Each year, the Guilford Selectboard sets short- and longer-term goals, in addition to our ongoing responsibilities. From these goals, we create a work plan as a framework to guide our actions. During the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, Guilford residents responded with creativity and generosity. Supporting our most vulnerable community members became one of the Selectboard’s highest priorities. Unfortunately, the community is still struggling with the aftermath of the pandemic, physically, psychologically, and financially. In addition, climate emergencies continue to put our community at risk. While the Selectboard has aspirational goals, our authority comes solely from State Statute: The selectboard is at the center of Vermont’s local government. It is the body that has general supervision and control over the affairs of the town. 24 V.S.A. § 872. The selectboard performs three functions: legislative (enacts local ordinances, regulations and policies); administrative (prepares and presents the budget, oversees all town expenditures, supervises personnel and controls town buildings and property); and quasi-judicial (determines private rights in such areas as laying out, discontinuing and reclassifying highways and hearing appeals as the local board of health and as the local liquor control commission). This is the foundation of our work.
Guilford is a welcoming, inclusive, affordable, sustainable, and safe community.
Priorities:
- Safety, Emergency Preparedness
- Community Connections and Resilience
Actions:
- Encourage collaboration among the various Guilford nonprofits and community organizations.
- Integrate newcomers into the community.
- Road safety in Algiers, Guilford Center, Weatherhead Hollow, Hinesburg Rd.
- Mutual Aid plan, 911 list for vulnerable populations.
Who?
- Selectboard, Emergency Management Director
The Selectboard is curious, open, transparent, and communicates clearly.
Priorities:
- Enhance communication with the community
Actions:
- Continuously update all available information online. Keep residents informed about upcoming events and meeting topics.
- Inform community about upcoming events and meeting topics.
- Offer ongoing education on complex governance issues. Welcome public input.
Who?
- Selectboard, Town Administrator
The Selectboard works closely with Town Commissions, Committees, and Departments. Likewise, the Selectboard works closely with Guilford’s State Representative and Windham Regional Commission.
Priorities:
- Strengthen ties with Selectboard members. Continue to Increase reporting at meetings.
Actions:
- Develop schedule. Minutes and BCTV recordings serve as documentation. Selectboard members strengthen roles as liaisons.
- In collaboration with Planning Commission, encourage broad participation through messaging and planning.
- Build capacity to respond to funding opportunities. Communicate about transportation and infrastructure.
Who?
- Selectboard, Town Administrator
The Selectboard implements and monitors the Guilford Capital Plan, continuing to update the public.
Priorities:
- Guilford Capital Plan; all other planned activities.
Actions:
- Review 2018 Capital Needs Assessment and develop update plan.
Who?
- Selectboard, Town Administrator