Ordinance Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-05-21
Time: 16:30

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: May 21, 2026 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ordinance Committee Meeting

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1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adopt Draft Minutes from April 23, 2026
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board


  Type
  Recommended Action

  Subject 2.2. Adopt Draft Minutes from May 1, 2026
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department Council and Board


  Type

4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Subject 4.1. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. Any Other Committee Business
  Subject 5.1. Any Other Committee Business
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. Any Other Committee Business

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Adjournment
  Subject 6.1. Motion to adjourn
Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


Category 6. Adjournment

Department Council and Board


Type

Recommended Action

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: May 21, 2026 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ordinance Committee Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://zoom.us/j/96250229384?pwd=0t2TrMuD9iPW3eEehwtUFb4asVU5mq.1
Passcode:925466

Phone one-tap:
+16469313860,,96250229384#,,,,*925466# US
+19292056099,,96250229384#,,,,*925466# US (New York)

Join via audio:
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+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
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+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
Webinar ID: 962 5022 9384
Passcode: 925466
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adCtg3TerW




1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adopt Draft Minutes from April 23, 2026
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board


  Type


 Page 1 of 31
  Recommended Action

  Subject 2.2. Adopt Draft Minutes from May 1, 2026
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department Council and Board


  Type

4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Subject 4.1. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. Any Other Committee Business
  Subject 5.1. Any Other Committee Business
  Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. Any Other Committee Business

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Adjournment
  Subject 6.1. Motion to adjourn


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Meeting May 21, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30
 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


Category 6. Adjournment

Department Council and Board


Type

Recommended Action




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 Ordinance Committee
 Thursday, April 23, 2026
 Contois Auditorium, City Hall
 or Remote via Zoom. Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Councilor Bergman (Chair), Councilor Carpenter, Councilor Barlow

Staff Present: Kim Sturtevant (Assistant City Attorney), Sarah Morgan (Planner), Bill Ward
(Director of DPI)

Public Present: Sharon Bushor

Meeting called to order at 4:33 PM.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
 2.1 Adopt Draft Minutes from March 19, 2026

Motion to adopt the draft minutes as drafted.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Councilors Bergman and Barlow
Abstain: Councilor Carpenter

3. Public Forum

Sharon Bushor: I think the changes to the fuel ordinance and private parking lot ordinance are
good. The changes to the university inspection ordinance also look good. I would like for the
privately-run dormitories at UVM to be covered by the ordinance.

4. 2026-2027 Meeting Schedule

The proposed 2026-2027 meeting schedule is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Councilor Bergman proposed eliminating the meetings on July 2, and August 7. He further
proposed to add the collaborative meetings with the Planning Commission, with the change of
the September 8 meeting to September 22.

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Motion to adopt the proposed meeting schedule with the amendments made by Councilor
Bergman.
Motion by Councilor Bergman, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

Attorney Sturtevant shared both the draft ordinance change and the draft self-certification form.
Both of these forms are included in the agenda packet available on CivicClerk.

Councilor Carpenter said she would be interested in having contact information for facilities for
each building required on the self-certification form.

Councilor Bergman said that the self-certification form should only say dormitories and not
include the term ‘properties’. He also added that he would like the phrase ‘escalate a complaint’
to be changed or removed so that every dormitory tenant is treated the same as any other tenant.

Bill Ward (Director of DPI) said that when someone makes a complaint one of the first questions
is whether they have already notified their landlord. He added that DPI does not currently have
the capacity to review hundreds or thousands more complaints directly from students and that
working with school facilities teams is the best first step.

Councilors agreed on changing the language on the top of page two of the self-certification form
to read “Residents are instructed on how to make a housing complaint to the university/college
staff in order to resolve applicability issues. Additionally, they are informed that they have the
right to complain to the City of Burlington.”

All councilors agreed that the self-certification form should include more information about the
dormitories, such as number of floors and rooms.

6. Fuel Purchase Ordinance

Attorney Sturtevant shared the most recent draft of the consumer protection ordinance. This
draft ordinance is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Bill Ward said that it is the bank or lending institution that sets the value of the hold on a card
and not a matter of gas station policy.

Motion to remove the language regarding the dollar amount of a hold and the length of time of
the hold because these values are not determined by the gas station, and to refer the draft
ordinance back to the full council for a first reading, and to notify the local gas stations of the
new ordinance changes.
Motion by Councilor Bergman, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous
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7. Private Parking Lot Terms and Rates Ordinance

Attorney Sturtevant shared the most recent draft of the consumer protection ordinance. This
draft ordinance is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Motion to refer the draft ordinance back to the full City Council for first reading, and to notify
the owners’ of effected parking lots of the ordinance changes.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

8. CDO – ZA-26-02 PlanBTV Downtown Code Fences

Attorney Sturtevant said that the particular fence that raised this question is in the midst of
coming to a resolution.

