South Burlington public meetings in 2024

City Council

The council will discuss the proposed FY26 budget and vote to warn a public hearing, review final ARPA allocations before the Dec 31 federal deadline, and consider a funding request from the South Burlington City Center Collaborative. They will also act on a consent agenda including a $381,000 Oracle NetSuite contract, a pavement project award, and a sidewalk grant application.

• Discuss and approve FY26 General Fund and Enterprise Fund budgets, warning a public hearing for Jan 13, 2025
• Reaffirm ARPA allocations of remaining uncontracted funds to capital projects before Dec 31 deadline
• Authorize up to $381,000 in ARPA funding for a three-year Oracle NetSuite finance software contract
• Award Dorset Street Pavement Rehabilitation Phase 4 base bid to Pike Industries Inc
• Consider Green Mountain Transit FY26 operational funding and a one-time special assessment request

The City Council unanimously approved a $45,000 special assessment for Green Mountain Transit, allocated remaining ARPA funds to four capital projects, and voted to warn a public hearing for the FY26 budget. They also approved the consent agenda, the Recreation & Parks FY25 workplan, and letters recommending health officer appointments.

• Approved $45,000 special assessment for Green Mountain Transit (unanimous)
• Allocated remaining ARPA funds to four capital projects (unanimous)
• Warned public hearing for FY26 budget and capital plan on Jan 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $381,000 Oracle NetSuite contract and Dorset Street paving (unanimous)
• Accepted FY25 Recreation & Parks workplan (unanimous)
• Approved letter recommending Patricia Wehman as local Health Officer (unanimous)
• Approved letter recommending Peter Walsh as deputy health officer (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for real estate negotiations (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is holding a special budget retreat to receive FY26 budget presentations from all departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Library, Recreation & Parks, and General Government. No decisions are needed at this meeting, but recommendations for future discussions are requested. The Public Works presentation includes proposed rate increases for stormwater (3% to $7.92/ERU), wastewater (8.75%), and drinking water (8.83%), as well as capital improvement plans for paving, fleet, and infrastructure projects.

• Proposed stormwater rate increase of 3% to $7.92 per ERU (yearly increase of $2.88 for single-family homeowner).
• Proposed wastewater rate increase of 8.75% for FY26.
• Proposed drinking water rate increase of 8.83% for FY26.
• Capital improvement plan includes $1,250,000 for paving on multiple streets.
• Public Works reports 44 employees with vacancies in highway and mechanic positions.

The City Council held a budget retreat to review proposed FY26 departmental budgets based on a 3.39% increase scenario. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was for discussion and presentations. Key items discussed included proposed rate increases for stormwater (3%), wastewater (8.75%), and water (8.85%), as well as various capital improvement projects and staffing needs.

• Reviewed FY26 budget presentations from all departments (no votes taken)
• Discussed proposed stormwater rate increase of 3% ($2.88/year for single-family homes)
• Discussed proposed wastewater rate increase of 8.75%
• Discussed proposed water rate increase of 8.85%
• Noted Council will receive a funding request for Safe Routes to School at next meeting
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

City Council

The City Council will receive the City Manager's proposed FY26 Budget and consider a request from Champlain Housing Trust to reallocate $400,000 in ARPA funds for weatherization at Dorset Commons. Other discussions include a request to construct an Eruv for the Jewish Sabbath and an update on the Long View Project for conservation and affordable housing at Spear Street. The consent agenda includes awarding the Hinesburg Road Sewer Rehabilitation Project and accepting a deed for a pedestrian/bicycle bridge over I-89 at Exit 14.

• Award Hinesburg Road Sewer Rehabilitation Project to J. Hutchins, Inc.
• Accept deed of easement from 89-2 Realty Company and Burlington Interstate Center for Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over I-89 at Exit 14
• Discuss reallocating $400,000 in ARPA funds for weatherization at Dorset Commons (Champlain Housing Trust)
• Discuss request to construct an Eruv along Queen City Park Road, Swift Street, Spear Street, East Terrace, Williston Road, Catamount Drive
• Receive update on Long View Project at 1720/1730 Spear Street for conservation and affordable housing