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Council hears concerns over Act 180 plan to centralize community justice services in Burlington
Summary
Managers and chiefs briefed the council on state Act 180 changes that centralize pre-charge community justice services by county; staff said they are negotiating governance with Burlington to preserve local volunteer panels and restorative practices and asked volunteers and stakeholders to participate in upcoming focus groups and surveys.
City manager Jessie Baker and local chiefs briefed the council on state Act 180 changes that will move pre-charge community justice services to a county-level, Burlington-administered model. Managers from affected communities have advocated for preserving local restorative values — including embedded restorative practitioners in police departments, local volunteers and panels — and are working with Burlington and the attorney general’s office on a governance model to keep local practices intact.
Staff said FY26 funds will continue current staffing and services while parties negotiate how Burlington will administer countywide services in FY27. The city will push for a shared-governance model that preserves local volunteer panels and community service connected to South Burlington. Several longtime panel volunteers addressed the council and urged preserving local panels and local decision-making, citing low recidivism and strong local outcomes under the current model.
"The restorative justice process is community-based," said volunteer Michael Powers, describing panels of local residents who work with referred individuals to make amends and avoid court. City staff said they will run stakeholder engagement (surveys and focus groups) to capture volunteer and police perspectives and to shape contract terms Burlington will offer.
