Municipal Code of Ethics Municipal Code of Ethics

The Vermont Municipal Code of Ethics ("Code"), established through Act 171 and codified in 24 V.S.A. chapter 60, promotes integrity, transparency, and accountability in local government. The law was enacted to provide consistent ethical standards for municipal officials and employees across Vermont, helping ensure that decisions are made fairly, in the public interest, and free from conflicts of interest. The Code is designed to strengthen public trust in local government and support ethical, respectful, and responsible public service. 

As required under 24 V.S.A. Chapter 60, municipalities must designate both an Ethics Liaison to the Vermont Ethics Commission and a Designated Complaint Recipient ("DCR"), adopt procedures for the investigation and enforcement of ethics complaints, and maintain records related to ethics training and complaints.

Together, these designated positions support ethical governance, transparency, accountability, and public confidence in local government.

Ethics Liaison

As required under 24 V.S.A. chapter 60, Heather Hitchcock has been designated as the Town of Rockingham’s Ethics Liaison to the Vermont Ethics Commission. The Ethics Liaison serves as the primary point of contact between the Town and the Vermont Ethics Commission regarding ethics education, training, reporting, and compliance matters. The Ethics Liaison also serves as a local resource for municipal officials and employees by providing information about the Municipal Code of Ethics, assisting with ethics-related questions, maintaining records related to required ethics training and complaints, and helping connect individuals with guidance and resources available through the Vermont Ethics Commission.

Designated Complaint Recipient

In accordance with 24 V.S.A. Chapter 60, Heather Hitchcock has also been designated as the Town of Rockingham’s Designated Complaint Recipient. The DCR is responsible for receiving, reviewing, processing, and investigating ethics complaints alleging violations of the Municipal Code of Ethics. This includes conducting initial assessments, gathering evidence, performing fact-finding and analysis, preparing findings and recommendations, and forwarding reports to the appropriate Legislative Body for review and final determination. The DCR also ensures complaints are handled confidentially, fairly, impartially, and in accordance with state law, municipal ordinance, and applicable ethics procedures.

1. Obtain and complete the Town of Rockingham Municipal Ethics Complaint Form. Complaints must be submitted in writing and cannot be anonymous.
2. Submit the completed form and any supporting documentation to the Town’s Designated Complaint Recipient (DCR) by email or mail. Complaints may also be filed directly with the Vermont Ethics Commission*, which will then refer the complaint to the Town for local review and investigation.
3. Upon receipt, the DCR will conduct an initial review to determine whether the complaint alleges a credible violation of the Municipal Code of Ethics.
4. If the complaint warrants further review, the DCR will conduct an investigation, which may include gathering documents, reviewing records, and interviewing relevant individuals.
5. The length of the review and investigation process may vary depending on the complexity of the complaint and the availability of relevant information and participants. Complaints will be reviewed and investigated as promptly as practicable in accordance with the Town’s Ethics Code Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance.
6. Following the investigation, the DCR will prepare findings of fact and recommendations and submit them to the appropriate Legislative Body for review and final determination.
7. The Legislative Body will issue a written decision, and both the complainant and the municipal officer who is the subject of the complaint will be notified of the outcome in accordance with the Town’s Ethics Code Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance.

Submit Complaints To:

Via US Postal Service:  

Heather Hitchcock, Designated Complaint Recipient
Town of Rockingham
PO Box 370
Bellows Falls, VT 05101

Please mark "CONFIDENTIAL" on all regular mail envelopes.

Via Email:  resourcemanager@rockbf.org

Please include “Ethics Complaint” in the subject line of emailed submissions.

*Vermont Ethics Commission: ethicscommission@vermont.gov or (802) 828-7187.