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Board of Selectmen — May 12, 2025

Amherst board voted down its own health insurance motion 3-2 before reversing course — here's what changed, and what else happened May 12.

The meeting was substantive and occasionally tense around health insurance negotiations — featuring a failed vote, union advocacy, and a reconsidered motion — but the board ultimately resolved its differences and passed all other items unanimously, with no public comment period conflict.

Date Monday, May 12, 2025 Duration 3.1h Speakers 13 Decisions 17 Lively

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Ask MeetingWatch answers from this meeting’s report, transcript, and records — with linked sources.

Summary AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.

AMHERST BOARD OF SELECTMEN — May 12, 2025 Meeting Summary

The biggest issue at Monday's meeting was health insurance. Because the NH Health Insurance Trust (NHIT) is dissolving, the town must find new coverage for all municipal employees by FY26. The board voted unanimously to switch to CIGNA plans through School Care, with projected savings of over $100,000 compared to staying on Harvard Pilgrim. But the path to that unanimous vote was not straightforward: an earlier motion on how to split premium costs between the town and employees failed 3-2, reflecting real disagreement about whether the proposed terms were sufficient — especially for employees with families on the high-deductible HSA option. Police Chief Anthony and Union President Justin Jerome both appeared before the board to argue that the HSA plan needed maximum upfront funding to work, pointing to a prior rollout that failed due to insufficient employer contributions. The board responded: after the failed vote, they revised the HSA employer contribution to 95% (employees pay just 5%), and approved maximum HSA funding of $2,500 for single coverage and $5,000 for families, with half contributed at the start of the year. That version passed 5-0.

Separately, the board approved a $16,000 contract with Municipal Resources Inc. to conduct an operational assessment of the fire department — announced the same night as Fire Chief Matt Connolly's retirement after 39 years of service, effective May 23rd. The assessment is funded from a vacant deputy chief position. The board described the assessment as part of the leadership transition process. Residents who rely on Amherst's fire and emergency services should pay attention to how this transition unfolds.

On the Beaver Brook Bridge grant project: a motion to authorize $5,000 for a wetland permitting assessment failed because no board member would second it, leaving an $80,000 grant project with unresolved questions about timeline and potential cost beyond original scope. The board did authorize the Town Administrator to request a timeline extension from the state — but stopped short of committing any additional funds until that extension is confirmed.

Other actions: the board approved accelerated state funding for the Papucci Greenway North 3 pedestrian pathway project, renewed a mutual aid agreement with Milford for building inspections, approved an $8,600 transport cost for a new ladder truck, reaffirmed its 7% contribution to the employee deferred compensation plan, and confirmed the town budget is tracking roughly $1 million surplus through April 30.

May 12, 2025 3.1h long 13 speakers 17 decisions Lively
❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“We have a TAP grant that was applied for and we are second in line for that tap, that TAP grant and it looks promising that we will get get it. And this is for the side path by the schools that we've been looking for for years now.”

— Chair Danielle · Reporting on transportation grant funding for school area sidewalk project
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed

Complete health insurance carrier change affecting all municipal employees; projected savings of over $100,000 to the town; employees moving to high-deductible HSA option face different cost-sharing structures including new deductibles offset by $2,500–$5,000 in employer HSA contributions

What was discussed

39-year veteran Fire Chief Matt Connolly retiring May 23rd; $16,000 operational assessment commissioned to coincide with leadership transition

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Jason Hennessey, Will Luke, Chair Danielle, Pam
What was discussed

Commissioners Jason Hennessey, Will Luke, and Chair Danielle provided updates on Nashua Regional Planning Commission activities, including grant opportunities, transportation planning, and regional coordination. They discussed available grants for diesel vehicle replacement and property fraud alerts.

Speakers: Lincoln Daley, Jeff Kanderowski, Debbie Bender
What was discussed

Town must find new health insurance provider due to NHIT dissolution. Administration presented three options from School Care through CIGNA, with significant cost savings compared to continuing with Harvard Pilgrim rates.

Speakers: Jeff Kanderowski
What was discussed

Detailed presentation of three CIGNA plans through School Care: Yellow plan with Choice Fund HRA, Yellow plan without HRA, and Orange high-deductible HSA plan. All plans use CIGNA's national network with same underlying benefits but different cost structures.

Speakers: Debbie Bender, Lincoln Daley, Chair Danielle
What was discussed

Discussion of employer vs. employee contribution percentages for health plans, with potential savings of over $100,000 compared to continuing Harvard Pilgrim. Board considered incentivizing HSA plan through higher town contributions.

