Board of Selectmen — November 18, 2024
Amherst's draft FY2026 budget is up 7.2% — with a fire truck in limbo, an $800K+ lake cleanup obligation, and employee wages running above market.
The meeting was procedurally active with significant budget deliberation, but there was no recorded dissent, no confrontational public comment, and community speakers were largely aligned with board direction, keeping the overall tone collaborative and businesslike.
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📋 AMHERST BOARD OF SELECTMEN — November 18, 2024 Budget Session Summary
The Amherst Board of Selectmen spent most of their November 18th meeting working through Draft Two of the FY2026 municipal budget. The overall proposed increase is 7.2% — and that number does not yet include a fire tower truck replacement, which remains unresolved after the original vendor deal fell through. Residents should understand what's driving these numbers before this budget goes to Town Meeting.
Here are the key items:
🔹 ROADS: The board is planning a $200,000/year increase for two years to reach a $1.7 million annual road reconstruction budget. Some road projects will be pushed back to free up matching funds for a federal Village Streets grant covering intersection improvements.
🔹 STORMWATER & LAKE HEALTH: Federal MS4 compliance is driving a $157,500 request this year (down from $376K due to a forgivable loan). But embedded in this is a watershed-based phosphorus control plan for Amherst's lakes with a total estimated cost of $800,000–$900,000 over multiple years. Concerns about justifying that expense were raised at the meeting — but the item remained in the draft budget.
🔹 EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION: Salary comparison data presented at the meeting shows Amherst employee wages average $4,500 above the midpoint of towns surveyed for comparison. In a year with a 7.2% overall budget increase, the board acknowledged this data but proposed no corrective action.
🔹 FIRE TRUCK: The planned tower truck purchase was derailed by vendor problems. Used alternatives range from $100,000 to $458,000. The fire chief has two weeks to report back on options. Critical public safety equipment is in limbo.
🔹 PFAS REMEDIATION: Federal ARPA funding is nearly gone. The town estimates it needs approximately $50,000 more in FY2026 for PFAS cleanup. Contractor selection is scheduled by December 13th — a deadline worth watching.
🔹 GOOD NEWS: The board unanimously approved applying for a $900,000 federal TAP grant to build trails on the school campus. The required 20% match is already set aside in a capital reserve fund.
The budget is still in draft form, but decisions made now shape what goes to voters. If you care about your tax bill or these specific issues, now is the time to pay attention — not after Town Meeting ballots are printed.
Public impact
7.2% overall budget increase (excluding fire tower truck) encompassing road reconstruction, stormwater compliance, equipment replacement, and other capital and operating costs
$157,500 in current budget year, with total watershed plan estimated at $800,000–$900,000 over multiple years
$200,000 annual increase for two years to reach $1.7 million annual road budget; some road projects deferred to accommodate Village Streets grant match
$485,000 updated cost estimate, significantly higher than originally planned
Approximately $50,000 needed in FY26 after ARPA funds exhausted; contractor selection by December 13, 2024
$165,000 communications tower proceeding from capital reserve; $240,000 dispatch console partially completed using encumbered surplus funds
Topics discussed
Three residents spoke in support of upcoming bike pedestrian committee funding requests, emphasizing the importance of trail networks and warning against losing grant opportunities.
Four new members were appointed to fill out the committee: Dan Veu (member), Ryan Heflin (alternate), Nancy Gerzon (alternate), and Tyler Tora (alternate).
Committee discussed challenges with current funding model and requested board support for a warrant article to fund fireworks at $12,500, noting inability to continue current fundraising approach.
Bicycle Pedestrian Committee requested approval to apply for $900,000 federal TAP grant for school campus trail project, with 20% match already secured in capital reserve fund.
Committee requested $75,000 addition to capital reserve fund for rail trail project matching funds, citing voter support and existing grant commitments.
Town Administrator presented second budget draft with minimal changes, highlighting that wages and benefits comprise 60% of total budget and discussing potential initiatives.
Discussion of budget line items versus warrant articles for various town initiatives, including storm water, road reconstruction, and equipment purchases.
Ways and Means committee requested specific answers about budget line items showing shortfalls compared to prorated spending, and discussion of salary comparison data.
Review of salary comparison data showing Amherst wages averaging $4,500 above mid-level of surveyed towns, with discussion of compensation increases and debt reduction funding.
Explanation of how wage budgets are calculated using actual payroll data rather than adopted budget figures, accounting for vacancies and personnel changes.
Discussion of MS4 compliance requirements, reduced from original $376,000 request due to $100,000 CWSRF loan with principal forgiveness.
Major component of storm water initiative requiring watershed-based plan estimated at $800,000-$900,000 total cost, with concerns about expense justification.
Two-year catch-up to reach $1.7 million annual road budget as planned, compensating for lack of extra roadblock grant funds.
Updated cost estimate significantly higher than original due to attachment costs, with demo scheduled and alternative vendor being explored.
Clarification that $165,000 project is moving forward using existing capital reserve funds, with dispatch console project partially completed using encumbered surplus funds.
Discussion of using budgeted road dollars to match federal grant for intersection improvements, requiring deferral of other road work over multiple years.
Discussion of increased bridge repair funding needs based on town-wide culvert assessment completed in February. Plan requires $50,000 increase this year, moving toward preservation rather than replacement strategy.
Board discussed increasing contingency fund from $120,000 to $150,000 to align with RSA requirements (up to 1% of budget). Funds come from unassigned fund balance at no cost to taxpayers.
Chief reported delays with planned truck purchase due to vendor issues. Board discussed alternative funding options including used trucks ranging $100,000-$458,000, with funding from CRF and unassigned fund balance.
Updated cost estimate of $485,000 for new fuel tank system including 5,000 gallon diesel/3,000 gallon gasoline split tanks, DEF tank, engineering, and 20% contingency. Does not include $100,000 canopy.
After using remaining ARPA money, town still needs approximately $50,000 for PFAS remediation to be spent in FY26. Bid process scheduled with contractor selection by December 13th.
Total budget increase of 7.2% for all discussed items (excluding tower truck). Includes various capital improvements and operating expenses totaling significant financial commitment.
Discussion of spending remaining $550,000 in ARPA funds, with road building as backup eligible expense if PFAS contracts don't materialize by deadline.
Board approved hiring of Advanced EMT Tabitha Garland and addition of William White to per diem roster at fire department, plus police officer Nina Rack from Wilton PD.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Bike Pedestrian Committee Grant Matching Funds
7.2% Overall Budget Increase
Lake Phosphorus Control Plan ($170,000 component of $800K–$900K total)
Fire Tower Truck Replacement — Vendor Failure and Cost Uncertainty
Fourth of July Committee Fireworks Funding ($12,500 Warrant Article)
Employee Compensation Above Market Midpoint
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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