Frequently Asked
Questions
How do I get to the Library, Town Hall , Fire Station, or Old Brick Church?
Does the Fire Department offer smoke detectors to residents at no charge?
Where is the transfer station (town dump) and when is it open?
Where can I find more information about my property appraisal?
Q: When is the Library Opened?
A: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except during July and August when the Library closes on Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Q: How do I get to the Library, Town Hall , Fire Station, or Old Brick Church?
A: From Interstate 89, get off at exit 12; Proceed half mile to Route 2 (Taft Corners); Turn right on Route 2; Proceed 2 miles into the Village of Williston; The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is on the left on the Village Green; The Town Hall is a short distance past the Library on the right (the two brick buildings). The Old Brick Church is across the street from the Town Hall. A complete map of Williston is also available.
Q: How do I find out more about the Library or its programs?
A: Check out the Library web page at www.williston.lib.vt.us or pick up a program flier at the Library circulation desk or call at 802.878.4918.
Q: How do I apply for a building permit?
A: For directions click on the following link: Building/Zoning Permit. For more information, call the Planning Office at 802.878.6704. Also, you may want to visit the Planning Office web site. You may also email the Town Planner, Lee Nellis or the Zoning Administrator, D.K. Johnston.
Q: Does the Fire Department offer smoke detectors to residents at no charge?
A: Yes, while limited supplies last. Call 878-5622 and leave a message.
Q: Will the Fire Department fill my swimming pool with water?
A: No. Our insurance company has raised concerns about this practice so we have discontinued it.
A: All voting for registered voters in Williston takes place at Williston Central School gymnasium. Voting hours are 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. For more information on voting click on the following link: Town Clerk
Q: Where is the Post Office in Williston?
A: The Post Office is located at 82 Blair Park. From exit 12 head north on Route 2A. Turn left on to Route 2 at Taft Corners. At the first light turn right. The Post Office is a short distance down the road on the right.
Q: Where is the transfer station (town dump) and when is it open?
A: The transfer station is located on Redmond Road in Williston. Redmond road is located off Mountain View Road. The facility is owned and operated by the Chittenden Solid Waste District. For information on when it is opened click on: Hours.
Q: Who should I call if the snow plow takes out my mailbox?
A: If you live on a town road, call the Williston Public Works office at 878-1239. If you live on a state road (Williston Road or Route 2A), the state may replace your mailbox depending on the situation. Call 655-1580 for more information.
Do I need to file an inventory of personal property with the Listers Office? I own commercial property in Williston.
Q: Do I need to file an inventory of personal property with the Listers Office? I own commercial property in Williston.
A: No, in 1995 the town of Williston discontinued taxation of commercial personal property.
Q: How is my assessment related to the value of my house?
A: Assessments should be the same as the value of your property when a re-appraisal has been completed. Over time market values typically increase and therefore the value of your property will increase while the assessment remains the same until a new re-appraisal is completed. This typically happens once every seven to ten years.
Q: What information is available at the Listers office?
A: The Listers office has data concerning all property in the town. This includes sketches of individual buildings, pictures, cost printouts, land maps, property transfer information etc….
A: The Common Level of Assessment or CLA represents the percentage of value that assessments in town are currently at. As the years after a re-appraisal pass the CLA will typically drop below 100 percent.
A: The Coefficient of Dispersion or COD is a statistical measurement of the accuracy or confidence level of all assessments. With mass appraisal there is a statistical certainty that some assessements will not reflect the actual market value of property. . The COD allows the Lister's to determine how accurate overall assessments are based upon sales data. A COD of less than 10 is considered very accurate while a COD of less than 15 is acceptable.
Q: Why complete a re-appraisal?
A: Re-appraisals are completed for three reasons. First: To update files for any properties which have changed over time due to additions, renovations, basement finishes or other changes not recorded in the annual updates. Second: Over time the market changes to reflect buyer behavior. A location or building type that was previously desirable may have become less so over time or vise versa. As a result one location may have become less or more valuable than it was in previous re-appraisal. A re-appraisal identifies these changes and appropriately assesses for these variations. Third: Anually the State of Vermont completes an equalization study of each community in the state. When the Common Level of Assessment (CLA) reaches 80 percent or below and/or the Coefficient of Dispersion (COD) reaches 20 or above, state law requires a re-appraisal be completed.
Q: When and how do I appeal my assessment?
A: A property owner can appeal his or her assessment during the grievance period prior to the filing of the final grandlist*. Only properties where changes have occurred will be notified of the grievance period. However if you wish to appeal, a request to the Listers office anytime during the year will result in notification of the dates of appeal. Typically the grievance period is in late May or early June.
*properties which have been taken to the State Board of Appeals may not be appealed for four years after the decision.
If you chose to appeal Vermont State Law requires you file in writing. In the letter state the reason for the appeal and provide any evidence you feel is appropriate. At the date of appeal property owners are encouraged to meet with the Listers to explain the details of the appeal. If a property owner is unavailable to appear in person the Listers will consider the appeal based upon the merits of the letter.
If a property owner is considering an appeal it is suggested they obtain a copy of the Handbook of Tax Appeals which is supplied by the Vermont Secretary of State's office.