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Essex Junction Council sets Feb. 12 public hearing on 2025 general fund budget; asks for outreach
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to set a public hearing on the proposed 2025 general fund budget for Feb. 12. Councilors discussed fund-balance targets, stormwater utility timing and some capital items; one councilor proposed an annual 1% set-aside to reach a 15% unassigned fund balance.
The Essex Junction City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to set a public hearing on the proposed 2025 general fund budget for 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 12.
Councilors discussed the staff-recommended budget package, which proposes a 2% increase in general-fund spending and an estimated 1.5% tax-rate increase — an average $42 difference on a $280,000 assessed home — plus changes to enterprise (utility) budgets. Staff noted the enterprise budgets, particularly the new stormwater utility, are still being finalized and that utility-rate increases are expected to be larger than the general-fund rise.
Why it matters: The budget sets tax and fee levels for the coming year and funds city services. Councilors used the budget review to address long-term fiscal goals, capital needs and program priorities.
Discussion highlights: Finance staff said the recommended plan keeps the city on a prudent course but that achieving a 15% unassigned fund balance will take time. Councilor Elaine Haney proposed a recurring set-aside equal to 1% of the budget each year until the city reaches a 15% fund balance target; councilors said the idea merits community discussion at the budget hearing. Staff noted that labor contract negotiations and rising costs could present headwinds in future years.
Councilors asked staff to continue outreach about major items, including the new stormwater utility and proposed enterprise-rate changes. The budget packet also included requests for rolling-stock replacements and equipment timing; staff said a cost-saving equipment replacement approach allowed the public-works loader and sweeper to be rescheduled earlier in the replacement cycle without adding immediate budget pressure.
Small appropriations and other items: Councilor Elaine recommended continuing a small membership payment of $3,750 to GBIC (Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation) given the organization’s work with major local employers; councilors agreed.
Council action: A motion to set a Feb. 12 public hearing on the FY2026 general fund budget as amended during the meeting passed unanimously. Staff will publish the notice and finalize materials for public review ahead of the hearing.
Ending note: The Feb. 12 hearing will be a community event at CVE with a free meal and childcare; staff said written comments and in-person testimony will be accepted.
