House advances South Hero charter adoption, OKs local-option tax authority

The Vermont House advanced H.554, which approves the Town of South Hero’s charter and associated local option tax authority, accepting committee recommendations and ordering the bill for third reading.

Representative Morgan (member from Milton) summarized the charter’s key provisions: the select board may appoint officers including a delinquent tax collector and three town listers; the select board may adopt a job description and appoint a town administrator who may not simultaneously hold an appointed and an elected town office; the select board must contract at least every three years for a financial audit by a state-licensed public accountant; and the charter contains a severability clause. The charter also authorizes the select board to impose a 1% local option tax on rooms, meals and alcoholic beverages, with town-share revenue dedicated to property maintenance and projects.

Representative Morgan reported town vote tallies approving the charter (380–220) and the local option tax component (389–208). The Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs and Ways and Means reported support; Ways and Means said the additional state revenue impact would be minimal. The House voted by voice to read H.554 a third time; third reading was ordered.

H.554 will return for final floor action on a future day.