Board of Selectmen — October 21, 2024
Two resignations in one office, no public explanation, and a citizen's call for accountability that went unanswered — Amherst's Community Development Office faces a staffing crisis while three senior town leadership roles sit vacant.
The meeting was largely procedural and collegial, but the announcement of three staff resignations — including two in a single department, flagged by a citizen as a 'revolving door' with no public explanation offered by the board — introduced notable underlying tension that kept the meeting above routine.
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**Amherst Board of Selectmen — October 21, 2024: What You Need to Know**
Three staff resignations were announced at Monday's meeting: Community Development Director Nick Strong, the Community Development Executive Assistant, and Recreation Director Craig Fraley. All were accepted unanimously by the board. Craig Fraley's departure from Parks & Recreation was a separate matter, but the two Community Development resignations raised particular concern — and the board offered no public explanation of why two people left that office in close succession or what might be driving the departures.
Amherst resident Kelly Mullen raised this directly during Citizens Forum. She warned of a 'revolving door' in the Community Development Office and pointed out that significant land use applications are pending — applications that office is responsible for processing. She asked the selectmen to investigate the underlying causes. The board acknowledged her concern and noted they would seek interim planning help from the Southern NH Planning Commission, but offered no commitment to investigate what's driving the departures. Residents who have land use applications in the pipeline — or who simply rely on consistent planning oversight — should be paying close attention to how this gets resolved.
Beyond the Community Development situation, the board is now facing simultaneous vacancies in three senior leadership roles: Finance Director, Town Administrator, and Community Development Director. The board discussed beginning hiring processes, but no concrete timelines were given. Running a town with all three of those chairs empty — even temporarily — carries real risk for residents.
On the budget front: the board reached informal consensus on a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for town employees as the starting point for FY26 budget planning. No formal vote was taken. Ways and Means member Steve Hodgkin cautioned that even when CPI hit 5%, private sector wages grew only about 2.5% — and argued town employee raises should be weighed against taxpayers' actual ability to pay. That 3% figure is now embedded in early budget discussions, which will affect the property tax rate. A special budget meeting has been scheduled for around October 28th — that's where these numbers start to solidify.
Public impact
Loss of Director and Executive Assistant simultaneously creates a significant service gap in a department handling major land use decisions; interim coverage is uncertain
3% wage increase applied across town workforce will increase personnel costs in the FY26 budget, contributing to potential property tax rate increases
$152,000 warrant article or capital reserve draw for equipment replacement; deferral risks continued service disruptions and ongoing repair costs
Simultaneous vacancies in three senior leadership roles creates broad administrative risk across finance, planning, and executive functions
Topics discussed
Kelly Mullen raised concerns about the Executive Assistant resignation in the Community Development Office and potential impacts on upcoming land use applications. She expressed worry about a 'revolving door' in that office and requested the selectmen investigate underlying issues.
Jason White presented the FY26 CIP recommendations, prioritizing all Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) projects as top priority. Notable projects included DPW fuel tank safety upgrade and community center improvements.
Board voted to remove Merrimack Road from the no-through trucking ordinance following a previous public hearing.
Board reviewed inflation data and decided on a 3% COLA for budget planning purposes. Data showed Social Security increase of 2.5%, CPI urban Northeast of 3.4%, with state/local worker wages data pending.
Town Administrator announced three resignations: Greg Fraley (Parks & Recreation Director), Executive Assistant in Community Development, and Nick Strong (Community Development Director).
Board approved using computer system capital reserve funds ($29,520.79) to replace the police department's primary server through Microtime Computers.
Fire Chief discussed options for replacing aging fire truck, including examining a potential donated truck and considering new truck purchase with 3-year build time.
Board approved waiver for purchasing policy to contract with Davy Resource Group for $15,000 vegetation management plan and discussed trackless machine replacement warrant article for $152,000.
DPW Director Eric requested support for a warrant article to replace the town's 9-year-old trackless machine used for sidewalk clearing and roadside mowing. The machine has required $35,000 in repairs over two years and continues having mechanical issues, with 24-year-old attachments also needing replacement.
Board discussed alternative funding sources for the trackless machine replacement, including capital reserve funds. DPW revised their FY26 funding request to maintain budget at $180,000 and increase CRF request to $135,000 (up $5,000).
Board member Bill reported meeting with Dick Spencer (trust fund trustee and former Fidelity IT executive) to explore getting independent IT consultation for the town's systems, security, and cost-effectiveness.
Discussion of need to begin hiring processes for finance director and town administrator positions, plus interim community development director coverage following recent resignation.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Community Development Office Resignations ('Revolving Door')
3% COLA for Town Employees
Trackless Machine Replacement Warrant Article ($152,000)
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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