Board of Selectmen — December 2, 2024
Amherst BOS quietly advances a 6.6% spending increase, a $1.9M fire truck, and a $1.5M school gas line request — with zero public comment recorded.
The meeting was substantive and occasionally tense around budget strategy and unresolved financial decisions, but lacked public opposition, split votes, or sharp interpersonal conflict — keeping it below genuinely contentious territory.
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📋 AMHERST BOARD OF SELECTMEN — December 2, 2024 Meeting Recap
Amherst residents: the Board of Selectmen spent most of their December 2nd meeting working through the FY2026 budget, and there are several big-ticket items that will directly affect your property tax bill. Here's what you need to know.
The proposed budget increase currently stands at 4.6% for operating expenses — rising to 6.6% when warrant articles are included. The board worked to bring down an initial draft figure of 14.8% by drawing up to $1.2 million from the town's unassigned fund balance (reserves) and deferring some projects, including a $50,000 DPW garage planning study. But two major variables remain unresolved: the cost of a new $1.9 million tower fire truck and the final scope and funding structure for the North O2/O3 rail trail projects. Until those are settled, the final tax impact is unknown.
Also on the table: the school district has formally asked the town to fund a $1.5 million, 2-mile natural gas line extension to the new Wilkins Elementary School — running through the Historic Village district. The board didn't commit, but they didn't say no either, and the Historic District Commission has been asked to weigh in. Separately, the board decided there will be no Fourth of July fireworks in 2025, with possible funding for 2026 as part of the town's 275th anniversary. And the town faces a hard year-end deadline on remaining ARPA funds — a final decision was deferred to the December 9th meeting, with legal questions about payroll use still unresolved.
What stood out: despite a meeting packed with decisions affecting every Amherst taxpayer — a 6.6% spending increase, a $1.9M truck purchase, a $1.5M infrastructure ask, and a $1.2M reserve drawdown — not a single member of the public spoke. If you care about where your tax dollars go, the next Board of Selectmen meeting is December 9th. Show up or tune in.
Public impact
4.6% operating budget increase; 6.6% total spending increase including warrant articles; final tax rate impact depends on unresolved rail trail and tower truck decisions
$1.9 million purchase financed through combination of impact fees, capital reserves, unassigned fund balance, and borrowing; annual budget impact not yet quantified
$1.5 million request from school district; funding source and town obligation not yet determined
Elimination of annual fireworks event for 2025; reinstatement possible for 2026 town anniversary
Multi-year appropriation or capital reserve commitment for trail construction; 80% grant-funded but town share and total cost still being clarified
Increase tied to two years of Social Security cost-of-living adjustments; exact dollar figures not specified in meeting
Topics discussed
The board recognized Souhegan High School's football team for winning their sixth championship in 32 years, with players and coaches present to receive congratulations.
Robert Paquin Varnum was formally appointed as the new tax collector, beginning December 9th with employment starting December 16th.
The town received approval for a solar panel grant for the DPW salt barn, valued at $150,000 with the town's share less than $10,000 and projected savings of $400,000.
Weston and Sampson presented details on the $170,000 Lake Phosphorus Control Plan to address phosphorus impairment in Baboosic Lake, including watershed plan updates and implementation measures.
Two trail agreements were approved for accessing the newly acquired Moller property trail system via Hazeltine Conservation land and Woodland Drive.
Chief Conley requested authorization to negotiate for a used 2008 Pierce Velocity tower truck for approximately $300,000, with 5-7 years expected service life.
Discussion on spending remaining ARPA funds before year-end, with Continental Paving reviewing required terms and conditions for road construction invoice payments. Board discussed various options including fire truck purchases and payroll, with plans to finalize decision within one week.
Site walk completed with six contractors participating, with bids due in two weeks and contract expected by December 20th.
Discussion of necessary warrant articles for the 7 Thornton Ferry 1 property, including potential subdivision or parking lot development.
Extension requested for transfer station policy work, with timeline moved to first meeting in January.
Comprehensive review of FY26 budget draft including capital reserve funds, initiatives, and warrant articles totaling potential 14.8% budget increase.
Proposal for $1.9 million tower truck using combination of impact fees, capital reserves, unassigned fund balance, and borrowing to reduce annual budget impact.
Detailed discussion of North O2 and O3 rail trail projects with updated cost estimates and funding options including multi-year appropriations vs. capital reserve funds.
Strategic use of up to $1.2 million in unassigned fund balance for major one-time expenses including trackless vehicle, fuel pumps, and PFAS remediation.
Board discussed various budget items including fuel pump costs, village streets work, road reconstruction ($100k increase), and funding sources from unassigned fund balance.
Board decided not to fund fireworks for Fourth of July 2025, but will consider funding for the town's 275th anniversary celebration in 2026.
Discussion of disposing of town-owned Thorton Prairie property (1.9 acres) after carving out easement for rail trail access, with potential revenue of over $100,000.
Board plans to increase elderly tax exemptions to keep up with Social Security increases from the past two years.
Budget increase finalized at 4.6% for operating budget, 6.6% for total spending including warrant articles, with major variables being rail trail and tower truck costs.
Program launch delayed due to unfavorable market rates; will reassess after December utility rate setting with potential spring launch.
School district requested town funding for $1.5 million natural gas line extension (2 miles) to new Wilkins school, similar to previous Souhegan arrangement.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
FY26 Budget Increase (4.6%–6.6%)
Fire Tower Truck Purchase ($300K used + $1.9M new)
Rail Trail Project Funding (North O2/O3)
Natural Gas Line Extension Request ($1.5M) for Wilkins School
ARPA Funds Disposition (Year-End Deadline)
Unassigned Fund Balance Draw-Down ($1.2M)
Fireworks Cancellation for Fourth of July 2025
Thornton Prairie Property Disposal
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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