Senate race
Start your engines
Six candidates vie for Chittenden Southeast
Popular East Charlotte tractor parade is Saturday
Page 3
Page 7
October 10, 2024
POSTAL CUSTOMER
ECRWSSEDDM
Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg
In Charlotte
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH
thecitizenvt.com
Power struggle
Union vote passes by large majority LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
Following a secret ballot vote on Sept. 25, employees in Charlotte have voted overwhelmingly to form a union. In April, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 93 filed a petition with the Vermont Labor Relations Board looking to become the exclusive bargaining representative for a unit of 10 town and library employees — the town planner, zoning administra-
tor, planning and zoning assistant, assistant town clerk, volunteer coordinator at the senior center, along with five employees of the library. According to an update from AFSCME Council 93, those workers voted 9-1 to join the union, citing the need for job stability, greater respect and a voice on the job. Judith L. Dillon, executive director of the Vermont Labor Relations Board, said that there See UNION on page 16
Hinesburg could face budget cuts, higher taxes, or both in 2026 PATRICK BILOW STAFF WRITER
During the last two selectboard meetings, Hinesburg town manager Todd Odit expressed grave concerns about the town’s fiscal year 2026 budget. In a memo to the board, Odit
said that temporary revenue sources will no longer be available in fiscal year 2026 to offset the cost of routine operations in Hinesburg. He warned that services would need to be cut, or See HINESBURG on page 13
VERMONT STATE POLICE PHOTO
A driver swerved to avoid an animal in the road and hit a telephone pole at the intersection of Dorset Street and Woodland Way in Charlotte on Oct. 6 around noon. The driver may have sustained minor injuries, Vermont State Police said, and the car had to be towed. Police were assisted by rescue and fire crews from Charlotte and Green Mountain Power.
A FARM-TO-TACO EXPERIENCE.
Breakfast served starting at 9am daily
Chilaquiles • Tortas • Omelets • Pancakes
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Take Out
(802) 497-1668
cortijovt.com