Vermont State Treasurer – Montpelier, VT

Vermont State Treasurer

The Vermont State Treasurer is one of the state’s five constitutional officers, elected statewide to serve as the chief financial officer for Vermont. Established in 1778, the Treasurer’s office is responsible for the prudent management of state funds, acting as the state’s banker, investor, and accountant. The office is located in the Pavilion Building at 109 State Street, adjacent to the State House, where it oversees billions of dollars in state assets and retirement obligations.

Unclaimed Property Division

One of the most public-facing functions of the Treasurer’s Office is the Unclaimed Property Division. This division acts as a custodian for financial assets—such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, and insurance proceeds—that have been lost or abandoned. The Treasurer’s Office diligently works to reunite these assets with their rightful owners or heirs through the ”Missing Money” program, returning millions of dollars to Vermonters annually.

Retirement and Investments

The Treasurer serves as the custodian for the state’s three major pension systems: the Vermont State Employees’ Retirement System (VSERS), the State Teachers’ Retirement System (VSTRS), and the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (VMERS). The office manages the investment of these trust funds to ensure the long-term financial security of public sector employees and retirees.

Debt Management

The office manages the state’s debt and credit rating, issuing bonds to finance capital projects like road construction and building maintenance. By maintaining Vermont’s strong credit rating, the Treasurer minimizes the interest costs paid by taxpayers on this debt.

Visiting the Office

The Treasurer’s Office is on the 4th floor of the Pavilion Building. Access to the building requires checking in at the security kiosk in the lobby. While many services, such as searching for unclaimed property, are available online 24/7, the office is open during standard business hours for inquiries regarding retirement benefits or other financial matters.