Citizen Portal News Vermont
LightNews LightNews
banner
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Citizen Portal News Vermont
@citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
160 followers 1 following 4.3K posts
Posts Replies Media Videos
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Northfield’s budget subcommittee is making bold moves to address critical safety needs, from restoring town records to replacing fire equipment—funding changes that could reshape the community's future.

Learn more here

#VT #CommunityFunding #InfrastructureImprovement #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Northfield subcommittee raises capital requests to cover record storage, ambulance and fire equipment shortfalls
Budget subcommittee agreed Dec. 29 to raise several capital requests — including $25,000 for long‑term records restoration, additional ambulance building funds and a $38,000 hose replacement for the fire department — while flagging larger highway and bridge projects that will require phased funding or bonding.
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 8:03 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission has unveiled a revamped future land use map that promises clearer boundaries and better alignment with state planning goals following critical feedback from the Vermont Land Use Review Board.

Learn more here!

#RutlandCounty #VT #CommunityPlanning
Rutland Regional Planning Commission revises regional future land use map after LURB feedback
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission updated its regional future land use map to align boundaries to parcel lines, consolidate fragmented rural categories, and adjust village and planned growth area boundaries after written feedback from the Vermont Land Use Review Board (LURB).
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 5:13 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
NRPC's year-in-review reveals a staggering $5 million investment in brownfields and $2 million for clean-water projects, all while setting ambitious housing targets for the future!

Click to read more!

#GrandIsleCounty #VT #GrandIsleCountyHousing #BrownfieldsRemediation #CleanWaterInitiatives
NRPC staff reviews 2025 work: $5M invested in brownfields, $2M contracted for clean‑water projects and housing targets set
NRPC staff summarized a year of work including brownfields assessments and clean‑water contracts, housing‑support projects and traffic/rail‑trail inventories; the commission recognized long‑serving members and set a near‑term plan timeline.
citizenportal.ai
December 26, 2025 at 10:49 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
The NRPC's regional plan received a thumbs up for compliance, but with 45 pages of requests for more details on future land use—what's next for Grand Isle County?

Click to read more!

#GrandIsleCounty #VT #GrandIsleCountyPlanning #PolicyDevelopment #CommunityInput #LandUsePlanning #CitizenPortal
NRPC says Land Use Review Board praised plan goals but asked for more map detail; staff aims for March adoption
NRPC staff told the commission the Land Use Review Board found the regional plan compliant with planning goals but returned 45 pages of comments asking for more information and map adjustments on several future land‑use areas; staff will gather documentation and community concurrence letters and hopes to warn an adoption hearing for the March board meeting.
citizenportal.ai
December 26, 2025 at 10:46 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Concerns rise in Northfield as ambulance staff unionize, leaving the budget uncertain and negotiations looming over potential pay hikes.

Get the details!

#VT #BudgetTransparency #LaborUnion #VermontAmbulance #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Northfield board says ambulance staff unionized; negotiators, costs remain uncertain
The subcommittee confirmed a recent unionization vote by ambulance personnel and warned that negotiations could materially affect the FY26'27 budget. Committee members asked for financial scenarios showing the cost of proposed wage/benefit changes and the effect on ambulance rates and town subsidies.
citizenportal.ai
December 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Northfield's Select Board faces a critical decision on interim police leadership as neighboring agencies step in for support—will they secure the right coverage in time?

Click to read more!

#VT #VermontPolicing #CommunityManagement #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Northfield Select Board weighs interim police leadership as neighboring agencies offer temporary coverage
Northfield Town Select Board discussed options for interim police leadership and mutual-aid coverage after its sole on-duty officer disclosed a medical leave. The sheriff said neighboring agencies may assist but asked that Northfield compensate for increased support; the board moved into executive session on personnel to consider appointing an interim manager.
citizenportal.ai
December 26, 2025 at 1:02 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Northfield has appointed Steve McKenzie as interim town manager, but an explosive allegation of leaked personnel files casts a shadow over the decision.

