Title 24 Appendix: Municipal Charters
Chapter 153: Town of Stowe
Except as modified by the provisions of this charter, or by any lawful regulation or ordinance of the Town of Stowe, all provisions of the statutes of this state applicable to towns shall apply to the Town of Stowe.
The inhabitants of the Town of Stowe within the corporate limits now established shall continue to be a municipal corporation by the name of the Town of Stowe. The town's entire governmental jurisdiction includes the entire area which was previously that of the Village of Stowe.
(a) The town shall have all of the powers granted to towns and municipal corporations by the constitution and laws of this state. It may enact ordinances, bylaws and regulations not inconsistent with the Constitution of Vermont or with this charter, and impose penalties for the violation thereof.
(b) The town may acquire real property within or without its corporate limits for any town purpose, in fee simple or lesser interest or estate, by purchase, gift, devise or lease, and may sell, lease, mortgage, hold, manage and control such real property as its interests may require. The town may further acquire property within its corporate limits by condemnation where such authority is granted to towns by the statutes of the State of Vermont. The vote of the town shall be required for purchase or sale of any real property, except that purchase, lease or sale of real property or any right or interest therein may be approved by the Selectboard from authorized conservation funds for conservation purposes consistent with 10 V.S.A. chapter 155 after following the ordinance procedures set forth in section 204 of this charter. A petition for rescission under this subsection must be filed within ten (10) days of final passage.
(c) In this charter no mention of a particular power shall be construed to be exclusive or to restrict the scope of the powers which the town would have if the particular power were not mentioned.
In addition to powers otherwise conferred upon it by law, the town is, for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, welfare and convenience, authorized:
(1) To adopt and enforce ordinances relating to the making and installation of local improvements including curbs, sidewalks and storm drains in a manner specified by the town as a condition precedent to the issuance of a building permit.
(2) To adopt and enforce police ordinances regulating the parking, operation and speed of motor vehicles upon town and state aid streets and highways.
(3) To adopt and enforce ordinances relating to regulations, licensing or prohibition of the storage and accumulation of garbage, ashes, rubbish, refuse and waste materials; regulation of the removal and disposal of such materials; licensing for revenue and regulation or prohibition of the collection, removal and disposal of such material; collection and removal of such materials by the town either by contract or by a town officer or department now existing or created for that purpose; establishment of service rates to be paid the town for such services.
(4) To establish and maintain a police department and to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(5) To establish and maintain a fire department and to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(6) To establish and maintain a water department and to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(7) To establish and maintain an electric power system and to regulate power line installations, provided, however, that the town shall have no authority under this charter which conflicts with that authority granted to the public service board or any other state governmental agency. It shall have power to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(8) To establish and maintain a sewer department and to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(9) To compel the demolition, completion, and/or repair of any premises in such condition as to be substantially injurious or dangerous to persons or to other property in the vicinity and to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(10) To establish and maintain an ambulance service and to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(11) To establish and maintain a highway department and to adopt ordinances pertaining thereto.
(12) To regulate or prohibit the moving of buildings in the streets or public highways of the town.
(13) To regulate the holding of public meetings in the streets, highways or on public property of the town.
(14) To prevent riots, noises, disturbances and disorderly assembly.
(15) To establish and enforce an ordinance to control dogs.
(16) To adopt and enforce ordinances establishing building codes.
(a) Method of adoption and enforcement.
(1) Ordinance-making authority granted to the town by this charter and general law shall be exercised pursuant to the provisions of subsections (b) through (e) of this section.
(2) The Selectboard may provide penalties for the breach of any ordinance authorized by general law or this charter; may prosecute any person violating the same through the town grand jurors or police officers who for such purposes shall be informing officers; and may maintain actions to restrain actual or threatened violations of the same; the establishment of any fine or penalty shall be by ordinance.
(b) Introduction; first and second readings; public hearings.
(1) Every ordinance shall be introduced in writing. The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be "The Selectboard of the Town of Stowe hereby ordains". If the Selectboard passes the proposed ordinance upon first reading they shall cause it to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the town in the form passed, at least once, together with a notice of the time and place when and where there will be a public hearing to consider the same for final passage. The first such publication shall be at least one week prior to the date of said public hearing.
