Bill > S0255

This bill establishes a pilot program in Windham County, Vermont, to create a Windham County Law Enforcement Governance Council, which will be a "Council" composed of "member municipalities" (towns that vote to join and receive services) and will provide coordinated law enforcement and related services, such as dispatch and animal control, to these participating towns. The Council will be formed when at least five municipalities join, and its operations and funding will begin on July 1, 2026, or when the five-municipality threshold is met, whichever is later. Member municipalities will each have one representative on the Council, chosen by their selectboard, and will contribute to the Council's costs through a county property tax based on their population, while "nonmember municipalities" (those not joining) will not be taxed or charged for these services. The Council will be responsible for setting its budget, determining the scope and standards of services, and overseeing their delivery, which will be primarily provided by the Windham County Sheriff's Department through an annual agreement, with coordination among various law enforcement agencies. The pilot program is set to end on June 30, 2034, with a comprehensive evaluation to be submitted to the legislature before its termination, and the bill includes provisions to ensure that nonmember municipalities continue to receive existing state police services and retain their rights to independent law enforcement arrangements.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.255