Welcome to Fairlee, VT

Link to the Draft 2025 General Budget and Capital Budget

 

The Town of Fairlee was founded in 1761. It encompasses the Village of Ely as well as Fairlee, lying between the Connecticut River and the foothills of the Green Mountains.

One of the New Hampshire grants, Fairlee was chartered by Governor Benning Wentworth on September 9, 1761. It was first settled in 1766.

Our Town logo represents the Aunt Sally, a boat built by area resident Samuel Morey that was powered by an internal combustion engine he designed, built, and had patented in 1826. Samuel Morey successfully operated steamboats on Lake Morey and the Connecticut River, beginning in 1793. In addition to conducting over 4000 experiments and receiving 20 patents, this early scientist’s internal combustion engine anticipated the age of the motorcar and airplane.

Fairlee has two scenic lakes: Lake Morey and Lake Fairlee, both with long and interesting histories. With a year-round population of 988 as of the 2020 census, Fairlee becomes a lively resort community in the summer, its population swelling with generations of summer residents and children attending camp, as they have for over 100 years.
A summer concert series, Independence Day celebration, several restaurants both in town and nearby, make Fairlee a busy place in the summer time.
In the fall, after the foliage has gone, the pace slows and the Town becomes a quieter scenic New England village. Winter sports including skating on the longest skating trail in the US, pond hockey tournaments and programs in the refurbished historic town hall auditorium, keep the pace until springtime comes again.

2025 Proposed Budget 2.pdf
2025 Capital Budgets.pdf