§ 11.08 - Adoption of Budget - Vermont Statutes

§ 147-11.8. Adoption of Budget

(a) An annual budget shall become effective after adoption by a majority vote of the town's legal voters present and voting by Australian ballot at the annual town meeting. If the voters disapprove the proposed budget at the annual town meeting, the selectmen shall proceed to warn a special town meeting to be held within sixty days of the annual meeting, for the purposes of considering the disapproved budget. The special town meeting shall not increase the amount recommended by the selectmen or make any budget appropriation not recommended by the selectmen. Voting on the proposed budget at the special meeting shall be by paper ballot, unless two-thirds (2/3rds) of those present and voting desire a voice vote.

(b) After the annual budget has been adopted, the selectmen shall not make any single appropriation not set forth in the budget which totals in excess of two percent of the aggregate budget appropriations. Any such appropriation made by the selectmen shall only be done if they deem an emergency situation requires such appropriation. Such emergency appropriations shall be reported to the next annual town meeting. Any single appropriation in excess of said two percent shall require prior approval by vote by Australian ballot at a duly warned town meeting. The issuance of bonds or notes, except notes in anticipation of revenue to be paid within the fiscal year in which issued, shall be authorized by Australian ballot at the annual or a special town meeting. Any article in the warning providing for appropriation of funds in addition to the selectmen's budget, shall be voted on by Australian ballot.