Councilor Carpenter said she is fine with allowing six foot fences for alleys and loading docks,
but not chain link.

Councilor Bergman said he would like to remove the draft change in section B under Sec.
14.6.8(A) v. A-B that would allow chain link for alleyways and loading docks.

Councilor Bergman said that the Committee will defer any action on this ordinance for the time
being.

9. Any Other Committee Business

No other Committee business.

10. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by Councilor Bergman, without objection.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 PM.




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 Ordinance Committee
 Friday, May 1, 2026
 Bushor Conference Room, City Hall
 or Remote via Zoom. Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Councilor Bergman (Chair), Councilor Barlow, Councilor Carpenter

Staff Present: Kim Sturtevant (Assistant City Attorney), Kara Alnasrawi (Interim Chief of
Staff), Will Clavelle (Interim CEDO Director), Bill Ward (Director of DPI), Traci Isham (DFA),
Caleb Manna (DPW), Philip Peterson (DPW)

Public Present: Sharon Bushor, Wendy Koenig, Alicia Estey, Amanda Clayton

Meeting called to order at 2:02 PM.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Bergman.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
 2.1 Adopt Draft Minutes from April 23, 2026

No minutes available to adopt.

Councilor Carpenter arrived at 2:04 PM.

3. Public Forum

Marek Broderick: I am the City Councilor for Ward Eight. I like the changes to the UVM and
dorm materials. I am advocating for keeping the 2.5% gross receipts tax rate instead of allowing
it to sunset back to 2%. I believe consumption taxes are regressive and we should move to a
more equitable taxation system, but the City cannot afford to lose the $900k in revenue.
Allowing this to sunset will not increase business downtown, particularly for restaurants. I know
people consider the menu price but rarely are people thinking about the 2.5% gross receipts tax.
The bigger problems are pointless wars, exploitative landlords, and high food costs due to
climate change.

Sharon Bushor: I want to thank City staff for working on the UVM inspection exemption
ordinance and I like the current materials. I wonder if there is a way for a university to inform
the City of ongoing dorm issues that haven’t been resolved but are being worked on. There has
been an increase in ebikes being used on sidewalks and there is danger of injury for pedestrians.
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I want to support businesses and I think this tax is small factor and they actually need more
security. I also think Grubhub and Ubereats should be paying this gross receipts tax.

4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion.

Kara Alnasrawi (Interim Chief of Staff), Will Clavelle (Interim CEDO Director), and Traci
Isham (DFA) shared a presentation on the Gross Receipts Tax Ordinance change. This
presentation is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Will Clavelle said that many small businesses have trouble when it comes to writing a check to
the City for the taxes they owe and it would be easier to have the money automatically remit to
the City like it does for the State.

Councilor Barlow said that the City has previously indicated that the 0.5% was a temporary
measure. He said that South Burlington and Williston both have thriving business areas that now
compete with Burlington. We are charging more taxes for hotels and restaurants than
neighboring towns. He said he would like to repeal this tax increase.

Kara Alnasrawi said the ordinance change would allow the City to hold businesses like Ubereats
accountable for the taxes they owe and make it easier for them to pay as well.

Councilor Carpenter said the tax increase was originally part of a stopgap while the City pursued
an efficiency study. She said the City has not been able to come up with enough efficiency
improvements to warrant lowering the tax back down and that the City needs to continue to
improve on its efficiencies. She said that the bigger problems for downtown are safety issues
and parking. She said that the Council can adjust taxes whenever it is necessary, so it was
unwise to put the label on temporary on the original increase to the gross receipts tax.

Councilor Bergman said he has opposed the sunset of the tax increase. He added that the
Progressive caucus never supported having a sunset on the gross receipts tax. He said that
cutting revenue will add to a debt spiral. He said that Burlington has unique advantages,
particularly the lake and the sunsets. He said that it would actually be anti-business to make cuts
because the things that will be cut are good for businesses. He also added that the other changes
to the ordinance also will be good for business and keep small businesses from having to pay
interest after interest.

Councilor Bergman added that, despite knowing and liking everyone on the Council, he is
outraged that there is debate over this tax at a time when the City needs the revenue. He said that
whenever the City is no longer is need of the revenue or if economic policy requires it, then the
Council can change the tax.

Councilor Barlow said that the budget has many moving parts, both expenditure decreases and
revenue increases. He said that the unique boons that Burlington once had are not as unique or
as important as they used to be. He added that Parks have raised their fees for events as well and
there are other music venues outside of Burlington that have become more attractive for
promoters.
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Councilor Barlow asked for Kara Alnasrawi to bring back a previous report that was created
regarding whether or not providing grants to specific small businesses would be effective or not.

Kara Alnasrawi said that the report was delivered in executive session. She added that the City
did not ultimately give out funds to businesses last year, but Burlington City Arts (BCA)
received some more money for downtown events and advertising.

