Board of Civil Authority (BCA)
In Vermont, the Board of Civil Authority (BCA) is a municipal body responsible for maintaining the integrity of elections and ensuring fair property tax assessments. It operates as a quasi-judicial board within each town and city.
The BCA is comprised of the following elected local officials:
- Town Clerk: Serves as the Clerk of the Board.
- Selectboard Members: 5 elected residents of Ferrisburgh.
- Justices of the Peace: Elected residents who assist with the board's duties.
Primary Responsibilities
- Elections: The BCA oversees the conduct of all local and state elections. This includes maintaining the voter checklist, reviewing applications for voter registration, purging the list of ineligible voters every two years, and assisting with ballot counting.
- Property Tax Appeals: If a taxpayer disagrees with a property assessment made by the Board of Listers, they can appeal to the BCA. The board holds a hearing and performs a site inspection of the property before rendering a decision to sustain, increase, or decrease the valuation.
- Tax Abatement: Most members of the BCA, along with the Town Treasurer and Listers, also form the Board of Abatement, which has the authority to reduce or cancel tax burdens for residents facing specific statutory hardships (e.g., financial need or disaster damage). See Board of Abatement Tab under Government.
Key Resources
- Vermont Secretary of State: Provides official Elections & Voter Information and guidance for local boards.
- Vermont Statutes: The legal authority for the board's composition and meetings is found in 24 V.S.A. ยง 801.
- Department of Taxes: Offers a Handbook on Property Tax Assessment Appeals for those navigating the grievance process.