Click to read more!

#VT #NorthfieldVermont #BudgetPlanning #PublicParticipation #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Northfield board appoints Steve McKenzie as interim town manager; public raises allegation of leaked personnel files
The Northfield Town board voted to appoint Steve McKenzie as interim town manager and moved into executive session to discuss his contract. During public participation an attendee accused an individual of circulating personnel files and said they would contact federal prosecutors; the board said it would investigate.
citizenportal.ai
December 26, 2025 at 12:59 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Northfield's proposed FY2026'27 budget faces rising audit and legal costs, uncertain ambulance revenues, and hefty capital matches that could impact future finances.

Click to read more!

#VT #FiscalResponsibility #NorthfieldBudget #CommunityFinance #CitizenPortal #PublicAccountability
Northfield budget subcommittee flags higher audit, legal and ambulance costs in proposed 2026'27 budget
The Northfield Budget & Financial Review Subcommittee reviewed the draft FY2026'27 budget, noting increased audit and legal expenses, uncertain ambulance revenues and bad-debt write-offs, and large capital matches that will reduce future interest income. The committee set a short timeline for final decisions.
citizenportal.ai
December 26, 2025 at 12:57 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
EMPG delays are threatening vital training and outreach efforts in Rutland County, leaving regional coordinators scrambling for solutions.

Click to read more!

#RutlandCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #FundingChallenges #RutlandCountyEmergencyManagement #CommunityResilience #DisasterReadiness
Regional coordinators warn EMPG delays could stall training and local hazard‑mitigation work
Regional staff told the committee they submitted EMPG applications by Sept. 1 but the state is still awaiting legal review of federal funds; the delay has forced some duties onto regional coordinators, may pause workshops and some outreach, and leaves towns without expected grant support.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 10:35 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Hazardous materials incidents are on the rise in Rutland County, with a recent 200-gallon acid spill and multiple emergency exercises highlighted at the October LEPC meeting.

Learn more here!

#RutlandCounty #VT #EmergencyManagement #HazardousMaterials #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Rutland LEPC reports hazardous‑materials exercises and multiple spills; 2026 meeting dates set
Bob Morlino told the Rutland Emergency Management Committee that the statewide LEPC held an October meeting with about 65 attendees, reviewed EPA and Vermont DEC notification rules, and noted multiple hazardous‑materials exercises and real releases — including a ~200‑gallon acid spill at a cider facility and recent railcar releases.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 10:33 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's AOT faces a daunting $33 million shortfall, prompting tough decisions that threaten local projects and community safety.

Learn more here!

#VT #BudgetTransparency #CommunityImpact #InfrastructureFunding #CitizenPortal #VermontMunicipalities
AOT presents $33M shortfall and a rescission plan that delays projects, cancels technology purchases and trims positions
AOT’s five‑year outlook shows a roughly $33 million deficit under conservative assumptions; staff presented a rescission/decision plan mixing one‑time delays (about $33.5M) with cancellations and position reductions, prompting town officials to warn of harmful local impacts.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 12:25 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
New Hampshire's transportation commissioner warns that flat revenue and rising costs could delay $400 million in critical projects, raising questions about the future of infrastructure.

Click to read more!

#VT #CostPressures #VermontTransportation #InfrastructureFunding #CitizenPortal
New Hampshire DOT official: similar cost pressures; turnpike revenue covers operations but not new capital
New Hampshire’s transportation commissioner told Vermont's Senate committee that NH faces flat highway revenue and rising costs, uses a statutory municipal block grant (12% of gas tax and fees) to aid towns, and that turnpike tolls currently cover debt and operations but cannot support major new capital without a toll increase.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 12:24 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Rising construction costs could leave nearly half of Vermont's roads in poor condition within a decade, forcing tough choices between immediate preservation and costly future reconstruction.

