House orders third reading for H516 to approve Essex Junction charter amendments

Representative Waters Evans (member from Charlotte) presented the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs' recommendation that House Bill 516, proposing two amendments to the Charter of the City of Essex Junction, ought to pass.

Waters Evans said the bill would correct a conflict with general law so that city councilors may hold city employment where state statute permits and would allow the city council to appoint a moderator for the city informational meeting and to set the date of that meeting on or by Jan. 1 of the meeting year. She reported that voters in Essex Junction approved the charter changes on April 11, 2023, and provided the referendum counts for each amendment: the first amendment passed with 1,709 yes, 233 no, and 49 blank ballots (about 86% in favor); the second amendment passed with 1,509 yes, 421 no, and 61 blank ballots (approximately 76% in favor). Waters Evans said the bill takes effect upon passage and that the committee heard testimony from legislative counsel and local officials.

The presiding officer then put the question on whether the House was ready to have the bill read a third time; members responded by voice and the 'ayes' prevailed, after which third reading was ordered. The floor record does not include a roll‑call tally for that voice vote nor any amendment motions recorded on the floor during this session.

Next steps: H516 was ordered for third reading and will return for that stage of consideration.