Council to ask voters about creating a social services funding program funded by a 1¢ tax

Staff proposed asking voters whether the city should develop a social services funding program and approve a 1¢ tax to fund it. Regina described the option to follow the town’s existing model policy and noted participating in a social service appropriation would restore a program the village had used prior to separation. She also suggested the city could consider participatory budgeting in a later year after a reappraisal to better understand fiscal impacts.

Councilor Elaine argued passionately that Essex Junction lacks a social safety net and urged asking the voters now so local organizations can receive timely assistance; she advocated using the town model policy and framing the question as a restoration of prior support. Other councilors supported putting an advisory question on the ballot while expressing concern about ballot timing and the cumulative tax impact (given other items such as the public works bond). After discussion, Councilor Elaine moved that the council ask the voters to authorize development of a social services program funded by a 1¢ tax (to be reconsidered at the 2027 annual meeting); the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.