House advances Essex charter amendments, orders third reading

The Vermont House advanced H.518 on a second reading, approving committee-recommended amendments and ordering the bill for third reading.

Representative Gordon (member from Cambridge) presented details of the town-approved charter amendments for Essex, saying the changes would authorize the town to adopt license fees, create a recall procedure for select-board members via a petition signed by 15% of registered voters, replace the zoning board of adjustment with a development review board and reorganize several charter sections for clarity. The presentation included town referendum results cited by the committee (examples: a vote of 748–197 on one amendment and 666–66 on another).

The Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs recommended the amendment, reporting an 11–01 committee vote. Ways and Means reported that the Joint Fiscal Office found no visible effect on state revenues from the amendment as presented. On the floor the House voted by voice to amend as recommended and then voted to read the bill a third time; third reading was ordered.

Any final passage or additional amendment will occur on a future floor day when the bill returns for third reading.