Newport, Vermont, Updates: Bonding, Credit Card Policies, and Water Rate Discussions
Newport, Vermont, officials recently addressed several key municipal issues, including public official bonding, credit card usage, and water rate adjustments. These discussions, held during a City Council meeting, aim to improve financial practices and ensure responsible governance.
Public Official Bonding Enhanced Through VLCT Coverage
Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase initiated a review of bonding procedures for public officials. He currently maintains a $100,000 crime insurance policy costing $365 for two years. Following consultation with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT), the city learned that its membership automatically provides bonding coverage for all elected and appointed officials, as well as municipal employees, up to $500,000, at no additional cost to the city. Newport Vermont Daily Express
City Attorney David Rugh confirmed that the city charter mandates bonding for public officials and key staff, with coverage levels determined by the City Council. The VLCT coverage was deemed sufficient to meet these requirements. The council subsequently voted to transfer bonding responsibility to VLCT.
Streamlining City Credit Card Policies
Currently, the Newport Police Department is the only city department with credit cards. Employees in other departments are reimbursed for purchases made with personal funds. This system has led to logistical challenges and frequent late payment fees due to the reimbursement process. Newport Vermont Daily Express
Mayor Ufford-Chase proposed adopting an invoice payment system with automatic payment capabilities to resolve these late fees. The plan involves department heads confirming expenditures and the mayor providing final approval. Future authority for bill approvals will transition to the city manager once that position is filled. One existing credit card account was closed because the company refused to remove a former employee’s name.
The council approved the new policy and authorized the issuance of credit cards to each department, along with one for Keri Schulze, the city’s financial and office administrator. The combined credit limit for all cards is $50,000.
Water Rate and Metering Policy Updates
John Monette, chair of the Water and Sewer Task Force, reported that a water rate adjustment is not currently necessary. The task force requires a full year of expense data (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) before recommending any rate increases. Newport Vermont Daily Express
The task force is also updating the water board’s amendment regarding meters, focusing on installation procedures, recovery of meters from properties, and addressing situations where meter installation is impractical or requires significant building modifications. They are considering establishing a fixed rate for properties where standard meter installation is not feasible and will document such properties. The task force will also define procedures for addressing meters that fail to accurately record water usage.
Finally, the task force will revert the terminology on water bills from “connection fee” to “base fee” in response to public feedback.
Rick Ufford-Chase’s Background
Rick Ufford-Chase has served as the mayor of Newport, Vermont, since January 2023. Wikipedia Prior to his mayoral role, he was a peace activist and a long-time member of the Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona. He was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2004 and served for two years, a first for the denomination. Wikipedia He was also the youngest moderator in recent history, at 40 years old. Wikipedia
Ufford-Chase is focused on revitalizing Newport’s economy and rebuilding the city’s cash reserve. WCAX He aims to implement the city’s 10-year development strategy for the downtown area, focusing on affordable housing and economic growth. WCAX