We are currently allocating 98% of our current capacity, leading us to bring this bond vote forward. You can read more about this effort here.
Charter Change to Expand the School Board: Over the last two years, the Charter Committee has reviewed our City Charter (or City constitution) and explored different governance models. At the recommendation of the Committee and with support from the School Board, the Council voted to place a charter change to expand the School Board from five to seven on the Town Meeting Day ballot. This would add one new 3-year seat and one new 2-year seat to the School Board. If approved by the voters, it would go to the Legislature and then the Governor for their consideration. If approved into State law, this would go into effect in 2025 or 2026.
We hope you find this information useful. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to me at jbaker@southburlingtonvt.gov or at 802-846-4107.
My best,
Jessie Baker
Town Meeting Day Prep
A Message from Holly Rees, City Clerk
The Clerk’s Office has been busy indeed as we continue to process requests for absentee ballots and support in-office voting, as well as prepare for the big day on March 5. To date, we have received nearly 1,000 ballots and are heading into the busiest week of the election season! The BCA completed the logic and accuracy testing on our voting tabulators earlier this week, and we are busy completing the needed pre-election check lists. With two elections happening at once (the local election and the presidential primary), there is certainly a bustle in the office. In order to prepare all the needed materials to support each of our 5 voting districts, our office will be closed to the public Monday, March 4, 2024, beginning at noon; additionally, the office will be closed the day of elections, March 5, 2024. We will re-open regular hours on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 8:00–4:30. Thanks for your continued support and patience through this busy time! We appreciate all the smiles and gratitude you share.
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Meet the Candidates
City Council and School Board Candidate Forum
 On Thursday February 15th, the South Burlington High School Debate Team interviewed candidates for both South Burlington School Board and South Burlington City Council. In case you missed it, we've got you covered! Watch the recorded candidates' forum here. Learn more before you vote!
Town Meeting Day 2024
Resources & Information
 Town Meeting Day is Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Voters of the City of South Burlington will be asked to consider a number of City and School ballot items as well as elected local officials.
City Passes Rental Registry Ordinance
 On February 20, 2024, the South Burlington City Council adopted a Residental Rental Registry Ordinance. This aim of this rental registry is to ensure regular inspections of the city's rental units and safer housing for residents. Owners must complete the form for each of their rental units. Have a rental(s) you need to register? CLICK HERE
For questions, please contact Deputy City Manager Steve Locke by email or at (802) 846-4110
Spring Ahead March 10th
Taxes Due - March 15th
IMPORTANT REMINDER: if you pay your property taxes through online banking, please verify the mailing address on file has been changed to our new address:
City of South Burlington
Attn: Tax Department
180 Market Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
Illuminate Vermont
April 5 & 6, 2024
 Vendors register today!
Mark your calendars for the return of Illuminate Vermont, an artistic street festival on Market Street in South Burlington, April 5 & 6 from 5:00–9:00 p.m.
On a dark April night, as Vermont anticipates a once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse, Illuminate Vermont shines bright with the power of artistic expression and celebration, featuring live music, local artisans, food trucks, and more.
Learn more at illuminatevermont.com
Active Transportation Plan
COMPLETE THE SURVEY!
 Please complete the online survey to provide input on the South Burlington Active Transportation Plan. Your feedback is invaluable in creating a plan that will help South Burlington be a great place to walk, roll, and bike!
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY!
Looking for a full- or part-time job? The City of South Burlington is looking to hire great people to join our team.
CLICK HERE for a complete list of current openings!
JOIN THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
 The U.S. Census Bureau is #NowHiring! Census Bureau field representatives serve an important role in completing the mission of the agency. If you’re looking for flexible hours and want to give a voice to your community, consider a career with the nation’s premier statistical organization: https://www.census.gov/communityjobs
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.southburlingtonvt.gov
School District
Events & News
School Board Meeting March 6, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Agenda and participation info on the District website under Announcements
Upcoming meeting dates here
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For information about events and updates from South Burlington School District, read the Superintendent’s full newsletter February 22, 2024 HERE
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