(2) At the time and place so advertised, or at any time and place to which such hearing may from time to time be adjourned, such ordinance shall be read in full, and after such reading, all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard.
(3) After such hearing, the Selectboard may finally pass such ordinance with or without amendment, except that, if the Selectboard makes an amendment, they shall cause the amended ordinance to be published at least once together with a notice of the time and place of a public hearing at which such amended ordinance will be further considered, which publication shall be at least three (3) days prior to the public hearing. At the time so advertised or at any time and place to which such meeting may be adjourned, the amended ordinance shall be read in full, and after such hearing, the Selectboard may finally pass such amended ordinance, or again amend it subject to the same procedure as outlined herein.
(c) Effective Date. Every ordinance shall become effective upon passage unless otherwise specified.
(d) Rescission. All ordinances shall be subject to rescission by a special town meeting, as follows: If, after final passage by the Selectboard of any such ordinance, a petition signed by voters of the town not less in number than five (5) percent of the legal voters of the town is filed with the town clerk requesting its reference to a special town meeting, the Selectboard shall fix the time and place of such meeting, which shall be within sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition, and notice thereof shall be given in the manner provided by law in the calling of a special town meeting. An ordinance so referred shall remain in effect upon the conclusion of such meeting unless a majority of those present vote against the ordinance at the special meeting.
(e) Petition for enactment.
(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, voters of the town may at any time petition in the same manner as in subsection (d) for the enactment of any proposed lawful ordinance by filing such petition, including the text of such ordinance, with the town clerk. The Selectboard shall call a special town meeting to be held within sixty (60) days of the date of such filing, unless prior to such meeting such ordinance shall be enacted by the Selectboard. The ordinance shall take effect immediately after the conclusion of such meeting provided that voters constituting a majority of those voting thereon, shall have voted in the affirmative.
(2) The proposed ordinance shall be examined by the town attorney before being submitted to the special town meeting. The town attorney is authorized, subject to the approval of the Selectboard, to correct such ordinances so as to avoid repetitions, illegalities and unconstitutional provisions and to ensure accuracy in its text and references and clearness and precision in its phraseology, but he or she shall not materially change its meaning and effect.
(f) Filing. The town clerk shall prepare and keep in the town clerk's office a book of ordinances which shall contain each ordinance finally passed by the Selectboard, together with a complete index of the ordinances according to subject matter.
(g) Existing ordinances. All existing ordinances shall remain in effect.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be so construed as in any way to limit the powers and functions conferred upon the Town of Stowe and the Selectboard of the town by general or special enactments in force or effect or hereafter enacted by the General Assembly; and the powers and functions conferred by this charter shall be cumulative and in addition to the provisions of such general or special enactments.
Provisions of the laws of the State of Vermont relating to the qualifications of voters, the manner of voting, the duties of election officers and all other particulars respective to preparation for, conducting and management of elections, so far as they may be applicable shall govern all town elections, and all general and special meetings, except as otherwise noted in this subchapter. The moderator shall conduct all town meetings according to Robert's Rules of Order. The town clerk shall keep a record of the proceedings of all town meetings.
Copies of the annual town report and warning shall be made available not later than ten (10) days prior to the annual meeting.
(a) The annual town meeting for the consideration of the budget and other town business shall be held on the first Tuesday of March.
(b) The election of officers by Australian ballot and the voting on all questions to be decided by Australian ballot shall take place on the annual town meeting day. The polls shall be opened for a minimum of nine (9) consecutive hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. as shall be determined and warned by the Selectboard.
The elected officers of the Town of Stowe shall be: Selectboard members, town clerk, moderator, treasurer, listers, constable(s) and auditors. Such officers shall have all the powers and duties necessary to carry out the provisions of this charter as well as those provided by the laws of the State of Vermont. All officers elected prior to the effective date of the charter shall remain in office until the end of their term. Those persons in office as of the effective date of the charter whose terms would otherwise expire prior to the next annual town meeting shall remain in office until said town meeting.
(a) There shall be a Selectboard consisting of five (5) members.
(b) The term of office of a Selectboard member shall be as follows: Three (3) Selectboard members shall serve for terms of three (3) years and two (2) Selectboard members shall serve for terms of two (2) years. Selectboard members shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified.
(c) All Selectboard members shall be elected at large.