Councilor Bergman asked DFA and the City Attorney’s Office to look into how the removal or
lowering of the local option tax on amusements would affect the budget.

5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

Attorney Sturtevant shared the most recent version of the draft ordinance. This draft of the
ordinance is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Wendy Koenig (UVM) said that UVM is fine with the current draft ordinance changes and with
the self-certification form.

Bill Ward said that the privately-managed and owned Redstone buildings are not subject to this
ordinance and are inspected like any other apartment building in the City.

Councilor Bergman said that the issue of the definition of dormitory should be looked into later
and not extend out the discussion on this ordinance.

Bill Ward said that issues or complaints about the inspection process for the City go to the
Housing Board of Review for further review if necessary.

Motion to refer the draft ordinance back to the full City Council for second reading with a
recommendation for adoption.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

6. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion

Phillip Peterson and Caleb Manna gave an overview of the changes the Public Works would like
to make to the bicycle ordinance.

Caleb Manna (DPW) responded to Sharon Bushor saying that sidewalks are primarily for
pedestrian use, but bicycles are allowed on sidewalks outside of the city center. He said that
DPW has been working with the Burlington Walk Bike Council and the Public Works
Commission on this issue.

Phillip Peterson (DPW) said that motorized bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks city-wide.

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Caleb Manna said that the ordinance changes are to accomplish two goals: conforming the Main
Street bike lane to state law and addressing the new electric modes of transport that are becoming
more popular like ebikes or scooters.

Councilor Carpenter said she would like ebikes to be banned on sidewalks in general. Councilor
Barlow agreed and said he has seen motorized bikes on the greenway and on sidewalks.

Caleb Manna said this ordinance change is mostly about securing the Main Street bike lane but
the definitions of different types of motorized bikes did spark a larger discussion.

Attorney Ramakrishnan said an interim measure in the draft ordinance already is that the reckless
or careless operation of a motorized bicycle is an ordinance violation.

Caleb Manna said DPW wants to solicit public input for any prohibition on motorized bicycles
before bringing it to the committee.

Councilor Bergman asked Attorney Ramakrishnan to draft language around the prohibition of
motorized bicycles in certain areas.

Attorney Ramakrishnan said a technical change to be made the current draft ordinance is on line
139, which should also say “otherwise as written” so that we clear about not removing the
definitions.

Councilor Bergman suggested coming back to the motorized bicycle definitions and permissible
locations at the June 18th meeting.

Motion to refer the draft ordinance back to the full City Council with the technical change on
line 139, with a recommendation for adoption.
Motion by Councilor Bergman, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

7. Any Other Committee Business

Attorney Sturtevant said there are City Circle ordinance changes coming up in June.

8. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by Councilor Bergman, without objection.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:02 PM.




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Page 13 of 31
Gross Receipts Tax
 Ordinance Committee
 May 1, 2026




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What falls under Burlington’s Gross Receipts?
• Meals, Alcohol, Admissions, & Amusements = 2.5%
• Short Term Rentals (“AirBnB Tax”) = 9% (dedicated to the Housing
  Trust Fund)
• Hotel/Motel (“Rooms Tax”) = 4%

Current Estimated GR income for FY27 = $7M
Impact of sunsetting the 0.5% GR tax = -$870,000



 Page 15 of 31
How a GR Tax Works
• Gross receipts tax is an “at the register” tax.
• It is not added to the listed/advertised price of the item.
• VT Gross Receipts Law: Applicable State guidance states: (a) Each operator
 shall state the amount of tax to each occupant and each purchaser of a taxable meal and alcoholic beverage,
 and shall charge the tax for each rental, meal, or beverage, and shall demand and collect the tax from such
 occupant or purchaser. The occupant or purchaser shall pay the tax to the operator and each operator shall
 be liable for the collection thereof.
 • Businesses must be passing this tax on to the consumer as a separate item
 • Businesses should not be absorbing this tax – i.e. it is not be a direct cost to
 the business
• The State portion of GR tax is remitted directly to the State
• The City portion of GR tax is remitted directly to the City

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How the Consumer Experiences GR Tax

 Tax Breakdown
 • State GR (11%) = $1.67
 • City GR
 Sandwich and a capuccino • 2% = $0.37
 • 0.5% = $0.09
 Subtotal $18.50

 State & Municipal Tax
 combined = $2.13 (11.5%)
 • 9% State
 • 2.5% City




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 Impact on Consumer Behavior
 • Tax Salience (a concept in behavioral economics): refers to how
 visible or noticeable a tax is to the person paying it at the moment
 they make an economic decision.
 • Taxes that are not fully visible at the decision point (low salience) tend to have
 a weaker effect on consumer behavior than equally sized, highly visible taxes*
 • Consumers underreact to taxes that not salient*




*Chetty, Raj, Adam Looney, and Kory Kroft. 2009. “Salience and Taxation:
Theory and Evidence.” American Economic Review 99, no. 4: 1145–1177.
https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.99.4.1145
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QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION




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Page 22 of 31
21-31 Restaurant ,and hotel, amusements and admissions taxes.

