ON THE BALLOT 2026

The City and EWSD Annual Meeting (election) is Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 7 am to 7 pm at the Champlain Valley Exposition in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction.
A voters' guide that provides an overview of all City of Essex Junction and EWSD ballot items, including links to the full text for the advisory votes, and information/links local candidates (when available).​
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Election winners will be highlighted in GREEN after the results come in.
For detailed information regarding results, visit VT SOS webpage
City of essex junction ballot measures/articles
Link to the City of Essex Junction page
Article 1: City General Fund Budget
Voters could be asked to approve a proposed General Fund budget of $12,921,470 for the fiscal year 2027 (FY27), with $11,891,682 raised through property taxes. This budget is $502,228 (or 4.0%) higher than last year’s, resulting in a property tax rate increase from $1.0202 to $1.0624. For a $280,000 property, this means an additional $119 in city taxes compared to FY26.
Article 2: Public Works Facility Funding
Voters could potentially be asked to approve up to $13,960,000 in bonds or notes for a new Public Works facility. The current buildings are outdated and fail to meet modern operational, safety, and accessibility standards. Replacing them would improve staff facilities and equipment storage, and enhance city services—especially during emergencies.
Article 3: City Council Member Compensation
This article proposes raising the minimum annual pay for City Council members from $2,500 to $3,600. The Essex Junction Governance Committee supports this increase, citing the significant time and effort required of council members and hoping it will encourage more residents to run for office.
Article 4: Council President’s Pay
A related proposed Charter amendment would pay the Council President 25% more than other council members, reflecting the role’s extra duties and time commitments.
Article 5: Adjusting Council Compensation
This proposed Charter amendment would tie Council Compensation adjustments to the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region. The aim is to keep stipend adjustments fair and transparent.
Article 6: Regular City Charter Reviews
If approved, this proposed Charter amendment will require the City Council to appoint a Charter Review Committee at least once every 12 years.
Article 7: On-Time Tax Payments
Currently, the City accepts postmarks as proof of on-time tax payment, in accordance with state law. This proposed article asks if the City should stop accepting postmarks and require payments to be received by the due date. The change aims to reduce administrative burdens and ensure timely revenue collection.
Article 8: Drinking Water Project Loan
​This proposed article would authorize a planning loan (up to $892,771) to identify service line materials and verify non-lead service lines, as required by new federal drinking water regulations. The City is eligible for partial loan forgiveness for this phase.
Article 9: Social Services Funding Program
​This proposed article asks voters to approve the creation of a Social Services Funding Program and a one-cent tax to support local social service organizations. The funding would be used for programs benefiting Essex Junction residents, addressing needs such as health, housing, and food security.
Department video breakdowns of its individual budget.  
City Council candidates (3 year terms)  choose 2
Marcus Certa
Raj Chawla
Bethany Clark
Library trustee
ewds annual meeting
ewsd budget
ewsd school board candidates (3 year terms)  choose 2
Scott Brown
Dawn Irwin