The Town of Williston will manage the provision of public facilities and services to meet the demands of projected commercial and residential growth.
Chapter 7
Town Departments And Core Services
Introduction
As Williston has grown, so has the scope, magnitude, and cost of its departments and services. The majority of Williston's budget and personnel are involved in Emergency Services (Police and Fire and Rescue), and after that nearly another third of the Town's resources are dedicated to Public Works. Other Town departments include its Manager and administrative team, Assessor, Clerk, Treasurer, Recreation and Parks, Library, Community Justice Center, and Planning and Zoning department.
Developing facilities to accommodate a growing Town staff is an ongoing challenge. In the 2016 Town Plan, the Fire Station was identified as being an asset to the community and able to meet the needs of the community for years to come, however increased staffing needs and demand for services have accelerated the need for expanded facilities.
Williston's police increasingly engage with people who are unhoused, people who have health challenges and/or substance addiction challenges. This highlights the need for a social work function in the department. In 2025, the town will add a social work position to the Police Department.
Williston's Fire and Rescue operations serve a critical function both in Williston and by responding to calls for mutual aid in surrounding Towns. A visit to the Fire station will often reveal a nearly empty building, with virtually all staff out on calls.
This chapter is mostly focused on the "core" services provided by the Town. Programmatic elements such as those provided by Recreation and Parks or the Library are discussed in Chapter 8.
Goals: In 2050, Williston is...
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Livable
...because Williston provides emergency services with a response time as good or better than it has in the 2016-2024 period. Williston's emergency services continue to grow as the town and demand for those services grow. Similarly, Williston expands its capacity to maintain public infrastructure as that infrastructure and the maintenance it demands expands.
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Resilient
... because Williston's municipal departments and services have systems in place to maintain critical functions during crises, plan ahead for long-term sustainability, and ensure that all residents are supported, especially in times of need. These departments work together to create a community that can weather challenges and emerge stronger.
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Equitable
... because the town invests in spaces that facilitate community member needs across generations and income levels. The Community Center is located in the Growth Center, which is where the population is concentrated, and is accessible to most of the senior living complexes and affordable housing. Diverse community voices are included in decision-making processes. Regular consultations, town halls, and surveys help identify the needs of marginalized or underserved groups.
Three Things to Know
1
WILLISTON'S EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE GROWING AND CURRENTLY UNDERSTAFFED. FACILITY EXPANSIONS AND ADDITIONAL STAFF ARE NEEDED TO MEET THE TOWN'S NEEDS
The primary challenge of the Fire and Police Departments will be to provide the necessary number of trained personnel to respond to incidents and provide police and fire protection. Also, because most service needs are in the Taft Corners Growth Center area, the Police Department would benefit from a satellite station located there
2
EMERGENCY SERVICES IN WILLISTON (POLICE, FIRE, AND RESCUE) ACCOUNT FOR OVER HALF OF THE TOWN'S BUDGET
For fiscal year 2026, voters in Williston approved a budget of nearly 16 million dollars, with Police and Fire/EMS each roughly receiving nearly 4 million dollars each.
3
PUBLIC WORKS ACCOUNTS FOR OVER 15% OF WILLISTON'S BUDGET.
Of the over 2.5 million dollars approved for Public Works in fiscal year 26, almost 75% goes to the maintenance (plowing and paving) of the Town's roads and sidewalks.
Three Things Public Engagement Told Us
1
PEOPLE IN WILLISTON SEE EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC WORKS AS THE "FOUR CORE" SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE TOWN.
During the public engagement process for the Plan, people often debated just exactly which services the Town should provide, but there was broad agreement that the "four core" services (Police, Fire, Rescue, and Public Works) should be provided and are critical to the Town.
2
PEOPLE IN WILLISTON DON'T OFTEN EXPRESS A LOT OF CONCERN ABOUT TOWN SERVICES
The Engagement Insights Report rarely mentions emergency services as a primary concern of its residents. People generally are comfortable with the level of maintenance of Town roads and infrastructure, and no complaints were raised about other Town operations like elections and permitting.
3
PEOPLE IN WILLISTON UNDERSTAND THAT ITS ECONOMY AND LIVABILITY DEPEND ON THE PROVISION OF TOWN SERVICES.
Throughout discussions during the engagement process for the Town Plan, when people talked about the desire to encourage small business, diversify housing, increase job opportunities, and keep the Town an attractive place to live, participants did acknowledge the important role town services play in achieving those other goals.
Fire and Rescue
Today, the fire department operates from a modern facility opened in 2007 at 645 Talcott Road and provides a range of essential services, including fire suppression and prevention, as well as Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services and transport at the Paramedic level. Staffing comprises both full-time and call members, operating a fleet of apparatus that includes two engines, a 105' aerial ladder truck, a 1500-gallon pumper tanker, and three ambulances to ensure comprehensive coverage. Beyond emergency response, the Williston Fire Department is actively involved in community risk reduction, which includes pre-fire planning, fire and life safety inspections, plans review, and public education initiatives. The fire department also coordinates burn permits, emergency preparedness programs, and reflective 911 address signs, and medication disposal options, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the well-being of Williston residents.
Emergency Management
The role of emergency management falls under the responsibilities of the Town's Fire Chief, who serves as the Emergency Management Director. In this role, the EMD coordinates between Town government, department heads, emergency responders, and the state for large scale emergencies. The EMD drafts annual local emergency management plans (LEMP) which serves as a playbook for local emergency management operations.
Police
The Williston Police Department is dedicated to the safety and well-being of the community, striving to collaborate with residents, businesses, and visitors to proactively solve problems and enhance public safety through fair, impartial, transparent, and consistent actions. Their services encompass patrol operations, investigations conducted by certified officers, community policing initiatives, the assignment of School Resource Officers, and active traffic enforcement. Emphasizing professionalism and community engagement, the department aims to make Williston a secure and desirable place for everyone, actively participating in collaborative efforts with other agencies and organizations to address regional safety and justice matters.
