Accountability Posts

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significant capital expenditure on critical infrastructure

At the 5/13 Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board authorized a $307,100.96 police communications upgrade. The Chief reported the current system is a "mess" with critical failures and dead spots. This will be funded via town surplus... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2024-05-13/ #MeetingWatch

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internal division over diminished project scope

The Board has authorized a Safe Streets for All grant application, but the scope has shifted. Instead of full roadway rebuilding, the project will now focus only on six specific intersections. A Board member warned they may lose support... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2024-05-13/ #MeetingWatch

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high-community-concern issue currently in limbo

Amherst residents are divided over a proposed "No Through Trucking" ordinance for Boston Post Road. The Board has tabled the decision pending a joint meeting with Milford to coordinate regional traffic impacts. #AmherstNH #TrafficSafety https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2024-05-13/ #MeetingWatch

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potential new recurring fee and board dissent

The Board is investigating a potential new Stormwater Utility fee for property owners. One member explicitly refused to vote for moving forward with a consultant, citing concerns over how similar fees impacted residents in Dover... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2024-05-13/ #MeetingWatch

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Post these in sequence for maximum impact.

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The May 13th Amherst Board of Selectmen meeting revealed significant tensions regarding how town funds and infrastructure projects are being prioritized. Here is what you need to know. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #AmherstNH

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First, the 'Safe Streets for All' grant. While originally intended for broader road rebuilding, the DPW is now moving forward with an application focused only on six specific intersections. One Board member expressed deep dissatisfaction with this narrowed scope.

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Second, a massive $307,100.96 expenditure was conceptually approved for police radio upgrades. Chief Champoli described the current infrastructure as a 'mess' with system failures. This will be paid for using town surplus.

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Finally, the Board is weighing a new Stormwater Utility fee. This could mean new recurring costs for property owners based on impervious surfaces. One member blocked progress on a consultant, citing the negative impact seen in Dover. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2024-05-13/

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Longer-form draft.

At the May 13th Board of Selectmen meeting, several decisions were made that will significantly impact Amherst's budget and infrastructure. 

One major development involves the 'Safe Streets for All' grant. There is growing concern within the Board regarding the project's scope; while residents expected broader roadway rebuilding, the current plan focuses only on six specific intersections. One Board member noted that this shift in priority—away from major road work—is a significant concern.

Additionally, the Board gave conceptual approval for a $307,100.96 upgrade to the Police Department's communications equipment. The Police Chief reported that the current system is in a critical state, suffering from dead spots and system failures. This major expense will be funded through the town's surplus.

Lastly, the Board is looking into a potential Stormwater Utility fee, which would charge property owners based on the amount of impervious surfaces on their land. This remains a point of contention, with one Board member refusing to move forward with a consultant until more research is done on how similar fees have affected residents in neighboring towns like Dover. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2024-05-13/ #MeetingWatch #AmherstNH