(a) Forthwith after their election and qualification, the Selectboard shall organize and elect a chair, vice-chair and clerk by a majority vote of the entire Selectboard, and shall file a certificate of such election for record in the office of the town clerk. The clerk shall not be a member of the Selectboard.
(b) The chair of the Selectboard or, in his or her absence, the vice-chair, shall preside at all meetings of the Selectboard and shall be recognized as head of the town government for all ceremonial purposes.
(c) In the event of death, resignation, change of residence to a location outside the town, or incapacity of any Selectboard member, the remaining members of the Selectboard may appoint a person eligible to fill that position until the next annual or special town meeting. Incapacity shall include the failure by any member of the Selectboard to attend at least seventy (70) percent of the meetings of the Selectboard in any calendar year. In the event the Selectboard is unable to agree upon an interim replacement until the next annual town meeting, a special election shall be held forthwith to fill the position. In the event of a second vacancy, an election shall be held forthwith to fill both positions.
(a) As soon as possible after the election of the chair and vice-chair, the Selectboard shall fix the time and place of its regular meetings. Such meetings shall be held at least once a month.
(b) The Selectboard shall determine its own rules and order of business.
(c) The presence of three (3) members shall constitute a quorum.
(d) All meetings of the Selectboard shall be open to the public unless, by an affirmative vote of the majority of the members present, the Selectboard shall vote that any particular session shall be an executive session in accordance with 1 V.S.A. § 313.
(a) An official record of the proceedings of the Selectboard shall be kept by its clerk, which shall be kept in the office of the town clerk and shall be open for public inspection within five (5) days.
(b) The minutes of each meeting shall be approved by the Selectboard at its next meeting and the official copy authenticated by signature of the clerk of the Selectboard.
(a) Before making appointments, the Selectboard shall make public a list of all vacancies.
(b) The Selectboard shall appoint the following:
(1) Members of the zoning board of adjustment or development review board;
(2) Members of the planning commission; and
(3) Town manager.
(c) The Selectboard may appoint such additional commissions, committees and officers they feel to be in the best interest of the town.
(d) The Selectboard may appoint in the event their services become necessary: Grand jurors, real estate appraiser, fence viewers and all other appointive or elective officers authorized by statute.
(e) The terms of all appointed officers shall be not more than three (3) years except as otherwise specified in this charter and shall commence on the first day of the second month following the annual town meeting.
(a) Compensation paid to the Selectboard members and other elected officials shall be set by the voters at the annual meeting. Officers' salaries must be set forth as a separate item in the annual budget presented to the meeting.
(b) The Selectboard shall fix the compensation of all appointees and the town manager, except as otherwise provided in this charter.
(c) Except as hereinafter provided, all fees prescribed by state law, charter, ordinance or otherwise shall be collected for the benefit of the town and paid to the town treasurer. No fees shall be used directly by any receiving officer or inure directly to the benefit of the officer. Insofar as this subsection applies to the town clerk and town treasurer, it shall not be of force and effect until the person(s) serving as such as of the effective date of this charter shall retire, resign or otherwise cease to serve as town clerk and/or treasurer.
(a) The members of the Selectboard shall constitute the legislative body of the Town of Stowe for all purposes required by statute except as otherwise herein specifically provided, and shall have all powers and authority given to and perform all duties required of town legislative bodies or Selectboards under the laws of the State of Vermont.
(b) Within the limitations of the foregoing, the Selectboard shall have the power to:
(1) Authorize the expenditure of all town money.
(2) Appoint and remove the town manager or interim town manager and supervise, create, change, and abolish offices, commissions or departments other than the offices, commissions, or departments established by this charter and by law.
(3) Appoint the members of all boards, commissions, committees, or similar bodies unless specifically provided otherwise by this charter and by law.
(4) Inquire into the conduct of any officer, commission or department and investigate any and all municipal affairs.
(5) Exercise each and every other power which is not specifically set forth herein, but which is granted to the Selectboard by the statutes of the State of Vermont.
The board of listers shall consist of three (3) listers, one elected each year for a term of three (3) years. The board shall have the same powers and duties prescribed for listers under the laws of the State of Vermont.
The board of listers shall appraise or cause to be appraised by the real estate appraiser appointed by the Selectboard all real property for the purpose of establishing the grand list.
