What Does the Zoning Administrator Actually Do? A Response to Town Meeting Questions
At the March Selectboard meeting, Mr. Shorty Towne raised a question that’s likely on others’ minds: Why did the Zoning Administrator’s budget increase by $8,000? It’s a fair question — and one worth unpacking.
Let’s set the record straight:
There was no raise in hourly pay. The Zoning Administrator (ZA) continues to earn $32.50 per hour, just as before. There are no additional benefits – health, retirement, paid vacation, etc. The budget increase simply reflects the reality that the ZA is putting in more time — because the job demands it.
In the past year, the number of permit applications in Elmore jumped by 59%. That alone would justify more hours, but issuing permits is just the tip of the iceberg.
The ZA Role Includes:
- Reviewing complex building and development proposals in accordance with Elmore Bylaws and complex State Statues which protect landowners and other properties in town.
- Writing multi-page legal quasi-judicial DRB Decisions in compliance with Vermont statutes.
- Notifying property abutters and publishing legal notices and warnings of applications.
- Fielding calls, visits and emails from property owners, adjoining owners, builders, realtors, attorneys, and lenders.
- Supporting the DRB and Planning Commission with accurate, timely documentation including supporting the town website, preparing, and maintaining permanent indexing and filing of agendas, minutes and decisions of the DRB.
- Conducting site visits and preparing opinions regarding permits and development related matters.
- Preparing recommended zoning and subdivision application fees for Selectboard adoption.
- Assisting Planning Commission with the Town Plan and Bylaws amendments and updates.
This work used to be done quickly — and sometimes superficially. Now it’s being done correctly and consistently, including detailed monthly reports that the Selectboard and public can review.
That’s a win for accountability and transparency.
As Selectboard members, we’re careful with every line of the budget. We didn’t increase the Zoning Administrator’s pay — we recognized the need for more hours to meet the town’s needs.
And here’s a critical point: The Zoning Administrator is an appointed officer, not an employee (23 V.S.A 4448). Hours not worked are not paid. The budget is simply an estimate — not a salary, not a guarantee. The ZA is paid hourly and only for actual time worked. If fewer hours are needed, the town spends less — and any surplus stays in the general fund.
Why This Matters
Town budgets are complex, and confusion is understandable. But when misinformation gets repeated publicly — especially at Town Meeting — it sows distrust. Statements like “you gave someone an $8,000 raise” are not just incorrect; they mislead voters and misrepresent your elected officials’ work.
We welcome questions. In fact, we encourage them. But let’s ask those questions in a spirit of learning and respect. And when you hear rumors, reach out. We’d love to explain — or better yet, blog about it. Any Select Board member will be happy to answer these questions, as well as Elmore’s Town Clerk and Town Treasurer.
Get Involved
The Elmore Selectboard meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the town offices. Meetings are open to the public, and you’re encouraged to attend, ask questions, and stay informed.
Join Town of Elmore Zoom Meeting: https://bit.ly/ElmoreZoom
Meeting ID: 677 090 6765 Passcode: 8888
Phone access: +1 (646) 558-8656
Meeting minutes and recordings are posted regularly to the Town of Elmore website. You can always catch up on what you missed or double-check what was said.
New! Community Q&A Coming
Starting this month, we’ll be taking questions raised during Selectboard meetings and posting them — along with clear, factual answers — in blog format and through other channels like Front Porch Forum. This new effort is designed to:
- Proactively share the voice and content of meetings with residents who can’t attend
- Improve understanding of how town government works
- Provide accurate, timely information — especially when there’s public confusion or misinformation
Let’s keep the conversation going — with facts, transparency, and mutual respect.
— Elmore Selectboard
Zoning Administrator Budget: Quick Q&A
Q: Did the Zoning Administrator get an $8,000 raise?
A: No. The hourly wage for the position remains $32.50/hour — unchanged. The increase reflects more hours budgeted, due to increased workload. Unused hours are not paid.
Q: Then why did the budget go up?
A: Because the volume and complexity of permit applications went up — by 59% from 2023 to 2024. More hours were needed to meet demand. The position is paid hourly. If fewer hours are worked, less is paid.
Q: Isn’t issuing permits just a paperwork job?
A: Not even close. The Zoning Administrator also:
- Reviews complex building and development proposals in accordance with Elmore Bylaws and complex State Statues which protect landowners and other properties in town.
- Writes multi-page legal quasi-judicial DRB Decisions in compliance with Vermont statutes.
- Notifies property abutters and publishing legal notices and warnings of applications.
- Fields calls, visits and emails from property owners, adjoining owners, builders, realtors, attorneys, and lenders.
- Supports the DRB and Planning Commission with accurate, timely documentation including supporting the town website, preparing, and maintaining permanent indexing and filing of agendas, minutes and decisions of the DRB.
- Conducts site visits and prepares opinions regarding permits and development related matters.
- Prepares recommended zoning and subdivision application fees for Selectboard adoption.
- Assists Planning Commission with the Town Plan and Bylaws amendments and updates.
- Produces detailed monthly reports (which didn’t happen consistently in the past)
Q: Why didn’t I know all this already?
A: Great question. Selectboard meetings are open to the public, and the ZA’s work has been discussed in each meeting. Meeting minutes and recordings are posted online. If you’ve been attending regularly or talking to those who have, this shouldn’t be new information.
Q: So does this mean future ZAs will get the same budget?
A: Not necessarily. The budget reflects estimated hours. If demand drops — fewer permits, less activity — the budget can be reduced. The Selectboard evaluates this annually.
Q: How can I stay informed?
A: Attend meetings, read the minutes, ask questions early. Selectboard meetings happen the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM.
Join by Zoom: https://bit.ly/ElmoreZoom
Meeting ID: 677 090 6765 | Passcode: 8888 | Phone: +1 (646) 558-8656
Minutes and recordings are posted to the Town of Elmore website.