Board of Selectmen — November 18, 2024

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.