Board of Selectmen — December 16, 2024
Amherst Selectmen shift $40k grant costs to warrant articles and schedule extra meeting on rail trail funding
Extended discussions occurred on rail-trail funding and transfer-station policy, but no public speakers appeared and no substantive dissent or conflict emerged.
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At the December 16 Board of Selectmen meeting, members approved the FY26 operating budget of $18,298,510 after shifting $40,000 in grant administration costs out of the base budget and into warrant articles. The change was approved 5-0. This moves those costs onto the ballot for direct voter review rather than treating them as routine operating expenses.
The board also discussed funding options for the rail trail project, weighing a multi-year warrant article against an annual capital reserve fund approach. An extra meeting was scheduled between Christmas and New Year’s to settle on language. Separately, the board declined to signal support for a $1.5M natural gas line extension request for Wilkins School, citing cost and other priorities.
Other actions included creating a new Master Fleet Mechanic position and promoting the current mechanic into the role at $33.28 per hour, plus approving a seasonal environmental intern position using existing funds. All votes were unanimous.
Public impact
$18,298,510 operating budget after $40k reduction
Potential multi-year capital commitment requiring voter approval
Topics discussed
Citizen presented a zoning ordinance petition article for the historic district, confirmed received by the board and to be forwarded to the planning board for review and hearing.
Board reviewed and approved the appointment of Laura Taylor to the Recreation Commission with term ending 2027.
Engineers from Sanborn Head presented bid results and work plan for capping the old leach field; board discussed subcontractor markup, ARPA funding, and project timing with new septic routing to police station.
Board approved the hire of Irene Barry as full-time Recreation Director at Grade 18, Step 3 with salary of $98,758.40.
Board reviewed operating budget changes including grant administration costs, longevity adjustments, and warrant articles; agreed to shift $40k in grant admin costs out of budget and finalize warrant article wording and numbers.
Extended discussion on whether to pursue a single multi-year warrant article requiring 60% voter approval or an annual capital reserve fund (CRF) approach with a possible fallback one-year article; concerns raised about grant risks, voter education, and board consensus.
SAU request for town support on $1.5M natural gas extension; board members express reluctance citing cost, timing, and other priorities.
Approval of Sanborn Head PFAS contract payment from ARPA; brief updates on remaining non-monetary warrant articles and revenue budget.
Discussion of cashless payment policy, sticker enforcement, and alternatives to reduce theft risk while addressing resident convenience; plans for improved accessibility, signage, education, and proactive enforcement with notice to residents.
Review and approval of a three-year updated contract to continue providing EMS services to Mont Vernon.
Approval of job description for seasonal environmental intern (Grade S12) to support MS4 stormwater work using existing budget.
Creation of new supervisory Master Fleet Mechanic position (Grade 12) and promotion of current mechanic Tenzin Funsock into the role at step 6.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Rail Trail Project funding mechanism
Natural gas line funding request for Wilkins School ($1.5M)
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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