Notice of Adoption
2025 Municipal Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance
BACKGROUND
Act 171 (H.875), an Act establishing a municipal ethics framework in Vermont, went into effect on June 10th, 2024.
The Act establishes a statewide municipal code of ethics effective January 1, 2025. The Act also requires municipalities to develop policies and procedures related to complaint investigation and tracking.
Therefore, the Selectboard of the Town of Sharon, Vermont, unanimously voted at a special meeting held on January 21st, 2025 to adopt the 2025 Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance pursuant to 24 VSA § 1976 to meet the requirements of Act 171.
This notice is published pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1972 to inform the public of the adoption of the 2025 Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance and of the citizens’ right to petition for a vote to disapprove this adoption.
PURPOSE OF 2025 CODE OF ETHICS INVESTIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT ORDINANCE
The stated purpose of the Ordinance as adopted is “to enact procedures for the investigation of complaints that allege a municipal officer has violated Vermont’s Municipal Code of Ethics and the enforcement in instances of substantiated complaints, including methods of enforcement and available remedies.”
The full text of the Ordinance may be examined at the Sharon Town Offices, 15 School Street, in Sharon, Vermont and may be examined during regular office hours.
The full text is also available online HERE
CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO PETITION FOR VOTE
Title 24 V.S.A. § 1973 grants citizens the right to petition for a vote at a special or annual Town Meeting to disapprove an ordinance adopted by the Selectboard. To exercise this right, citizens must present to the Selectboard or the Town Clerk a petition for a vote on the question of disapproving the adoption signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the Town’s qualified voters. The petition must be presented within forty-four (44) days following the date of the adoption of the ordinance. Unless a petition requesting a vote is filed pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1973, the “2025 Municipal Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance” shall be adopted sixty (60) days from the date of said adoption.
PERSON TO CONTACT
Additional information pertaining to this Ordinance may be obtained by contacting Nicola Shipman, Town Administrator, at selectboard@sharonvt.net, or by calling (802) 763-8268 ext. 4 during regular office hours.