Transparency is an essential element of an open and democratic government. In Vermont, the Open Meeting Law ensures that meetings of governmental bodies remain accessible by declaring that “[a]ll meetings of a public body are declared to be open to the public at all times, except as provided in section 313 of this title.” 1 V.S.A. § 312(a). The Open Meeting Law, and its requirements, empower the public to play an effective role, not only as an active participant in government but as a check on it. The law is found in 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314.
Complaint Process
Open Meeting Law complaints directed to the Town of Guilford must be filed with the Selectboard by e-mail to townadmin@guilfordvt.gov or by mail to 236 School Road, Guilford, VT 05301.
The written notice of complaint must allege a specific violation of the Open Meeting Law, identify the public body that committed the alleged violation, and request a specific cure of such violation. Upon receipt of the written notice of alleged violation, the public body will respond publicly to the alleged violation within 10 calendar days by:
- acknowledging the violation of this subchapter and stating an intent to cure the violation within 14 calendar days; or
- stating that the public body has determined that no violation has occurred and that no cure is necessary.
Failure of a public body to respond to a written notice of alleged violation within 10 calendar days will be treated as a denial of the violation for purposes of enforcement of the Open Meeting Law.
Act 133 (S.55) of 2024 (effective July 1) requires all municipalities to post to their website, if they maintain one, an explanation of the procedures for submitting notice of an Open Meeting Law violation but leaves it to each municipality to develop their own forms.
Open Meeting Law Complaint Form Download
Open Meeting Law complaints directed to Vermont’s Attorney General can be sent to:
Vermont Attorney General’s Office
Address: 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609
Phone (802) 828-3171
Email: ago.info@vermont.gov