There shall be three (3), one (1) elected each year for a term of three (3) years. They shall have the same powers and duties prescribed for auditors under the laws of the State of Vermont.
The auditors shall provide for an independent audit by a registered or certified public accountant on an annual basis.
The Selectboard shall appoint a town manager for an indefinite term. The town manager shall be chosen on the basis of executive, administrative, and professional qualifications and not on the basis of political affiliation. The town manager shall not:
(1) be a candidate for or simultaneously hold any elective office within the town;
(2) be employed by the town in any capacity except as town manager; or
(3) organize any political party or serve as a member of a political party committee.
Before entering upon his or her official duties, the town manager shall be sworn to the faithful performance of those duties by the town clerk and shall give a bond to the town in an amount and with sureties as the Selectboard may require.
(a) The town manager shall be the chief executive officer and the head of the administrative branch of the town government, and shall be responsible to the Selectboard for the efficient administration of the municipal affairs of the town.
(b) The town manager shall attend all meetings of the Selectboard, except when the town manager's removal or discipline is being considered, shall keep the Selectboard informed of the financial condition and future needs of the town, and shall make reports as may be required by law, this charter, or ordinance, or which may be requested by the Selectboard. The town manager shall make other reports and recommendations as he or she may deem advisable. The town manager shall perform other duties as may be prescribed by this charter, or required of the town manager by law, ordinance, or resolution of the Selectboard not inconsistent with this charter.
(c) The town manager shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees of the town but shall not have or cast a vote.
(d) The town manager shall prepare and submit a recommended annual budget to the Selectboard and be responsible for the administration of the budget after adoption.
(e) The town manager shall be the general purchasing agent of the town and purchase all supplies for every department of the town.
(f) The town manager shall perform any other duties assigned by state law not in conflict with this charter.
(g) The town manager shall be responsible for the operation of all departments of the town, not otherwise provided for in this charter.
(h) The town manager shall have authority to hire, appoint, fix the salary of, discipline, suspend, and remove all employees of the town not hired or appointed by the Selectboard, subject to the provisions of this charter or personnel rules adopted pursuant to this charter. The town manager may authorize any department head subject to the town manager's direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to that department head's subordinates. Prior to hiring a department head, the town manager shall notify the Selectboard of the intent to hire a department head, and the Selectboard may take action within seven days of receipt of that notice that overrides the town manager's authority to hire that department head. Thereafter, the town manager shall select and submit notification to the Selectboard of an alternate choice for that department head.
(i) The town manager may, when advisable or proper, delegate to subordinate officers and employees of the town, any duties conferred upon the town manager by this charter or by action of the Selectboard.
(j) The town manager shall be responsible for the enforcement of all town ordinances.
(k) Where final authority for policy formulation and adoption rests with the Selectboard, the town manager shall play an integral role in developing and analyzing policies and alternatives for the Selectboard's consideration and be responsible for implementation of policies approved by the Selectboard.
The town manager shall receive compensation as may be determined by the Selectboard, subject to the provisions of this charter.
The selectboard may remove the town manager by a vote of a least three of its members to be effective not less than 60 days after the vote. The town manager may be suspended during the period from initial action to remove the town manager by the Selectboard to the end of the removal date, but the town manager shall continue to be paid throughout the suspension.
The fiscal year of the town shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June of each calendar year. The fiscal year shall constitute the budget and accounting year as used in this charter.
(a) The town manager, at least fifty (50) days before the annual town meeting, or at such previous time as may be directed by the Selectboard, shall submit to the Selectboard a financial report containing:
(1) An estimate of the financial condition of the town as of the end of the fiscal year.
(2) An itemized statement of appropriations recommended for current expenses, during the next fiscal year, with comparative statements in parallel columns of appropriations and estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year and actual appropriations and expenditures for the immediate preceding fiscal year.
(3) An itemized statement of estimated revenues from all sources other than taxation, for the next fiscal year, and comparative figures of tax and other sources of revenue for the current and immediate preceding fiscal years.
(4) A capital budget for the next fiscal year showing anticipated capital expenditures, financing and tax requirements.
(5) Such other information as may be required by the Selectboard.
