Annual Meeting & Budget Overview
The City and EWSD Annual Meeting (election) is Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 7 am to 7 pm at the Champlain Valley Exposition in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction.
The City of Essex Junction is working on the Fiscal Year (FY) 27 General Fund budget. The City Council encourages community members to participate actively in the budget process leading up to the City Council’s final budget approval on March 11, 2026. Once the budget is passed by the City Council, residents will see it on the Annual Meeting ballot on April 14, 2026.
The budget preparation process began in June 2025 at the City Council Retreat, where the Council and Department Heads reviewed progress on the strategic plan, outlined action items for the upcoming fiscal year, and established strategic priorities for fiscal year 2027. Following the City Council’s priority-setting, the Department Heads developed their respective budgets and work plans. Collaboratively with the Finance Director, the City Manager prepared the proposed FY27 budget, which will be presented to the City Council on their annual Budget Day, held on December 5th this year. Both the proposed FY27 General Fund and preliminary Enterprise Fund budgets will be presented.
Learn About the Proposed Ballot Articles
Breakdown of the Proposed Ballot Articles
Article 1: City General Fund Budget
Voters could be asked to approve a proposed General Fund budget of $12,921,470 for the fiscal year 2027 (FY27), with $11,891,682 raised through property taxes. This budget is $502,228 (or 4.0%) higher than last year’s, resulting in a property tax rate increase from $1.0202 to $1.0624. For a $280,000 property, this means an additional $119 in city taxes compared to FY26.
Article 2: Public Works Facility Funding
Voters could potentially be asked to approve up to $13,960,000 in bonds or notes for a new Public Works facility. The current buildings are outdated and fail to meet modern operational, safety, and accessibility standards. Replacing them would improve staff facilities and equipment storage, and enhance city services—especially during emergencies.
PowerPoint of Current Facility
Preliminary Plans for New Facility
Article 3: City Council Member Compensation
This article proposes raising the minimum annual pay for City Council members from $2,500 to $3,600. The Essex Junction Governance Committee supports this increase, citing the significant time and effort required of council members and hoping it will encourage more residents to run for office.
Article 4: Council President’s Pay
A related proposed Charter amendment would pay the Council President 25% more than other council members, reflecting the role’s extra duties and time commitments.
Article 5: Adjusting Council Compensation
This proposed Charter amendment would tie Council Compensation adjustments to the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region. The aim is to keep stipend adjustments fair and transparent.
Article 6: Regular City Charter Reviews
If approved, this proposed Charter amendment will require the City Council to appoint a Charter Review Committee at least once every 12 years.
Article 7: On-Time Tax Payments
Currently, the City accepts postmarks as proof of on-time tax payment, in accordance with state law. This proposed article asks if the City should stop accepting postmarks and require payments to be received by the due date. The change aims to reduce administrative burdens and ensure timely revenue collection.
Article 8: Drinking Water Project Loan
This proposed article would authorize a planning loan (up to $892,771) to identify service line materials and verify non-lead service lines, as required by new federal drinking water regulations. The City is eligible for partial loan forgiveness for this phase.
Article 9: Social Services Funding Program
This proposed article asks voters to approve the creation of a Social Services Funding Program and a one-cent tax to support local social service organizations. The funding would be used for programs benefiting Essex Junction residents, addressing needs such as health, housing, and food security.
The City Council’s engagement schedule offers many opportunities for residents to learn more, discuss, and provide feedback on these important issues. You can review additional information on all of the proposed articles below.
Proposed Ballot Articles Explained
You can also view the full proposed FY27 budget here. Each Department has also created video breakdowns of its individual budget.
As the City Council works on the budget, they would appreciate resident input. Budget discussions will be held during City Council meetings scheduled for January 21, January 28, and February 11. These meetings will take place at the City Offices located at 2 Lincoln Street and will also be available virtually. View the Annual Meeting & Budget Timeline for meeting packets and other important dates.