Speakers: Chief Anthony
What was discussed

Police Chief Anthony expressed concerns about HSA plan adoption based on previous failed rollout, emphasizing need for higher upfront HSA contributions to gain employee acceptance, particularly for families with higher medical expenses.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Speaker M (Union President Justin Jerome)
What was discussed

Extended discussion of switching from Harvard Pilgrim to Cigna insurance plans, including HSA contribution amounts and employer/employee premium split percentages. Union president advocated for maximum funding to incentivize employee adoption.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Authorization for RFP process to develop IT security policies and procedures based on consultant recommendations, focusing on four priority areas.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Discussion and approval of letter supporting lake association's permit application for aluminum sulfate treatment, with clarification that town is not the applicant.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Approval of $16,000 contract with Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI) to conduct operational assessment of fire department as new chief transition begins.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Public announcement that Fire Chief Matt Connolly is retiring after 39 years of service, effective May 23rd.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

State request to accelerate funding timeline for $1.527 million rail trail project, moving up from original 5-year schedule approved by voters.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Discussion of state funding acceleration for the Papucci Greenway North 3 pedestrian pathway project, with concerns about inflation adjustments and local match requirements.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Complex grant project requiring wetland permitting assessment, timeline extension request, and potential additional funding beyond the original $80,000 grant.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Annual $2,500 grant application for waste oil collection at transfer station, with plans to apply for both current and next fiscal years.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Budget appears on track with approximately $1 million surplus projected, though some lines are over budget including sick incentive and overtime.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Renewal of mutual aid agreement with Milford for building inspection services, allowing inspectors to assist each other during absences.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Approval of fiscal year 2026 contract for Attorney Jeremiah Sandberg with minor modifications and $3,000 increase.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Approval of $8,600 transportation cost for new ladder truck from manufacturer, with completion expected around May 20th.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Reaffirmation of town's commitment to maintain 7% contribution to employee 457 plan for eligible employees hired before July 1, 2024.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Chair proposes reviving historical tradition of awarding Boston Post Cane to town's oldest citizen, potentially at July 4th celebration.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

Health Insurance Plan Switch: HSA Contribution Levels and Premium Splits

The town is being forced to leave NHIT and find new coverage, directly affecting all municipal employees' out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The Police Union raised explicit concerns about HSA plan adoption based on a prior failed rollout, and there was substantive disagreement about how generous the employer contribution percentages should be — with a motion failing 3-2 before being revised and passed 5-0. Employees with families and higher medical costs are disproportionately affected by high-deductible plan structures.
Board position: Ultimately approved CIGNA plans with 84/16 split for Yellow plan, 95/5 for Orange HSA plan, and maximum HSA funding ($2,500 single / $5,000 family, half front-loaded)
Internal dissent
An initial motion for contribution percentages (84/16 and 90/10) failed 3-2. The board reconsidered and passed a revised 95/5 split for the HSA plan unanimously.
medium concern
02

Beaver Brook Bridge Grant: $5,000 Permitting Assessment Authorization

A motion to authorize $5,000 for a wetland permitting assessment — contingent on a timeline extension — failed for lack of a second, meaning no board member was willing to support it even provisionally. This leaves an $80,000 grant project with unresolved questions about timeline and potential cost beyond original scope.
Board position: Approved signing the certificate of authority and requesting a timeline extension, but declined to authorize the $5,000 permitting study pending extension approval
low concern
03

Fire Department Operational Assessment During Chief Transition

Commissioning a $16,000 outside assessment of the fire department during a chief retirement and transition could raise questions about departmental operations. The timing — with Fire Chief Matt Connolly retiring after 39 years effective May 23rd — coincides with a major leadership change.
Board position: Approved the $16,000 MRI contract unanimously, funding it from the vacant deputy chief position
low concern

Split votes

Initial motion to set employer/employee premium contribution percentages at 84/16 for Yellow plan and 90/10 for Orange HSA plan
Failed 3-2