Public Works
The Public Works Department plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the town's infrastructure and ensuring the smooth operation of essential services. Public Works is responsible for plowing and paving Williston's public roads, maintaining its sewer, water, and stormwater infrastructure, and reviewing new development that will connect to town utilities for compliance with its standards and specifications.
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk's office serves as a crucial link between the local government and town residents. The Town Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining official town records and ensuring their accuracy and accessibility to the public. This includes vital records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. The Clerk also manages land records, which are essential for property ownership and transfers within the town. The Clerk also oversees the administration of local elections, including voter registration and the management of polling places. Following a pause during the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Clerk continues to offer passport services as well.
Planning and Zoning
The Williston Planning and Zoning Department helps to guide the town's physical development and land use through the implementation and enforcement of the Unified Development Bylaw, which encompasses zoning regulations and subdivision rules. Planning and Zoning staff review development proposals, administer zoning regulations and ensure compliance with land use rules. Serving as a resource for residents, developers, and businesses, Planning and Zoning provides assistance to citizen boards and applicants regarding the development review process. Planning and Zoning staff also provide the primary staff support to the Planning Commission in the development of comprehensive plans like this one!
Administration
Williston has a Town Manager, Assistant to the Manager, Treasurer, Finance Director, and Finance Human Resources staff. As the Town has grown, so too has its number of employees and the complexity of managing its operations and funds. The administrative team in Williston will need to continue to grow as the town does. The most recent example of this is the addition of a Human Resources Director position for 2025.
Objectives, Strategies and Actions
Objectives
7.A
7.B
The Town of Williston will develop adequate space and modern facilities for the administration of municipal services.
7.C
The Town of Williston will continue to provide a high-quality level of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) services that meets the community's expectations for reliability, performance standards, and response time.
7.D
The Town of Williston will continue to provide law enforcement protection and services at a level that keeps pace with the town's growth and demand for services.
7.E
The Town of Williston will continue to use its capital budgeting process to help staff and decision-makers understand the need for and costs of additional or improved facilities. Future Capital Improvement Plans will incorporate the general priorities and proposed improvements established by this plan.
7.F
The Town of Williston continues to oversee the care and management of the town's cemeteries.
Strategies
7.1
Expand the library in the Village to meet the needs of the town, using the recommendations of the 2023 scoping study.
7.1.1
Evaluate the options presented in the scoping study. Get community input on the options proposed.
7.1.2
Develop architectural plans for expansion using a public process.
7.1.3
Develop a funding mechanism – mixture of grants, private donations and bond. Put a bond to vote.
7.1.4
Implement construction of the expansion.
7.2
Establish a Community Center in Taft Corners
7.2.1
Evaluate opportunities to acquire a building/property that could be rehabilitated into a community center.
7.2.2
Develop architectural plans with community input.
7.2.3
Evaluate potential funding sources including grants, bond, and town funds.
7.2.4
Implement construction of the Community Center.
7.3
Establish a satellite emergency services facility in Taft Corners.
7.3.1
Develop plans for a satellite emergency services station in Taft Corners. Explore opportunities to lease or acquire a building/property that could be repurposed for emergency services.
7.3.2
Evaluate staffing capacity for the added location.
7.4
Expand the physical infrastructure of town buildings to accommodate a growing staff.
7.4.1
Develop a Strategic Plan for each municipal building and town department to determine the space needed for future growth, alternatives to consider, and actions needed to expand the existing space.
7.4.2
Use the capital budgeting process to help decision makers and the public understand the need for and costs of additional or improved facilities.
7.5
Maintain strong relationships with related entities and organizations.
7.5.1
Maintain the cultivation of a strong relationship between CVSD, WCS staff, the town, and community organizations. The Town relies on the school auditorium for Town Meeting. The Annual Craft Fair held in the fall is a popular event with regional draw.
7.5.2
Maintain a strong relationship with the Vermont National Guard and pursue the acquisition of this property for expanded municipal civic or community space if the opportunity emerges.
7.6
Support the Civic Role of Historic and Village Municipal Buildings
7.6.1
Develop a master plan for the use, maintenance, and continued preservation of Town Hall, Town Hall Annex, Old Brick Church, the Stovepipe Corners Schoolhouse, and the Brennan Barn.
7.6.2
Develop celebration schedule for the 200th Anniversary of the Old Brick Church.
7.7
Expand and modernize the Town's information technology and data management capabilities with digital and software-based solutions to better support internal department workflows and more effectively deliver services to the public.
7.7.1
Use best practices to modernize systems across departments to streamline workflows and improve data management efficiency and integrity.
7.7.2
Develop an enhanced website and digital presence to broadcast information about activities; holidays; reminders; town meeting minutes; farmers markets; surveys; traffic patterns; town Podcast; emergency broadcasts; etc.
7.8
Maintain the care and management of the Town's Cemeteries and evaluate burial policies.
7.8.1
Evaluate a Home Burial Ordinance to protect public health and safety within the Growth Center and Sewer Service Area.
7.8.2
Evaluate a natural burial policy for burial for Town Cemeteries.
7.8.3
Evaluate the feasibility of a natural burial forest cemetery, whether owned and/or operated as a municipal cemetery, or ensure town land use regulations and policies are supportive of non-municipal forest cemetery.
7.9
Maintain and evaluate performance of affiliate memberships and contract services.
7.9.1
Maintain a list of affiliate memberships and contract services such as Chambers of Commerce, Regional Planning entities, parks districts, and others.
7.9.2
Develop and maintain relationships and memberships where doing so benefits the town in achieving the goals of this plan.