(b) The budget shall be published not later than two (2) weeks after its preliminary adoption by the Selectboard. The Selectboard shall fix the time and place for holding a public hearing for the budget, and shall give a public notice of such hearing. The Selectboard shall then review the budget and propose it, with or without change, to the annual town meeting.
The proposed budget shall be published in the town report and copies made available at least ten (10) days before the annual meeting.
From the effective date of the budget, the several amounts stated therein, as approved by the annual town meeting, become appropriated to the several agencies and purposes therein named.
The town shall annually consider an article to raise by taxes on the grand list an amount equal to those expenditures to be paid by taxes which amount was appropriated by the voters at town meeting and which expenditures are not met by funds from other sources.
§ 153-901. Taxes on real property
Taxes on real property shall be paid in four (4) equal payments, with one-quarter of the annual tax bill for each taxpayer due and payable on August 10, November 10, February 10, and May 10. Any taxes not paid when due shall be deemed delinquent and payable to the collector of delinquent taxes.
An additional charge of two (2) percent of the unpaid tax shall be imposed per month for each month or fraction thereof as interest on any tax not paid on or before the dates specified in section 901 of this charter.
The board of civil authority (the Selectboard members, town clerk and justices of the peace) with the town treasurer and listers shall constitute a board of abatement as provided by law.
(a) Subject to the provisions of this charter, all employees other than elected officials and appointees of the Selectboard shall be appointed, suspended, or removed by the town manager without interference of the Selectboard. The town and its employees shall comply with Vermont's Fair Employment Practices Act and shall not discriminate in their employment practices on account of political opinions or affiliations. Appointments, layoffs, promotions, and discipline, including suspensions, demotions, and removals, shall be determined on the basis of training, experience, fitness and performance of the individual and be undertaken to ensure that the responsible administrative officer will secure efficient and competent service.
(b) Each newly hired employee shall be hired, disciplined, suspended, demoted, removed, or laid off consistent with the personnel rules adopted by the Selectboard.
(c) The town manager may remove a department head from his or her position, provided notification that the town manager intends to remove a department head is given in advance to the selectboard.
(a) The town manager or his or her designee shall be the personnel director. He or she may prepare personnel rules and regulations protecting the interests of the town and of the employees. These rules and regulations must be approved by the Selectboard and shall include the procedure for amending them and for placing them into practice. Each employee shall receive a copy of the rules and regulations when the employee is hired.
(b) The rules and regulations may deal with the following subjects or with other similar matters of personnel administration: job classification, jobs to be filled, tenure, retirement, pensions, leaves of absence, vacations, holidays, hours and days of work, group insurance, salary plans, rules governing hiring, temporary appointment, lay-off, reinstatement, promotion, transfer, demotion, settlement of disputes, dismissal, probationary periods, permanent or continuing status, in-service training, injury, employee records, and further regulations concerning the hearing of appeals.
No person in the service of the town shall either directly or indirectly give, render, pay or receive any service or other valuable thing for or on account of or in connection with any appointment, proposed appointment, promotion or proposed promotion.
No elective or appointive officer or employee of the town shall be beneficially interested directly or indirectly in any contract with the town, regardless of amount; or furnish any material, or perform any labor, except in the discharge of his or her official duties, unless such contract shall have been awarded upon bids advertised for by publication. Such publication shall be at least two (2) times in a newspaper having general circulation in the town; the second publication shall be at least seven (7) days prior to the opening of such bids. No officer or employee of the town shall take part in any decision concerning the business of the town in which he or she has a direct or indirect financial interest, aside from his or her salary as an officer or employee, greater than any other citizen or taxpayer in the town. This section shall not apply in the event of an emergency where immediate action shall be deemed more important to the town than the receipt of formal bids.
(a) There shall be a Town of Stowe Electric Utility Department which shall initially serve the same area as the Village of Stowe Electric Department.
(b)(1) The Electric Utility Commission shall be composed of three Commissioners appointed by the Town of Stowe Selectboard for terms of three years each. The initial three Commissioners shall be the Trustees of the Village of Stowe who held such office on June 30, 1996, and such shall continue to serve as such Commissioners until June 30, 1997 at which time the Selectboard shall, in their own discretion, appoint one Commissioner for a one-year term, one Commissioner for a two-year term, and one Commissioner for a three-year term so that each year thereafter, the Selectboard shall appoint one Commissioner for a three-year term.
