BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Burlington voters approved a ballot measure Tuesday that would give the Police Commission more authority to review cases of misconduct by police officers in Burlington.

The measure passed by a vote of 62% to 37%.

This would allow the Police Commission to review alleged misconduct by members of the department. If they disagree with the way the boss wants to punish the official, the commission could offer an alternative. If two-thirds agree, they could hire an independent investigator to recommend a punishment. The boss can either agree or not. If there is no consensus, a further two-thirds majority would convene an independent body that would have the final say.

It's the third time city councilors have tried to change something. In 2020, progressive city councilors supported the creation of an independent community control board with the authority to hire and fire police officers, including the chief. Then Mayor Miro Weinberger vetoed the proposal before it came to a vote. In 2023, activists petitioned to put a similar question on the ballot, but it was soundly defeated. The most recent version received bipartisan support from both the council and the mayor.

Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad warned that this would lead to further erosion of morale in recruitment efforts for violence and harm.

The amendment to the statutes must be approved by the legislature.

BURLINGTON VOTERS approve $20 million bed bond measure

Burlington voters also approved a $20 million bond issue that will allow the Burlington Electric Department to complete grid reliability projects. It's another step towards the city's net zero goals. The bond was accepted by a margin of 79 percent, 14,306 to 3,716.

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