Accountability Posts

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DRA authority to retroactively amend voter-approved warrant articles — democratic accountability

At the 1/27 Amherst BOS meeting, the Town Administrator noted that the DRA can change warrant article language — even AFTER voters approve it. The board accepted this without objection. Do voters know their approved language can be revised?

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Board Chair reservation on future road contracting policy and fiscal implications

Amherst BOS (1/27): DPW Director recommended shifting to 2-year road paving contracts. Board Chair pushed back: 'I'm not ready tonight, personally, to do that.' No vote taken. Discussion deferred to the next bidding cycle.

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Purchasing policy exception for road contract extension — taxpayer transparency

Amherst BOS (1/27) approved a 1-year extension of the Continental Paving road contract through FY26 — granted as an exception to the town's purchasing policy. A new contract goes to bid in January 2026. Approved 4-0.

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Routine personnel transparency — compensation and title change on the record

Amherst BOS (1/27): Rick Keys promoted to Facilities Manager at $35.94/hr, effective Jan. 20. Title changed from 'Buildings and Grounds Foreman' for more inclusive language. Both approved 4-0.

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🧵 Amherst Board of Selectmen — 1/27/25 meeting recap. A routine night, but two items deserve closer attention from residents. Thread:

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1/ The Town Administrator disclosed that the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) can change warrant article language — and can do so even after voters have already approved an article at Town Meeting. This came up in the context of routine DRA-required edits to current warrant articles.

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2/ Specific changes: The DRA required removal of a PFAS contingency and rewording of bike path project funding language. The board accepted these changes without objection. These changes were presented as required by DRA, not optional.

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3/ The Town Administrator's words: 'Even after the voters vote on a warrant article, if DRA doesn't like the language, they can retroactively amend it.' This is worth understanding before Town Meeting season — it speaks to the scope of DRA's authority over local decisions.

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4/ Separately: the DPW Director wants to shift Amherst to 2-year road paving contracts. His rationale — reduce admin burden, align with what other towns do. But the Board Chair said: 'I'm not ready tonight, personally, to do that.'

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5/ No formal vote was taken on the 2-year approach. The board did approve a 1-year extension of the Continental Paving contract through FY26 (4-0) — as an exception to the town's purchasing policy. A new contract goes to bid in January 2026.

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6/ Road paving is a major recurring expenditure for Amherst taxpayers. How contracts are structured — 1 year vs. 2 years, how competitive bidding works — matters for pricing and accountability. This discussion will likely continue during the January 2026 bidding cycle.

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7/ Everything else was 4-0 unanimous: $10K donation to the Conservation Commission accepted, three community event permits approved (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Easter egg hunt), and a job title change + promotion for the new Facilities Manager. Full meeting details at amherstnh.gov.

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Longer-form draft.

**Amherst Board of Selectmen — Meeting Recap: January 27, 2025**

Most of this meeting was routine — community event permits, a $10,000 donation to the Conservation Commission, and a staff promotion. But two items are worth residents' attention before Town Meeting season.

**DRA can change warrant article language — even after voters approve it.** Town Administrator Debbie disclosed that the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) has the authority to change warrant article language, and can do so even after voters have approved an article at Town Meeting. In this case, the DRA required removal of a PFAS contingency clause and rewording of bike path project funding language. The board accepted the changes as routine administrative compliance. This is a matter of state-level authority over local warrant articles, and residents may want to understand this dynamic before casting votes at Town Meeting.

**A difference of opinion on road contracting.** DPW Director Eric recommended that Amherst shift to two-year road paving contracts, citing reduced administrative burden and alignment with peer communities. The board approved a one-year extension of the existing Continental Paving contract through FY26 (4-0) — granted as an exception to the town's purchasing policy — but Board Chair a speaker stated: 'I'm not ready tonight, personally, to do that,' referring to the two-year approach. No vote was taken on the two-year proposal, and the matter was deferred to the next bidding cycle in January 2026. Road paving is one of the most significant recurring expenses in the town budget. How those contracts are structured and how often competitive bids are solicited are decisions that affect every taxpayer. This conversation will likely continue.

**Everything else passed 4-0.** Rick Keys was promoted to Facilities Manager (formerly Buildings and Grounds Foreman) at $35.94/hour, effective January 20. Three community event permits were approved: Memorial Day parade (May 23), 4th of July activities, and the Easter egg hunt (April 12). A $10,000 donation to the Conservation Commission from a repeat donor was formally accepted. Upcoming: the DPW Director will present transfer station policy adjustments at the February 10 meeting.