Current through L. 2024, c. 185.
Section 117-106 - Introduction; first and second readings; public hearing(a) Every ordinance shall be introduced in writing. The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be "The Selectboard of the Town of Essex hereby ordains . . . ". If the Selectboard passes the proposed ordinance upon first reading they shall cause it to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town in the form passed, or a concise summary of it including a statement of purpose, principal provisions, and table of contents or list of section headings, together with a reference to a place within the Town where copies of the full text of the proposed ordinance may be examined, at least once, together with a notice of the time and place when and where there will be a public hearing to consider the same for final passage. The first such publication shall be at least one week prior to the date of said public hearing. Any published notice shall explain citizens' rights to petition for a vote on the ordinance at an annual or special meeting pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1973 and shall also contain the name, address, and telephone number of a person with knowledge of the ordinance who is available to answer questions about it.(b) At the time and place so advertised, or at any time and place to which the hearing may from time to time be adjourned, the ordinance shall be introduced, and thereafter, all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard.(c) After the hearing, the Selectboard may finally pass the ordinance with or without amendment, except that if the Selectboard make an amendment they shall cause the amended ordinance to be published pursuant to section 106(a) hereof at least once together with a notice of the time and place of a public hearing at which the amended ordinance will be further considered, which publication shall be at least three days prior to the public hearing. At which time so advertised or at any time and place to which the meeting may be adjourned, the amended ordinance shall be introduced, and after the hearing, the Selectboard may finally pass the amended ordinance, or again amend it subject to the same procedures as outlined herein.24 Appendix V.S.A. § 117-106