Click to read more!

#VT #TransportationSafety #CostEfficiency #VermontRoads #InfrastructureFunding
Officials warn rising costs could leave nearly half of state roads in poor condition within a decade
AOT modeling presented to the Senate Transportation Committee shows that, under a $103 million annual paving program and current forecasts, pavement conditions could decline sharply by 2035 as construction costs outpace revenue; the agency urged prioritization and a town‑level study to clarify local impacts.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 12:23 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
AHS is facing critical funding challenges as they seek $1.1M to support Planned Parenthood during a federal reimbursement moratorium while navigating the costs of a new office lease.

Learn more here!

#VT #CommunitySupport #VermontHumanServices #HealthcareAccess #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal
Appropriators pressed on Pilgrim Park lease and Planned Parenthood Medicaid backfill in AHS BAA
AHS requested funding to fit out Pilgrim Park office space ($385,000 general fund share) and a one‑year Medicaid reimbursement backfill for Planned Parenthood (~$1.1M) to maintain services for roughly 16,000 patients; committee asked for totals and contingency plans if federal funds do not materialize.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:18 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's Department of Mental Health reveals pivotal budget changes to enhance youth care and tackle staffing challenges, promising a future with reduced out-of-state placements.

Learn more here!

#VT #VermontMentalHealth #YouthCare #CitizenPortal #InstateCapacity #HealthcareStaffing
Mental‑health capacity and staffing drive major adjustments in DMH testimony to appropriations panel
The Department of Mental Health told the House Appropriations Committee it is seeing higher utilization in youth residential care, reliance on travel nurses at inpatient facilities and forthcoming in‑state youth psychiatric residential capacity (PRTF); DMH requested line‑item adjustments and said new projects may reduce out‑of‑state placements.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:17 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont has $96 million in ARPA funds at risk of being returned to the Treasury if not spent wisely in the next two years—how will officials navigate this tight timeline?

Click to read more!

#VT #VermontRecovery #FiscalResponsibility #GovernmentAccountability #InfrastructureInvestment
Officials warn tight ARPA closeout window leaves roughly $96 million at risk of reversion
State recovery officer Douglas Farnham told the appropriations committee Vermont has obligated its ARPA allocations but faces a constrained 2025–2026 spending window; about $96–99 million of ARPA remained unexpended as of Sept. 30 and will require careful reallocation or risk return to Treasury.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
A new bill in Vermont aims to provide swift financial relief to farmers and forestry operators affected by severe weather, but heated debates on eligibility and administration could shape its future.

Learn more here!

#VT #EmergencyAssistance #VermontAgriculture #AgriculturalEquity #CitizenPortal
House panel advances S.60 framework to create farm and forestry emergency assistance fund
The House Appropriations Committee reviewed S.60, a bill to create a review board and special fund to provide rapid payments to farmers and forestry operations after eligible weather events. Members debated eligibility, documentation, administration costs and an amendment requiring disclosure of prior state grants.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's Department of Public Safety is facing significant budget pressures, including a staggering $1 million shortfall for criminal-history checks and ongoing staffing challenges in the State Police.

Click to read more!

#VT #VermontPublicSafety #SystemUpgrade #BudgetPressures #CitizenPortal
Appropriations panel hears Public Safety requests: state police overtime, PSAP staffing and a $570,000 system upgrade
The Department of Public Safety briefed the House Appropriations Committee on overtime shortfalls for the Vermont State Police, persistent vacancies in PSAPs, and a $570,000 one‑time contract to move a criminal-history message switch to the cloud; staff also described a projected $1,059,000 shortfall in the criminal-history record-check fund.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:13 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's Department of Taxes is calling for a $1.5 million boost in renter credits while predicting a decline in homeowner rebates—what does this mean for you?

Click to read more!

