House advances annexation for Village of Swanton to move municipal services and hold bond vote

The Vermont House on April 25 approved H.364, an act authorizing the annexation of town land by the village of Swanton in Franklin County to allow municipal facilities to expand.

Representatives said the village offices have outgrown their current building and the annexation would allow the village electric department to move to an unused parcel across the street. That move would free space at the existing municipal building so the police department can expand operations, the committee report said.

The government operations committee reported a 10‑0‑1 approval and the Ways and Means Committee found no state revenue impact. The village trustees and the town selectboard approved the annexation in 2023 and April 2025, respectively. The village is scheduled to hold a bond vote on May 6 to fund construction; House committee members said an affirmative legislative vote helps inform voters.

The bill received a third reading in the House and third reading was ordered on a voice vote.

Speakers on the record included the member from Berkshire (presentation for government operations and military affairs) and the member from Law (presentation for Ways and Means). The committee said it heard from the village manager and town administrator in support of the annexation.

Clarifying details: the annexation affects municipal property in the village of Swanton, Franklin County; the village will hold a local bond vote May 6 to authorize financing; legislative approval is required by the village charter.

Next steps: the village bond vote and any follow‑up implementation are local actions contingent on voter approval and subsequent permitting or construction planning.