(2) It shall be the policy of the Town, as implemented by the Selectboard, insofar as possible to appoint Commissioners with appropriate background and with an interest in the utilities field, bearing in mind the complexities of those related operations.
(3) Should any Commissioner become unable to serve for any reason, or resign, the Selectboard shall appoint a replacement to serve until the end of that term. The Selectboard may remove a Commissioner if just cause is stated to the member in writing and after a public meeting if the Commissioner requests one.
(c) The Utility Commissioners shall serve as electric commissioners under 30 V.S.A., Sections 2915 and 2916. The Electric Utility Commission shall have authority to construct an electric light plant, for the purpose of lighting the street, walks, and other public grounds, and lighting any buildings therein, and supplying and furnishing electricity for domestic and other purposes to such persons and corporations in Stowe and adjoining town as it may desire upon such terms as may be agreed upon. And for this purpose may take, purchase or acquire and hold any water power, land and rights of way in said town, needed for the construction, maintenance and operation of said electric light plant, and may use any public highway over which it may be necessary or desirable to pass with the poles and wire of the same, provided the use of such public highway for the purpose of public travel is not thereby unnecessarily impaired. The Electric Utility Commission shall have the power to purchase, hire, construct or otherwise acquire an interest in, to maintain, operate, and to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any plant (including but not limited to a gas plant) or system (including but not limited to existing rights of way, poles, lines, towers and fixtures and transmission line serving the existing system owned by others) located within or outside the state, for the production, distribution, purchase or sale of electricity, to extend, enlarge or improve the same and for that purpose to purchase, hire, construct or otherwise acquire any real or personal property. These powers may be exercised through a taking by eminent domain in the manner prescribed by law. The Electric Utility Commission shall also have the power to purchase, sell and otherwise acquire and dispose of electricity including sale to electric distribution companies, cooperatives, municipal and privately owned, within or outside the state and to make all agreements, conveyances and regulations necessary or convenient in connection therewith. All of the foregoing powers are in addition to and not in substitution for or in limitation of any other powers conferred by law, and are subject to regulatory review for municipal utilities as provided in Title 30, Vermont Statutes Annotated.
(d) The Stowe Electric Utility Commissioners shall administer their responsibilities in the Electric Department. The department shall have its own professional management, staff, plan, equipment, and entirely separate financial accounts. The department shall be directly managed under the Utility Commission by a General Manager. The Commission recommends to the Selectboard any hiring or firing of Electric Department personnel. The General Manager shall have the special and immediate care and practical supervision of the Electric Department. The General Manager shall at all times be subject in respect to his or her responsibilities to the order of the Electric Utility Commission. With approval of the Electric Utility Commission, the General Manager of the Electric Department shall receive all funds due the Town of Stowe Electric Department, shall issue bills for services rendered, have sole responsibility to maintain books of account, execute and issue on behalf of the Stowe Electric Department drafts, checks and/or other negotiable orders for the payment of bills and charges of the Electric Department provided that any such payment shall be made exclusively from the revenue of the department. All such accounting functions of the Electric Department shall be subject to the review by the auditors of the Town of Stowe.
(e) The Town of Stowe Electric Department shall inherit all of the assets, accounts and liabilities of the Village of Stowe Electric Department, subject to the management of the Stowe Electric Utility Commission under the general supervision of the Selectboard. It shall operate under the statutory authority and requirements of 30 V.S.A., Chapter 79, relating to municipal electric plants, and 24 V.S.A., Chapter 53, relating to municipal indebtedness, all of which control the financing, improvements, expansion and disposal of the municipal electric plant and its operations. With specific reference to the legislative authorization contained in 24 V.S.A., Chapter 53, subchapter 2, "Indebtedness for Public Utility Purposes," Sections 1821-1828, the Stowe Electric Utility Commission is permitted to issue revenue-backed bonds and/or general obligation bonds for any capital improvement purpose related to their responsibilities to operate such utilities for the benefit of the people of Stowe, provided each such issue of bonds is approved by the Selectboard and the voters according to law.
(f) The charges and rates for electric service shall be a lien on real estate, wherever located, furnished with such service in the same manner and to the same effect as taxes are a lien upon real property under 32 V.S.A. Section 5061. The owner of such property, furnished with electric service, wherever located, shall be liable for such charges and rates.