#VT #HousingSupport #VermontTaxes #FiscalTransparency #TelecomValuation #CitizenPortal
Department of Taxes asks for $1.5M more for renter credit, reforecasts homeowner rebate and seeks $500,000 for telecom valuation pilot
The Department of Taxes told the House Appropriations Committee it needs a $1.5 million increase to the renter credit (bringing the FY current-year appropriation to $11 million), expects the homeowner rebate appropriation to decline on updated forecasts, and asked for $500,000 to inventory and value telecommunications property for municipal assessment.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:12 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's Department for Children and Families is requesting $2 million to tackle rising shelter and crisis-care costs as they strive to support over 200,000 residents each year.

Learn more here

#VT #HousingSupport #CrisisCare #YouthServices #CitizenPortal #VermontChildren
House panel reviews DCF budget adjustments as shelters, transport and crisis-care costs rise
Department for Children and Families officials told the appropriations committee they face rising transportation and subsidized-adoption costs, requested $2 million for shelter operations and sought funds to sustain crisis-stabilization and secure youth-treatment capacity.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:11 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Concerns are brewing in Vermont as providers question the fairness of rate increases across different care tiers and call attention to the overlooked inflation boost for case managers.

Get the details

#VT #EquityInReform #VermontProviders #CaseManagement #CitizenPortal #HealthcareFunding
Committee hears provider concerns over rate tiers and a missed case-management inflation increase
Members raised provider concerns that separated rate approvals produced uneven results across Enhanced Residential Care tiers; DALE reported corrective review steps and that a 1% increase for case management would cost about $70,004.52 (gross).
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
The Joint Fiscal Office just revealed a staggering $118 million in contingent appropriations, sparking questions about how these funds will be deployed in times of need.

Get the details!

#VT #GovernmentAccountability #FiscalTransparency #EmergencyFunding #CitizenPortal #VermontFinance
JFO explains $118M in contingent appropriations and limits on emergency board transfers
The Joint Fiscal Office outlined roughly $118 million set aside at fiscal‑year end — including a $50 million tranche for the emergency board and two $30 million tranches for federal funding risks or other needs — and explained the emergency board's ~2% transfer limit.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:08 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's prison system is bursting at the seams, with officials pleading for over $4.5 million to address the overwhelming number of detainees and maintain essential services.

Click to read more!

#VT #PublicSafety #VermontCorrections #CitizenPortal #PrisonReform #FundingNeeded
Appropriations panel hears Corrections requests as prison population strains in-state capacity
Corrections officials told the House Appropriations Committee they are overcapacity, asked for $4.55 million to expand the WellPath contract and sought funding for sheriff transports and out-of-state beds as Vermont facilities exceed usable general-population space.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:07 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's judiciary is pushing for over half a million dollars to boost sheriff pay and make crucial court positions permanent amid staffing challenges—could this change the future of courthouse operations?

Click to read more!

#VT #VermontJudiciary #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #JusticeReform
Judiciary seeks $558,566 for sheriff contracts, cites pilot docket gains and asks to convert 26 term-limited positions
State court leaders told the House Appropriations Committee that a $558,566 increase in contracted sheriff pay and $128,716 in pilot-docket costs are needed to sustain courthouse coverage and a three‑month accountability pilot; they also requested conversion of 26 term-limited positions to permanent status for retention.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
The Agency of Human Services is seeking $33.2 million in additional funding to tackle rising costs and increased service demands, sparking intense discussions at the House Appropriations Committee.

Get the details!

#VT #BudgetTransparency #VermontHumanServices #MedicaidUtilization #CitizenPortal
House Appropriations committee hears Agency of Human Services budget adjustment; AHS seeks about $33.2 million in general fund
Agency of Human Services (AHS) told the House Appropriations Committee it needs roughly $33.2 million in additional general fund in its 2026 budget adjustment, driven mainly by Medicaid utilization, required rate increases and contractual costs; the agency also listed several one‑time requests and offsets.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 9:05 PM