Board of Selectmen

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

EMS Budget Reallocation — A significant shift of $85,000 from leadership salary lines to part-time and overtime staffing to maintain service levels.

3 public comments 13 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Other High Impact

Monday, May 11, 2026

Amherst School District Impact Fee Requests — Approval of approximately $69,000 in impact fee expenditures for school-related architectural and surveying services.

2 public comments 13 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Other High Impact

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The meeting was marked by heavy public testimony regarding trespassing, deception, and property rights, exacerbated by significant off-agenda discussions regarding committee oversight.

9 public comments 1 decision 3 not addressed awaiting minutes

Heated Other High Impact

Monday, April 27, 2026

Health Trust Plan Cost Share — Changes in cost-sharing percentages for dental, life, disability, and medical insurance plans.

1 public comment 8 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Other High Impact

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

The meeting featured intense criticism from landowners regarding property rights and significant pushback from the Conservation Commission regarding procedural oversight.

7 public comments 3 decisions 1 not addressed awaiting minutes

Contentious Other High Impact

Monday, April 13, 2026

The meeting featured heavy, emotional testimony from 15 public speakers, particularly regarding the Rail Trail project, which created a high-tension atmosphere.

23 public comments 11 decisions 5 not addressed awaiting minutes

Contentious Other High Impact

Monday, March 23, 2026

Ambulance Billing Rate Change to 325% of Medicare — Billing rates set at 325% of Medicare reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2026, with automatic future adjustments when Medicare rates change; specific dollar-per-transport impact not disclosed at meeting

1 public comment 13 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Fee Change

Monday, March 9, 2026

NH Route 101 Transportation Project Delayed to 2034–2036 — Major regional road improvement project pushed back approximately 8–10 years from anticipated construction window, with no guaranteed restoration of funding

2 public comments 6 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Other High Impact

Monday, March 2, 2026

Route 122 / Merrimack Road All-Way Stop Installation — $20,000 safety improvement at a documented crash-prone intersection; interim measure until a $3 million roundabout planned for 2034

10 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Safety Change

Monday, February 9, 2026

Route 122/Merrimack Road safety improvements — Interim all-way stop proposed; permanent fix delayed until 2036

1 public comment 16 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Safety Change

Monday, October 20, 2025

FY27 Preliminary Budget — Multiple Cost Pressures Risk Exceeding 3% Tax Target — ~$207,000 in new staffing requests plus potential 17.5% health insurance increase (vs. 10% budgeted) and $400,000 in fire warrant articles — cumulatively threatening the board's self-imposed 3% tax increase ceiling

awaiting minutes

Routine Tax Increase

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Fire Department Staffing — Transition Toward Career Personnel — Acting Chief identified need for career personnel additions estimated at ~$400,000 in annual budget impact; current model described as inadequate for population and call volume

1 decision awaiting minutes

Routine Safety Change

Monday, April 7, 2025

Health Insurance Rate Increase — $170,000 Budget Shortfall — $170,000 unplanned shortfall from a 27.5% rate hike (up from contracted 9.5%), requiring mid-year budget reallocation

3 public comments 11 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Budget Cut

Monday, April 15, 2024

Fire Department Tower Truck Replacement — Approximately $900,000 purchase of a used tower truck; current truck is out of service, creating an active public safety gap

1 public comment 10 decisions awaiting minutes

Routine Other High Impact