(g) The Town of Stowe Electric Department shall take over for administrative purposes all contractual benefits and obligations inherited by the Town of Stowe under this Merger Plan that involve or apply to its operations as an electric utility without any further act, deed or instrument being necessary, or the approval of any agency of State government.
(h) The Electric Department shall every year make a contribution to the Town of Stowe in lieu of taxes in form of a cash payment and/or the equivalent in free services and municipal rate benefits in an amount equaling the amount of money which would be received by the Town of Stowe in ad valorem real estate taxes were such department a privately owned utility.
(a) There shall be a Town of Stowe Water Department which shall be responsible initially for continuing the present specific water services in existence and being provided on June 30, 1996.
(b) The water system taken over from the Village of Stowe and any additions thereto or modifications thereof shall be maintained separate from all other departments of the Town and no part of the rents and revenues therefrom may be used for any other purpose.
(c) Unless otherwise voted by the Town at a town meeting, all costs of the Water Department shall be paid by the users thereof and the annual water rents or charges shall be at a rate sufficient to cover annual expenditures, temporary indebtedness, the amortizing of bonded indebtedness and interest and any dedicated (sinking) funds. Prior to the setting of the annual budget and annual water rents or charges, the Water Commissioners shall each year hold a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input concerning a proposed annual budget and annual water rents or charges for the Water Department. The public notice for such public hearing shall be given not less than 15 days prior to the date of the public hearing by the publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Stowe and by the posting of the same information in one or more public places within the Water Department service area. With specific reference to the legislative authority contained in 24 V.S.A., chapter 53, subchapter 2, "Indebtedness for Public Utility Purposes," sections 1821-1828, the Stowe Water Utility Commission is permitted to issue revenue-backed bonds and/or general obligation bonds for any capital improvement purpose related to their responsibilities to operate such utilities for the benefit of the people of Stowe, provided each such issue of bonds is approved by the Selectboard and the voters according to law.
(d) The Selectboard of the Town of Stowe shall be the Water Commissioners, who in connection with those powers enumerated in the general laws of the State with respect to waterworks and supply, shall have the power to adopt and enforce rules, regulations or ordinances concerning the control and operation of such water system.
(e) The Water Department service area may be enlarged or modified by the Water Commissioners after holding a public hearing on any such proposed enlargement or modification. The public notice for each such public hearing shall be given not less than 15 days prior to the date of the public hearing by the publication of the date, place and purpose of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Stowe and by the posting of the same information in one or more public places within the Water Department service area.
(f) The Water Department shall every year make a contribution to the Town of Stowe in lieu of taxes in form of a cash payment and/or the equivalent in free services and municipal rate benefits in an amount equaling the amount of money which would be received by the Town of Stowe in ad valorem real estate taxes were such department a privately owned utility.
No section or provision of this charter may be repealed or amended unless the act making such repeal or amendment refers specifically to this charter and to the sections or provisions so repealed or amended. Any amendment to this charter must be submitted to the voters for their approval and, upon such approval, submitted to the legislature as provided by statutes. Amendments may be placed on the ballot by the Selectboard, a duly authorized charter review commission appointed by the Selectboard, or upon petition filed with the town clerk by five (5) percent of the legal voters of the town. The petition must clearly state the amendment and must be filed at least seventy-five (75) days before any annual town meeting. In the event the petition is filed more than ninety (90) days prior to the next annual town meeting, the Selectboard shall be required to hold a special town meeting for the purpose of considering the proposed amendment.
This charter shall become effective upon approval in accordance with 24 V.S.A. section 703.
Effective as of July 1, 1996, the Village of Stowe as constituted by Act No. 168 of the Laws of 1896, as amended, shall merge with and into the Town of Stowe, within its present geographic limits, as a single municipal corporation under the name of the Town of Stowe, and the Village of Stowe shall, except as hereinafter specifically provided otherwise for transition purposes, cease to exist as a municipal corporation and its charter shall be abolished.
