Board, Commission and Committee Vacancies

Updated 9/17/24

We have several board, commission and committee vacancies! Below is a list of vacancies and a brief description of what the board, commission, or committee does.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these vacancies, please fill out the Voluntown Board/Committee Application. 

Experience is not necessary for any of the positions, and free training is available for zoning positions.

NEW: Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees oversee the library budget and bylaws. This is an elected position with vacancies filled by the Board of Selectmen. The Library Board of Trustees meet on the second Thursday of each month in the Voluntown Public Library at 6:30PM. The vacancy is to complete a term ending on 11/16/27.

NEW: Voluntown Water Study Committee

The Voluntown Water Study Committee was formed by the Board of Selectmen to oversee the study to determine the cost and design of community water systems in the Bennett Circle area of Beach Pond, and the downtown area. We are seeking at least one resident to participate on this committee, with one resident being from the Bennett Circle area of town. This committee meets during the day with Zoom option available.

Memorial Day Committee

This is a brand-new committee that has been formed by the Board of Selectmen to oversee the planning of Voluntown’s Memorial Day events including, but not limited to, the ceremonies at Robbins Cemetery and Town Green, as well as the Memorial Day parade. Meeting dates will be established at the first committee meeting which will be determined once the committee has enough (5) members.  Read the committee description for more information, here: Memorial Day Committee

Zoning Board of Appeals

  • One alternate vacancy
  • Elected position, vacancies are appointed by the Board of Selectmen
  • Meets on the first Monday of the month at 7pm as needed.
  • The Zoning Board of Appeals was created in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 124, Section 8-5 of the CT general statutes. The responsibility of the board is to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement or decision made by the official charged with the enforcement of chapter 124 or any bylaw, ordinance or regulation adopted under the provisions of this chapter and to hear and decide all matters including special exceptions and special exemptions under section 8-2g upon which it is required to pass by the specific terms of the zoning bylaws, ordinance or regulations in harmony with their general purpose and intent and with the due consideration for conserving the public health, safety, convenience, welfare and property values solely with respect to a particular parcel of land.

Board of Assessment Appeals

  • One vacancy
  • Elected position, vacancies are filled by the Board of Selectmen
  • Meets 2xs a year. Next Meeting September 23 at 5pm
  • The Board of Assessment Appeals is an official municipal agency. It is designed to serve as an appeal body for taxpayers who believe that town or city assessors erred in the valuation of their properties or erroneously denied them exemptions. The Board is composed of persons who have been appointed by the Mayor of Stamford. The Board enables taxpayers to be heard by their peers at no expense. No fees are charged for the appeal process. Furthermore, taxpayers do not have to be represented by counsel.

Economic Development Commision

  • Two vacancies
  • Positions are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
  • Meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7PM- except in July and August we have no meetings.
  • The mission of the Voluntown Economic Development Commission is to foster economic development in Voluntown and increase the tax base by retaining existing businesses and helping them grow, encouraging indigenous business start-up, and recruiting light industry. The Voluntown EDC currently sponsors the Voluntown Farmers’ Market. The EDC is working on several projects that promote Voluntown as an outdoor recreation tourist destination.

Planning and Zoning

  • one alternate position
  • Positions are elected, but vacancies are appointed by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
  • Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00PM in the Voluntown Town Hall Meeting Room when there is an agenda.
  • The duties of a planning and zoning commission include:
    • Recommending to the local town the boundaries of the various original zoning districts and appropriate regulations to be enforced therein and any proposed amendments thereto.
    • Assisting in the drafting of a zoning ordinance as well as amendments to the ordinance.
    • Reviewing conditional use applications and landowner and municipal curative amendments review.
    • Developing the municipality’s plan of conservation and development and its subdivision regulations.
    • Approving individual subdivisions and may be responsible for issuing special permits and exceptions under the municipality’s zoning regulations.
    • Studying issues, overseeing the preparation of plans and ordinances, and reviewing and advising on development proposals.