(I) As written.

(II) TAXES IMPOSED:

 (A) to (B), as written

 (C) Short Term Rental Tax: There is hereby imposed a business occupation tax upon all persons engaged in
 operating short term rentals within the City of Burlington. The tax imposed shall be at a rate of nine (9) percent
 of gross receipts from taxable business, as herein defined, done per monthly period in accordance with the
 provisions of this section and dedicated to the housing trust fund. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
 section, whenever state meals and rooms tax on a short-term rental is collectible from a ''booking agent", as
 defined in 32 V.S.A. § 9202(20), as the same may be amended from time to time, then the booking agent shall
 be the "taxpayer", as defined in subsection (II])(H) of this section, but the operator of the sho1i-term rental
 shall remain liable for payment of the short-tern rental tax if the booking agent fails to collect and remit the tax.

 (D) Amusements Tax: There is hereby imposed a business occupation tax upon all persons engaged in the
 business of operating places of amusement, including, but not limited to, pool halls, arcades, bowling alleys, or
 operating any establishment making available use of amusement devices of whatever name or character within
 the City of Burlington. The tax imposed shall be at the rate of two (2) percent of taxable business, as defined
 herein, done per monthly period in accordance with the provisions of this section.

 (E) Admissions Tax: There is hereby imposed a tax on admissions to circuses, menageries, carnivals,
 cinemas, shows of every kind, plays, athletic contests, exhibitions or entertainments for money of whatever
 name or character except those of educational or nonprofit institutions or organizations or wholly for charitable
 purposes. The tax imposed shall be at the rate of two (2) percent of the gross receipts from such admissions, as
 defined herein, done per monthly period in accordance with the provisions of this section.

 (DF) Compliance Required: It shall be unlawful for any person to transact or carry on any business,
 occupation or activity subject to the provisions of this section without complying with all applicable provisions
 herein.

 (FG) Temporary Tax Rate: Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the following temporary
 tax rates will apply for the fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2026:

 (1) Tuntil July 1, 2027, the restaurant, amusements, and admissions taxes on gross receipts set forth in
 subsections (II)(A), (II)(D), and (II)(E) of this section shall be increased from two (2) percent of gross receipts
 to two and one-half (2.5) percent.; and

 (2) The short term rental tax on gross receipts set forth in subsection (II)(C) of this section shall be divided
 to dedicate two (2) percent of revenues for general fund purposes, with the remaining seven (7) percent
 dedicated to the housing trust fund.

 Commencing July 1, 2026, said tax rates shall again be set as set forth in subsections (I)(A) through (I)(E) of
 this section.

 (G) Burlington Vitality Fund: Commencing July 1, 2026 and in each fiscal year thereafter, ten (10) percent
 of the total taxes collected from the restaurant and hotel and motel taxes imposed by subsections II(A) and (B)
 shall be set aside on a specific gross receipts line item for the city council to annually appropriate to the city’s
 various departments for the purpose of supporting municipal events, enhanced security in the downtown
 improvement district established by section 321 of the City Charter, and efforts to market and promote the city.

(III) DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this section, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations
shall have the meanings given herein:




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(A) Person means any individual, male or female, estate, trust, receiver, cooperative association, domestic
and foreign corporation, syndicate, joint stock corporation, partnership of any kind, club and society.

(B) to (C), as written



(D) Gross Receipts means the total amounts received or receivable and the total amounts actually received
or receivable for the performance of any act or service, of whatever nature it may be, for which a charge is
made or credit allowed when such act or service is done as part of or in connection with a taxable admission or
a taxable business as herein defined. Included in "gross receipts" shall be all receipts, cash, credits and property
of any kind or nature, without any deductions therefrom on account of the cost of the property sold, the cost of
the materials used, labor or service costs, interest paid or payable, or losses or other expenses whatsoever.
Excluded from "gross receipts" shall be the following:

 (l) Cash discounts allowed and taken. For the purpose of this section, "cash discount" means a
 deduction from the invoice price of goods or charge for services which is allowed if the bill is paid on or
 before a specified date.

 (2) Any tax required by Chapter 225 or Chapter 233 of Title 32 Vermont Statutes Annotated.

