Municipal Ethics

Photo by Bob Schatz

Municipal Code of Ethics

Under Vermont’s Act 171 (H.875), which took effect on June 10, 2024, municipalities must adopt a standardized Code of Ethics and comply with new statewide requirements. The law mandates that each municipality appoint an Ethics Liaison to coordinate with the State Ethics Commission and receive public complaints. Municipalities are responsible for investigating and documenting these complaints, which may be submitted locally or directly to the Ethics Commission. Additionally, all municipal officers must complete state-provided ethics training every three years to maintain compliance and uphold ethical standards in public service.

Vermont Municipal Code of Ethics

Municipal Code of Ethics Quick Summary

Conflict of Interest Quick Chart & FAQ

Vermont State Whistleblower Protection Rules

Vermont Ethics Commission

Process for Investigation and Enforcement of Ethical Violations

State law (24 V.S.A. § 1997) requires municipalities to enact procedures to investigate complaints that allege a municipal officer has violated the Municipal Code of Ethics and to enforce against substantiated complaints, including developing methods of enforcement and available remedies.

In January 2025, the Addison Selectboard approved and adopted an ethics investigation and enforcement policy, linked below.

Town of Addison Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance

Complaint Form

If you wish to submit an ethics complaint to the Town, please complete the Complaint Form and deliver to the address below. The Ethics Liaison will assess the complaint and conduct an investigation.

Town of Addison

Rob Barrows – Ethics Liaison

Address: 65 Vt Rte 17W
Addison, VT 05491