Governance Committee
Governance Committee Recommends Modest Changes After Charter Review
The Governance Committee delivered its final report to the City Council on December 10, 2025, after an eight-month review of the City’s government structure, recommending modest changes and upholding most existing practices. The nine-member committee, established in 2025 as required by the City Charter, researched potential reforms and gathered input from officials and the community.
The Committee focused on structural questions such as the form of government, election methods, Council size and terms, and compensation for officials. After interviewing leaders from nine other Vermont communities and consulting with local officials, the Committee noted that effective governance models vary greatly and depend on the unique context of each community.
Community engagement efforts included public forums, focus groups, and an online survey, though participation was limited. Based on its research and public input, the Committee made several recommendations:
No Changes
- Maintain the Council-Manager form of government.
- Continue at-large elections for all City Councilors.
- Keep the Council President elected by fellow Councilors.
- Retain a five-member Council, each serving a three-year term.
- Maintain the absence of term limits.
Changes
- Increase the annual stipend for City Councilors from $2,500 to $3,600.
- Set the Council President’s stipend at 25% above that of Councilors.
- Index Councilor stipends to the Consumer Price Index for annual adjustments.
- Require a comprehensive Charter review every 12 years.
The Committee also suggested that future efforts focus on improving community engagement and communications, areas outside the scope of the current review. It recommended that the city initiate a community dialogue to explore these “soft reforms.” A possible recall provision for elected officials was discussed, but the Committee did not make a recommendation, suggesting further study in the future.
The full report can be found here:
Governance Committee
PURPOSE
Essex Junction is a welcoming community, home to a diverse population, including residents of all ages, ethnicity, nationalities, and backgrounds; and the City Council wishes to explore governance structures to ensure that voices are equitably represented at policy making tables. As such, the Governance Committee shall represent the best interests of the City and its residents by serving in an advisory capacity to the City Council for the purpose of studying governance considerations for the City such as, but not limited to, form of government, election of officials at-large or through wards or districts, governing body composition, term of office, term limits, and councilor compensation.
MEMBERSHIP
The Governance Committee shall consist of up to 9 voting members to include two City Council members.
TIMELINE & TERM LENGTH
It is anticipated that the Governance Committee’s work may result in recommended charter changes. The intent is to prepare these charter changes in time for them to be brought to the voters on the 2026 Annual Meeting ballot. Therefore, the work of the Governance Committee shall be complete and submitted to the City Council no later than December 2025.
There may be additional work beyond this timeline to help with public outreach and engagement associated with any potential charter changes.
Governance Committee meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Essex Junction Recreation and Parks located at 75 Maple Street in Essex Junction, or via remote access. (See the municipal calendar).
Committee Members and Contact Information
- Bethany Clark
- Thomas Coen
- Steve Eustis, Chair
- Deb McAdoo
- Candace Morgan
- Gabrielle Smith
- Marlon Verasamy, Vice Chair
- Elaine Haney, City Councilor, Secretary ehaney@essexjunction.org
- Brian Shelden, City Councilor bshelden@essexjunction.org
- Brad Luck, Staff Representative bluck@ejrp.org
Upcoming Meetings
Access upcoming meeting documents by clicking on the meeting.
In-Person Community Conversation about Governance 11/05/2025
6:30PM – 8 PM Topic: Governance Committee
December 4, 2025
November 20, 2025
November 12, 2025
November 5, 2025
October 23, 2025
October 9, 2025
September 25, 2025
September 11, 2025
August 28, 2025
August 4, 2025
July 24, 2025
July 10, 2025
June 26, 2025
June 12, 2025
May 22, 2025
May 8, 2025
April 24, 2025
April 10, 2025
March 27, 2025
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