(E) to (F), as written

(G) Taxable Business means:

 (1) Sales of any food or food products prepared on premises and delivered to the purchaser ready to
 eat, or of beverages, including alcoholic beverages, served for consumption on premises, but shall not
 include:

 (a) Meals served on the premises of day care centers, nurseries, kindergartens, elementary or
 secondary schools;

 (b) Meals prepared by the employees thereof and served to the patients or wards of any hospital,
 convalescent home, sanitorium, group home, nursing home or home for the aged;

 (c) Meals furnished to the elderly pursuant to the Older Americans Act 42 USC, Chapter 35,
 Subchapter VII;

 (d) Meals sold by nonprofit organizations at bazaars, fairs picnics, church suppers or similar
 events.

 (2) Rental of hotel and motel rooms including the conduct of incidental activities such as conduct of
 conventions, seminars and meetings on hotel or motel premises.

 (3) Charges of any kind received, including admission or minimum charges for the use of pool halls,
 billiard tables, bowling alleys, arcades, electric amusement devices, mechanical amusement devices, or the
 use of other places of amusement or of amusement devices of whatever name and character.

(H) to (I), as written

(J) Restaurant means

(1) eEvery eating and drinking establishment operated within the City of Burlington, including every
restaurant, cafe, lunch counter, private and social club, bar, tavern, diner, cafeteria, delicatessen, sandwich
shop, or other place, where any food or food products are prepared and delivered on premises to the purchaser
ready to eat, or where beverages, including alcoholic beverages, are served for consumption on premises, or
both, and for which charge is made.;




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 (2) All sites of athletic contests, shows, performances, movies, theaters and entertainment places where food,
 beverages, including alcoholic beverages, or refreshments are sold for consumption on premises; or

 (3) A person who facilitates the sale and collects the charge in connection with any taxable business (as the
 term "taxable business" is defined in subsection (III)(G)(l) of this section), through an internet transaction or
 any other means. For greater clarity, where such a facilitator collects a charge for taxable business on behalf of
 the operator of any facility described in the foregoing subparagraphs (1) and (2), then the facilitator shall be the
 taxpayer and shall be required to register with the treasurer, remit monthly sworn statements, and pay all taxes
 due for meals facilitated, as describe in subsections (IV) and (V) of this section.

 This term shall not include caterers who do not prepare and deliver food and beverages to customers at the
 caterer’s place of business. This term shall include all sites of athletic contests, shows, performances, movies,
 theaters and entertainment places where food, beverages, including alcoholic beverages, or refreshments are
 sold for consumption on premises.

 (K), as written

(IV) TAX-WHEN DUE:

 (A) Every taxpayer subject to the provisions of this section shall file within thirty (30) days of the effective
 date hereof an application with the treasurer for a taxpayer identification number. This application shall contain
 the legal name of the taxpayer, any trade name(s) employed, the address, place(s) of business within the city,
 principal place of business, phone number, authorized agent for service of process, the type(s) of taxable
 admissions received by the taxpayer and that taxable business(es) in which the taxpayer is engaged. Upon
 receipt of a complete application, the treasurer shall issue to each taxpayer an identification number. Failure of
 a taxpayer, or anyone reasonable likely to be a taxpayer as herein defined at the time that levy of the taxes
 herein commences, to file for an identification number shall be a violation.

 (B) to (D), as written

 (E) If the treasurer determines that a taxpayer has failed to pay any tax, penalty or portion thereof due
 under this section, the treasurer shall mail to such taxpayer a statement showing the balance due and shall add
 thereto a thirteen dollar ($13.00) late penalty payment or one (1) percent of the unpaid balanceinterest at the
 rate of twelve (12) percent per year, whichever is greater. That unpaid balance and penalty total shall be subject
 to interest at a rate of twelve (12) percent per year from the date of underpayment. Such interest shall accrue
 until the date of payment. Within five (5) days from the date the statement is mailed, the taxpayer shall pay
 such balance and all interest due thereon. No such demand shall be made more than four (4) years after the
 close of the fiscal year in which the same accrued, except"

 (1) As against a taxpayer who has been guilty of any fraud or misrepresentation of material facts; or

 (2) Where a taxpayer has executed a written waiver of such limitation.

 (F) to (H), as written

(V) to (XV), as written




 Page 25 of 31
 CITY OF BURLINGTON
 ORDINANCE ___________
 Sponsor: Board of Finance
 Public Hearing Dates: ___________
 In the Year Two Thousand Twenty-Six _____________________________
 First reading: _________________
 Referred to: ___________________
 An Ordinance in Relation to Rules suspended and placed in all
 stages of passage: ______________
 Second
 GROSS reading: ________________
 RECEIPTS
 Action: ______________________
 Date: ________________________
 Signed by Mayor: ______________
 Published: ____________________
 Effective: _____________________

 It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:

 1 Chapter 21, Offenses & Miscellaneous Provisions, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be
 2 and hereby is amended by amending Sec. 31 (Restaurant, hotel, amusements and admissions taxes), thereof
 3 to read as follows:
 4 (I), as written.
 5 (II) (A) Restaurant Tax: There is hereby imposed a business occupation tax upon all persons
 6 engaged in the restaurant business of whatever name or character in the City of Burlington. The tax
 7 imposed shall be at the rate of two and one-half (2.5) percent of the gross receipts from taxable
 8 business, as defined herein, done per monthly period in accordance with the provisions of this
 9 section.
10 (B), as written
11 (C) Short- Term Rental Tax: There is hereby imposed a business occupation tax upon all
12 persons engaged in operating short -term rentals within the City of Burlington. The tax imposed
13 shall be at a rate of nine (9) percent of gross receipts from taxable business, as herein defined, done
14 per monthly period in accordance with the provisions of this section and dedicated to the housing
15 trust fund. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, whenever state meals and rooms tax
16 on a short-term rental is collectible from a “booking agent”, as defined in 32 V.S.A. § 9202(20), as
17 the same may be amended from time to time, then the booking agent shall be the “taxpayer”, as
18 defined in subsection (III)(H) of this section, but the operator of the short-term rental shall remain
19 liable for payment of the short-term rental tax if the booking agent fails to collect and remit the tax.
20 (D) to (F), as written.




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 Page 2
 An Ordinance in Relation to GROSS RECEIPTS


21 (G) Temporary Tax Rate: Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the following
22 temporary tax rates will apply for the fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2025, and ending on June
23 30, 2026:
24 (1) until July 1, 2027,.
25 (2) The short term rental tax on gross receipts set forth in subsection (II)(C) of this section
26 shall be divided to dedicate two (2) percent of revenues for general fund purposes, with the
27 remaining seven (7) percent dedicated to the housing trust fund.
28 Commencing July 1, 2026, said tax rates shall again be set as set forth in subsections (I)(A)
29 through (I)(E) of this section.
30 (III) DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this section, the following terms, phrases, words
31 and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein:
32 (A) to (I), as written.
33 (J) Restaurant means
34 (1) eEvery eating and drinking establishment operated within the City of Burlington,
35 including every restaurant, cafe, lunch counter, private and social club, bar, tavern, diner, cafeteria,
36 delicatessen, sandwich shop, or other place, where any food or food products are prepared and
37 delivered on premises to the purchaser ready to eat, or where beverages, including alcoholic
38 beverages, are served for consumption on premises, or both, and for which charge is made;
39 (2) All sites of athletic contests, shows, performances, movies, theaters and entertainment
40 places where food, beverages, including alcoholic beverages, or refreshments are sold for
41 consumption on premises; or
42 (3) A person who facilitates the sale and collects the charge in connection with any taxable
43 business (as the term “taxable business” is defined in subsection (III)(G)(1) of this section), through
44 an internet transaction or any other means. For greater clarity, where such a facilitator collects a
45 charge for taxable business on behalf of the operator of any facility described in the foregoing
46 subparagraphs (1) and (2), then the facilitator shall be the taxpayer and shall be required to register
47 with the treasurer, remit monthly sworn statements, and pay all taxes due for meals facilitated, as
48 describe in subsections (IV) and (V) of this section.



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 Page 3
 An Ordinance in Relation to GROSS RECEIPTS


49 This term shall not include caterers who do not prepare and deliver food and beverages to
50 customers at the caterer’s place of business. This term shall include all sites of athletic contests,
51 shows, performances, movies, theaters and entertainment places where food, beverages, including
52 alcoholic beverages, or refreshments are sold for consumption on premises.
53 (K), as written.
54 (IV) (A) to (D), as written.
55 (IV) (E) If the treasurer determines that a taxpayer has failed to pay any tax, penalty or
56 portion thereof due under this section, the treasurer shall mail to such taxpayer a statement showing
57 the balance due and shall add thereto a thirteen dollar ($13.00) late penalty payment or interest at the
58 rate of twelve (12) percent per yearone (1) percent of the unpaid balance, whichever is greater. That
59 unpaid balance and penalty total shall be subject to interest at a rate of twelve (12) percent per year
60 from the date of underpayment. Such interest shall accrue until the date of payment. Within five (5)
61 days from the date the statement is mailed, the taxpayer shall pay such balance and all interest due
62 thereon. No such demand shall be made more than four (4) years after the close of the fiscal year in
63 which the same accrued, except:
64 (1) As against a taxpayer who has been guilty of any fraud or misrepresentation of
65 material facts; or
66 (2) Where a taxpayer has executed a written waiver of such limitation.
67 (IV) (F) to (H), as written.
68 (V) to (XV), as written.
69 This ordinance shall take effect upon the later of July 1, 2026, or on the 21st day after its
70 publication as prescribed in Section 49 of the City Charter
71
72 * Material stricken out deleted.
73 ** Material underlined added.
74 ER/Ordinances 2026/Gross Receipts Ordinance




