Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• Who do I call after normal business hours? The Police Dispatch Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have an emergency or an urgent matter than can't wait call the Dispatch Center at (802) 362-2022.
• What is the difference between the Town of Manchester and the Village of Manchester? The Village of Manchester operates under a charter. It has its own tax rate, in addition to the Town tax rate, and provides zoning services and maintains a separate two man highway crew. The Village is governed by the Village Trustees and the annual Village meeting, which occurs in July. The Village can be contacted by calling (802) 362-1515. The Town of Manchester is governed by the Selectboard and Town Meeting, which occurs in late February or early March. The Town provides police, fire, assessing, water and sewer, animal control, parks and recreation and other general services not provided by the Village to the residents of the Town and Village. The Town can be contacted by calling (802) 362-1313.
• I'd like to burn some brush on my property. Do I need a permit or permission? Yes, you need a permit from the Fire Warden. Call the Dispatch Center at (802) 362-2022. The Fire Warden does not issue permits for burning on Sundays.

Business Questions

• I want to sell merchandise or food from a vehicle or cart. Do I need a permit or license? Yes. Chapter 9 of the town ordinances requires that all "vendors" be licenesed. For more information contact the Town Manager's Office at (802) 362-1313.
• Does the Town of Manchester require my business to collect any special taxes? Town Meeting approved three 1% local option taxes (sales, meals and alcohol and rooms). These taxes are collected for the Town of Manchester by the State of Vermont. For more information about these taxes click here or call the State of Vermont Department of Taxes Taxpayer Services hotline at (802) 828-2551.

Department of Public Works Questions

• Do I need to remove my car from the street during a snow storm? Yes. In fact, town ordinance prohibits parking between November 1 and April 30 on all town streets between 1 AM and 5 AM.
• Does the Town provide garbage pick-up? No. The Town has decided that this service is better left to the private sector. There are numerous services in the area or residents can bring trash and recycling to the local transfer station just over the Town line on River Road in Sunderland or to the East Dorset transfer station.
• Who do I call if I think a road needs plowing or sanding? Call the Dispatch Center at (802) 362-2022.

Pets and Animals Questions

• Do I need to register my dog in Manchester? Yes, by April 1 of each year. State law and town ordinances require all dogs to be registered and vaccinated against rabies. The Town has increased fees for dogs registered after April 1.
• Do I need to keep my dog on a leash? Probably not. The Town requires all dogs to be on a leash or under the direct control of its owner. Dogs at the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park are required to be leashed unless they are inside the dog park. Either way, however, owners are responsible and liable for the behavior of their dogs and must curb their dogs (pick-up the poop).
• Do I need to register my dog even if he doesn't go outside? Yes.
• Do I need to register my cat or other pets? No. State law does allow towns to license cats but Mancheseter does not require it.
• Who do I call about dog complaints? Call the Police Dispatch Center at (802) 362-2022. The Dispatch Center will likely call out the Town's animal control officer or a police officer on duty.
• I have been bitten by a wild or domestic animal. What should I do? Call the Police Dispatch Center at (802) 362-2022 or 9-1-1. You may need medical care. Eventually, the Health Officer needs to file a report with the State of Vermont.