(a) Upon the effective date of this merger, all assets of whatever kind, nature and description including but not limited to: lands; easements, rights and interests in lands; buildings and other improvements; vehicles, equipment and other personal property; funds; grants; assessed but uncollected taxes and water rents or charges, and electric rents or charges, together with the lien rights and enforcement powers of the Village of Stowe therefore; monies; rights, claims, actions and contracts; rights of action in legal or administrative proceedings; insurance policies; and documents and records owned, claimed or held by the Village of Stowe shall become vested in and become assets owned and held by the Town of Stowe without any further act, deed or instrument being necessary.
(b) Upon the effective date of this merger, the Town of Stowe shall assume and be obligated to pay or otherwise perform each and every lawful obligation, debt, claim, bonded indebtedness, and any other liability of the Village of Stowe without any further act, deed or instrument being necessary.
(c) The duly elected officers of the Village of Stowe shall remain in office on and after the effective date of this merger for the purpose of doing anything that the Selectboard of the Town of Stowe might request be done in effecting the transfer of the assets of the Village of Stowe to the Town of Stowe and the assumption by the Town of Stowe of the liabilities of the Village of Stowe. Prior to said effective merger date, the officers of the Village of Stowe shall settle, so far as possible, the financial affairs of the Village of Stowe and on said date shall turn over to the proper officers of the Town of Stowe all the assets of the Village of Stowe.
(d) On the effective date of this merger: 1.) The funds and other assets of the Village of Stowe for its General Department along with its corresponding liabilities, shall become those of the Town of Stowe for its General Fund. 2.) The funds and other assets of the Village of Stowe for its Water Department, along with its corresponding liabilities, shall become those of the Town of Stowe for its Water Department. 3.) The funds and other assets of the Village of Stowe for its Electric Department, along with its corresponding liabilities, shall become those of the Town of Stowe for its Electric Department. 4.) All of the other funds, assets and liabilities of the Village of Stowe shall become those of the Town of Stowe as part of its General Fund and of its general assets and liabilities.
(e) All water rates of the Village of Stowe in effect on the day before the effective date of this merger shall continue in effect until changed by the water commissioners of the Town of Stowe. All electric rates of the Village of Stowe in effect on the day before the effective date of this merger shall continue in effect until changed by the electric utility commissioners of the Town of Stowe.
(a) All rules, regulations (except Village Personnel Regulations), by-laws and ordinances of the Village of Stowe in effect on the day before the effective date of this merger shall become and continue in full force and effect as rules, regulations, by-laws and/or ordinances of the Town of Stowe for the said Village portion of the Town of Stowe for which they were enacted, until and to the extent they are amended or repealed by the Town of Stowe.
(b) Whenever a power is granted by any such rule, regulation, by-law or ordinance to an officer of the Village of Stowe, such power is conferred upon the appropriate officer of the Town of Stowe.
All employees of the Village shall become Town employees. All Town and former Village employees shall come under the same benefits plan. All Town Personnel Rules and Regulations as amended shall apply as of the effective date of the merger.
(a) The real property tax system of the present Village of Stowe shall be merged with that of the Town of Stowe. The revenue heretofore received by the Village from Village taxes may be replaced by an appropriate upward adjustment of the real property tax rates for the entire town.
(b) The calendar year accounting system of the present Village excluding the Electric Utility Department, will be promptly and efficiently coordinated with the fiscal year system of the Town, so that all services and operations described herein continue without interruption, with adjustments to any Village residents who may have over or underpaid. The Electric Utility Department will remain on a calendar year accounting system until the Electric Commissioners recommend otherwise.
(c) The Grand List and tax books of the Town of Stowe shall thenceforth include all of the real property taxpayers and taxes applicable within the Town boundaries, including the Village of Stowe, as merged, and the school district taxes.
The Town of Stowe, by action of the Selectboard, may elect during the period July 1, 1996 - July 1, 1997 to discontinue its participation in the Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System and begin participation in a new retirement program selected by the Selectboard. If the Town discontinues its participation in the Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System, Town employees who are members of such system as provided in 24 V.S.A., section 5053 may at their election:
(1) Allow their contributions to remain in VMERS and receive the benefits provided for in 24 V.S.A., section 5059(a); or
(2) Withdraw their accumulated contributions, together with employer contributions on the member's behalf and interest.
If any portion of this Merger Plan shall for any reason be held invalid or void, such invalidity or voidness shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall be given effect without the invalid provision. To this end the provisions of this Merger Plan are severable.