 Page 28 of 31
 CITY OF BURLINGTON
 ORDINANCE ___________
 Sponsor: Board of Finance
 Public Hearing Dates: ___________
 In the Year Two Thousand Twenty-Six _____________________________
 First reading: _________________
 Referred to: ___________________
 An Ordinance in Relation to Rules suspended and placed in all
 stages of passage: ______________
 Second
 GROSS reading: ________________
 RECEIPTS
 Action: ______________________
 Date: ________________________
 Signed by Mayor: ______________
 Published: ____________________
 Effective: _____________________

 It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:

 1 Chapter 21, Offenses & Miscellaneous Provisions, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be
 2 and hereby is amended by amending Sec. 31 (Restaurant, hotel, amusements and admissions taxes), thereof
 3 to read as follows:
 4 (I), as written.
 5 (II) TAXES IMPOSED:
 6 (A) Restaurant Tax: There is hereby imposed a business occupation tax upon all persons engaged in
 7 the restaurant business of whatever name or character in the City of Burlington. The tax imposed shall be at
 8 the rate of two and one-half (2.5) percent of the gross receipts from taxable business, as defined herein, done
 9 per monthly period in accordance with the provisions of this section.
10 (B), as written
11 (C) Short- Term Rental Tax: There is hereby imposed a business occupation tax upon all persons
12 engaged in operating short -term rentals within the City of Burlington. The tax imposed shall be at a rate of
13 nine (9) percent of gross receipts from taxable business, as herein defined, done per monthly period in
14 accordance with the provisions of this section and dedicated to the housing trust fund. Notwithstanding any
15 other provision of this section, whenever state meals and rooms tax on a short-term rental is collectible from
16 a “booking agent”, as defined in 32 V.S.A. § 9202(20), as the same may be amended from time to time, then
17 the booking agent shall be the “taxpayer”, as defined in subsection (III)(H) of this section, but the operator of
18 the short-term rental shall remain liable for payment of the short-term rental tax if the booking agent fails to
19 collect and remit the tax.
20 (D) Amusements Tax: There is hereby imposed a business occupation tax upon all persons engaged
21 in the business of operating places of amusement, including, but not limited to, pool halls, arcades, bowling
22 alleys, or operating any establishment making available use of amusement devices of whatever name or



 Page 29 of 31
 Page 2
 An Ordinance in Relation to GROSS RECEIPTS


23 character within the City of Burlington. The tax imposed shall be at the rate of two and one-half (2.5) percent
24 of taxable business, as defined herein, done per monthly period in accordance with the provisions of this
25 section.
26 (E) Admissions Tax: There is hereby imposed a tax on admissions to circuses, menageries,
27 carnivals, cinemas, shows of every kind, plays, athletic contests, exhibitions or entertainments for money of
28 whatever name or character except those of educational or nonprofit institutions or organizations or wholly
29 for charitable purposes. The tax imposed shall be at the rate of two and one-half (2.5) percent of the gross
30 receipts from such admissions, as defined herein, done per monthly period in accordance with the provisions
31 of this section.
32 (F), as written.
33 (G) Temporary Tax Rate: Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the following
34 temporary tax rates will apply for the fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2026:
35 (1) until July 1, 2027,.
36 (2) The short term rental tax on gross receipts set forth in subsection (II)(C) of this section shall
37 be divided to dedicate two (2) percent of revenues for general fund purposes, with the remaining seven (7)
38 percent dedicated to the housing trust fund.
39 Commencing July 1, 2026, said tax rates shall again be set as set forth in subsections (I)(A) through
40 (I)(E) of this section.
41 (III) DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this section, the following terms, phrases, words and their
42 derivations shall have the meanings given herein:
43 (A) to (I), as written.
44 (J) Restaurant means:
45 (1) eEvery eating and drinking establishment operated within the City of Burlington, including every
46 restaurant, cafe, lunch counter, private and social club, bar, tavern, diner, cafeteria, delicatessen, sandwich
47 shop, or other place, where any food or food products are prepared and delivered on premises to the
48 purchaser ready to eat, or where beverages, including alcoholic beverages, are served for consumption on
49 premises, or both, and for which charge is made;
50 (2) All sites of athletic contests, shows, performances, movies, theaters and entertainment places
51 where food, beverages, including alcoholic beverages, or refreshments are sold for consumption on premises;
52 or




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 Page 3
 An Ordinance in Relation to GROSS RECEIPTS


