Burlington voters passed all three infrastructure bonds and all three charter changes by “resounding” approval, according to Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. While the conversation for months was to get these items passed, what happens now?
It’s not a one size fits all answer. Different timelines will branch these bonds off from one another, and state approval will be needed for the charter changes.
Two new City Councilors have been voted in: Ranjit “Buddy” Singh, a Democrat for the South District, and Democrat Allie Schachter won in the East District. Central and North District incumbents Melo Grant and Mark Barlow were also reelected.
Singh and Schachter will be sworn in April 7.
Mayor pledges to balance affordability and the need to progress the infrastructure bonds
Voters approved the passage of the city’s general obligation bond, which allows city council to borrow $20 million between fiscal year 2026 and 2028 to fund capital improvement infrastructure projects in the city for its five-year capital plan. That will be written into those fiscal year plans as the mayor and department heads work on the FY26 plan in the coming months.
Just over 80% of residents also voted yes on the issuance of revenue bonds for wastewater and stormwater utility projects for improvements to those systems totaling $152 million, along with improvements and additions to the drinking water reservoir and pump station – a total of $20 million.
While no exact day has been stated for when water bills will increase, but it will be in the coming months.
Mulvaney-Stanak mentioned affordability with these high-cost projects, noting the existing income-based affordability programs within the Water Division and Burlington Electric Department, rebate programs for sewer lateral line replacement for homeowners and stormwater retention credits for property owners, and how she is “looking to expand these programs to support ratepayers as water bills increase over the next several years to pay for these critical bonds.”
Residents want firearms banned in liquor establishments
Voters said yes to the charter change to ban firearms at any location that has a liquor license, with it receiving 89.9% of the vote.
This is the second time the vote has passed, as Burlingtonians passed a similar act in 2014, but it was stalled at the statehouse. Burlington voters have made clear their support for this policy change. While it needs that state approval, Mulvaney-Stanak said making that change happen will be a focus for her.
“My administration will work with our Burlington state delegation to advocate for the legislature to respect the will of the voters and adopt this charter change so we can add one more critical community safety tool for building a stronger and more responsive community safety system,” Mulvaney-Stanak said in a statement March 5. “I also look forward to working closely with business owners, first responders and community members to develop the details of the firearm ban in our city ordinance, including creating a clear city enforcement process.”
The other two changes – allowing the council to redistrict the city and for the council to regulate rental notifications and periods – will need to be approved on the state level as well.
Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.