The Selectboard of the Town of Essex, Vermont hereby gives notice that a public hearing to consider final passage of Chapters 10.18, Municipal Wastewater Allocation Ordinance, Chapter 10.12, Water Use Ordinance and Chapter 10.16, Sewer Use Ordinance of the Essex Municipal Code. The hearing will be held in person and online via Zoom: Monday, October 19, 2026, 6:35 PM at the Town Offices at 81 Main St., Essex Junction. Scan the QR code below for the Zoom link or call by telephone (dial (888) 788-0099 and enter meeting ID: 987 8569 1140 | Passcode: 032060 CONCISE SUMMARY The Selectboard of the Town of Essex hereby ordains changes to the Municipal Ordinance, Chapter 10.18,10.12 and 10.16 . The purpose of each Ordinance is as follows: Chapter 10.18, Wastewater Allocation Ordinance: to update the Ordinance and the associated Allocation Map to be consistent with the current Essex Town Plan and current Zoning (it has been 16 years since the last update); to update estimated flow numbers to reflect generally lower usage; to eliminate the usage of equivalent users and use flow estimates to calculate allocation; to eliminate water and sewer initiation fees for new users and replace those fees with an allocation fee and a connection fee; to handle small applications of less than 450 gpd administratively; other minor changes as noted in the detailed line by line explanation of changes available on the Town website or by request. Chapter 10.16 Sewer Use Ordinance: to ensure consistency between Ordinances, the Sewer Use Ordinance had to be updated in concert with the Sewer Allocation Ordinance and the Sewer Use Ordinance; to update flow usage to be concurrent with the Allocation Ordinance and Water Use Ordinance changes on flow: to eliminate the use of the term Equivalent User (EU); to change the fee structure for sewer allocation and new connections; to change the onsite sewer section to reflect State and not local approval; to change the billing cycle; to clarify the basis for surcharge fees for abnormal waste; to modify the appeal process to include the Board of Abatement and a step by step process for handling appeals; to establish two classes of permits and fees – one for allocation of flow and a second for connection to the sewer system; to change the billing cycle other minor changes as noted in the detailed line by line explanation of changes available on the Town website or by request. Chapter 10.12 Water Use Ordinance: to ensure consistency between Ordinances, the Water Use Ordinance had to be updated in concert with the Sewer Allocation Ordinance and the Sewer Use Ordinance; to update flow usage to be concurrent with the Allocation Ordinance and Sewer Use Ordinance changes on flow: to eliminate the use of the term Equivalent User (EU); to change the fee structure for water allocation and new connections; to include a new section on new Water Use allocation; ; to modify the appeal process to include the Board of Abatement and a step by step process for handling appeals; to establish two classes of permits and fees – one for allocation of flow and a second for connection to the water system; to change the billing cycle; to clarify the issue of properties with an onsite well and municipal water; other minor changes as noted in the detailed line by line explanation of changes available on the Town website or by request. The full text of each Ordinance may be viewed on the Town of Essex website at www.essexvt.gov and examined at the Town of Essex Town Office at 81 Main Street, Essex Junction, Vermont and may be examined during regular office hours. 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 ordinances 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 ordinance 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 by the Selectboard. PERSON TO CONTACT Additional information pertaining to this Ordinance may be obtained by contacting Deputy Manager Karen Adams at 81 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452, by calling (802) 878-1341 during regular office hours, or by emailing at [email protected]. Posted at: Essex Town Office, Essex Free Library, Essex Public Works Office, Essex Experience kiosk, Essex Discount Beverage, Essex Post Office, and Town of Essex Website. The post Town Of Essex Selectboard, Notice Of Public Hearing, October 19, 2026, 6:35 PM, Town Offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452 and Zoom appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less