53 (3) A person who facilitates the sale and collects the charge in connection with any taxable business
54 (as the term “taxable business” is defined in subsection (III)(G)(1) of this section), through an internet
55 transaction or any other means. For greater clarity, where such a facilitator collects a charge for taxable
56 business on behalf of the operator of any facility described in the foregoing subparagraphs (1) and (2), then
57 the facilitator shall be the taxpayer and shall be required to register with the treasurer, remit monthly sworn
58 statements, and pay all taxes due for meals facilitated, as describe in subsections (IV) and (V) of this section.
59 This term shall not include caterers who do not prepare and deliver food and beverages to customers
60 at the caterer’s place of business. This term shall include all sites of athletic contests, shows, performances,
61 movies, theaters and entertainment places where food, beverages, including alcoholic beverages, or
62 refreshments are sold for consumption on premises.
63 (K), as written.
64 (IV) (A) to (D), as written.
65 (IV) (E) If the treasurer determines that a taxpayer has failed to pay any tax, penalty or portion
66 thereof due under this section, the treasurer shall mail to such taxpayer a statement showing the balance due
67 and shall add thereto a thirteen dollar ($13.00) late penalty payment or interest at the rate of twelve (12)
68 percent per yearone (1) percent of the unpaid balance, whichever is greater. That unpaid balance and penalty
69 total shall be subject to interest at a rate of twelve (12) percent per year from the date of underpayment. Such
70 interest shall accrue until the date of payment. Within five (5) days from the date the statement is mailed, the
71 taxpayer shall pay such balance and all interest due thereon. No such demand shall be made more than four
72 (4) years after the close of the fiscal year in which the same accrued, except:
73 (1) As against a taxpayer who has been guilty of any fraud or misrepresentation of material facts;
74 or
75 (2) Where a taxpayer has executed a written waiver of such limitation.
76 (IV) (F) to (H), as written.
77 (V) to (XV), as written.
78
79
80
81 * Material stricken out deleted.
82 ** Material underlined added.
83 ER/Ordinances 2026/Gross Receipts Ordinance




 Page 31 of 31

Ordinance Committee
 Thursday, May 21, 2026
 Bushor Conference Room, City Hall
 or Remote via Zoom. Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES


Members Present: Councilor Bergman (Chair), Councilor Barlow, Councilor Carpenter
Staff Present: Kim Sturtevant (Assistant City Attorney), Erik Ramakrishnan (Assistant City
Attorney), Kara Alnasrawi (Interim Chief of Staff), Traci Isham (DFA), Lisa Gerlach (Chief of
Staff)
Public Present: Sharon Bushor, Councilor Grant
Meeting called to order at 4:32 PM.
1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
 2.1 Adopt Draft Minutes from April 23, 2026
 2.2 Adopt Draft Minutes from May 1, 2026
Motion to adopt both sets of draft minutes from April 23 and May 1.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous


3. Public Forum
Sharon Bushor: I looked at the gross receipts tax ordinance change. It is a modest increase and
while our businesses are hurting, this change will not make a big difference for them. The
revenue is very important for the City.
4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion.
Councilor Bergman said he found a drafting error in the ordinance and the error would actually
do the opposite of what the ordinance change intends. He added that he has posted on
CivicClerk an updated draft ordinance labelled with GB that has changes to lines 8, 23, and 28 to
correct the drafting error.
Councilor Barlow said he has been working with Council President Traverse on this ordinance.
He continued that they propose to eliminate the gross receipts tax on admissions and amusements
which would be striking sections 2D and 2E. Chief Administrative Officer Schad estimated that
this elimination would reduce revenues by $115,000 for FY27. He also proposed further review
to other ordinances that would ease conditions and fees for promoters to use Waterfront Park.
Councilor Barlow continued that he is proposing setting aside 10% of collected rooms and meals
and related taxes to create a fund to help businesses through increased events, security, and
marketing. CAO Schad estimated that this would set aside an estimated $621,000 for FY27 for
this purpose. The City already does spend money on these items each year and this fund would
cover such expenses.
Attorney Ramakrishnan said that some of the expenses discussed that would be covered by the
10% of gross receipts ordinance change are covered by non-General Fund funds.
Councilor Bergman said he does not agree with eliminating gross receipts tax on admissions and
amusements and losing an estimated $115,000 in revenue. He added that he is favor of looking
holistically at the local taxes to promote events and business, but that this ordinance is not the
place to do it.
Councilor Carpenter asked for a breakdown of how a potential Vitality Fund would have its
funds allocated based on what the City is already doing.
Councilor Bergman said the idea of a Vitality Fund is underprepared and not a good idea to
create so late in the budgeting process.
Councilor Barlow said that there has been discussion of the lowering of the admissions and
amusements tax for months, and only recently did it evolve into the elimination of the local
option tax.
Motion to refer the draft ordinance back to the full City Council as amended, including
eliminating sunset, increase gross receipts to 2.5%, removal of admissions gross receipt tax, and
keeping other undisputed changes, for second reading.
Motion by Councilor Carpenter, Seconded by Councilor Barlow.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

Attorney Sturtevant said she would make the changes and circulate the draft so each change is
approved.

5. Any Other Committee Business
None
6. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Councilor Bergman, without objection.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 PM.