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Burlington council approves 0.1% public-safety sales tax under House Bill 2015
Summary
At its Jan. 8 meeting the Burlington City Council voted to implement a 0.1% public-safety sales tax authorized by House Bill 2015, a step city leaders said could open new grant opportunities and local revenue for the police department and related public safety services.
BURLINGTON — The Burlington City Council voted Jan. 8 to implement a 0.1% public-safety sales tax authorized by House Bill 2015 after a presentation by Police Chief Kevin Turner.
Chief Turner presented the proposed ordinance and outlined the mechanism in state law that allows cities to adopt the surcharge to fund public safety. Councilor James Stavig and Councilor Kelsey Freeman moved to implement the tax, and the motion carried.
The measure — described to council as the local option tax allowed under House Bill 2015 — was presented as a way to generate dedicated revenue for policing and related public-safety needs. Council discussed the ordinance timing and whether adoption would position the city to pursue additional grant funding tied to local revenue commitments.
Votes at a glance (actions taken Jan. 8, 2026): • HB 2015 public-safety sales tax: motion to implement approved (motion moved by Stavig and Freeman). • Accounts payable and payroll disbursements: approved as presented (see amounts in the meeting record). • Maiben Park natural playground Phase 2 agreement with Learning Landscapes: authorized mayoral signature; motion passed 4–2. • Mayor Pro Tempore and committee assignments: Council elected Councilor Kelsey Freeman as mayor pro tempore and Councilor Joe DeGloira as investment chair; committee assignments approved as presented.
The council did not record a detailed roll-call tally for every motion in the publicminutes; where specific council votes were noted in the record, they are reported accordingly. The ordinance implementing the tax was presented and approved for implementation during the meeting; administrative steps to finalize and implement the tax will follow.
Mayor Bill Aslett said the city is continuing its recruitment for a permanent city administrator and that Interim City Administrator Andy Parks would remain in that role while the process continues. The council adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