Community vs. board tension

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
No public comments were identified in this meeting.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
59:02
Preliminary consensus on health insurance plan structure with 85/15% split for Yellow plan and 95/5% split for Orange HSA plan
Board agreed on 85% town/15% employee for Yellow plan with embedded HRA, 95% town/5% employee for Orange HSA plan, with $1,000/$2,000 HSA contributions initially
Consensus reached to vote at meeting or by Wednesday deadline
1:37:55
Approved Cigna insurance plans (Yellow Choice HMO and Orange HSA plans)
Board voted to switch from Harvard Pilgrim to Cigna for both HMO and HSA plan options
Passed 5-0
1:40:13
Set employer/employee premium contribution percentages at 84/16 for Yellow plan and 95/5 for Orange HSA plan
Initial motion for current percentages (84/16 and 90/10) failed, revised to 95% employer contribution for HSA plan
Failed 3-2, then reconsidered and passed 5-0 for 95/5 split
1:49:39
Approved maximum HSA funding with front-loading structure
$2,500 for single coverage, $5,000 for family coverage, with half contributed upfront and half available upon request
Passed 5-0
1:54:49
Authorized IT security policy RFP process
Staff authorized to issue RFP for development of four priority IT security policies and procedures
Passed 5-0
2:00:21
Approved Babousik Lake Association support letter
Authorized submission of amended letter supporting lake association's discharge permit application to NH DES
Passed 5-0
2:04:05
Approved fire department assessment contract
$16,000 contract with MRI for operational assessment, funded from vacant deputy chief position
Passed 5-0
2:12:21
Approved advancement of Papucci Greenway North 3 project funding to fiscal year 2026
Motion to approve advancement of pedestrian pathway project funding as proposed by NH DOT through CMAQ grant program
5-0 unanimous approval
2:31:11
Authorized Town Administrator to sign certificate of authority and request timeline extension for Beaver Brook Bridge project
Motion excluded the $5,000 permitting assessment pending extension approval
5-0 unanimous approval
2:33:00
Motion to authorize $5,000 for Boyle Tanner permitting assessment failed
Motion contingent on timeline extension was made but received no second
Failed for lack of second
2:35:28
Approved Town Administrator to sign NH DES Waste Oil Grant agreement
Grant provides $2,500 reimbursement for waste oil collection costs
5-0 unanimous approval
2:39:03
Approved mutual aid agreement with Milford for building inspection services
Agreement subject to town counsel approval, includes auto-renewal every two years
5-0 unanimous approval
2:48:48
Approved fiscal year 2026 prosecutor contract for Jeremiah Sandberg
Contract includes $3,000 increase and vehicle use provisions
5-0 unanimous approval
2:51:48
Approved April 7, 2025 meeting minutes as amended
Corrections made to personnel vs personal matter and selectman names
5-0 unanimous approval
2:53:54
Approved $8,600 transportation cost for ladder truck
Transport via SSPI Service Company with full insurance coverage included
5-0 unanimous approval
3:00:11
Reaffirmed 7% contribution to employee deferred compensation plan
Maintains current 7% contribution level for eligible employees in 457 plan
5-0 unanimous approval
2:46:26
Approved consent agenda items
Includes accounts payable and assessing consent agenda items
5-0 unanimous approval

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Split vote on health insurance reveals internal board division before a unanimous reversal — residents should understand the disagreement that shaped the final outcome for employees
Amherst BOS 5/12: A vote on employee health insurance contribution splits FAILED 3-2 before the board reversed course and passed a revised version 5-0. All municipal employees switching from Harvard Pilgrim to CIGNA for FY26.
225/280 chars
Timing of operational assessment during a major leadership transition — residents should follow how this transition unfolds
Amherst BOS 5/12: Fire Chief Matt Connolly retires May 23 after 39 yrs. Board approved a $16K outside assessment of fire dept operations, funded from a vacant deputy chief position. Passed 5-0.
193/280 chars
A grant project stalled by procedural reluctance, with unresolved cost and timeline questions
Amherst BOS 5/12: A motion to authorize $5,000 for a wetland permitting study on the Beaver Brook Bridge grant project failed — no board member would second it. That leaves an $80,000 grant project with unresolved timeline and cost questions.
242/280 chars
Real-world impact on municipal workers and families from a mandatory carrier switch, and how union advocacy shaped the final outcome
Amherst BOS 5/12: Town switching all employee health insurance to CIGNA. Projected savings: $100K+. Police Union pushed for max HSA funding after a prior failed rollout. Board responded — 95/5 split, $2,500/$5,000 HSA funding. Passed 5-0.
238/280 chars

X thread

1
🧵 AMHERST BOARD OF SELECTMEN — May 12, 2025. Several decisions worth knowing about. Thread:
91/280
2
1/ HEALTH INSURANCE: NHIT is dissolving, so the town must find new coverage for all municipal employees. The board voted 5-0 to switch to CIGNA through School Care for FY26, with projected savings of $100,000+ over staying on Harvard Pilgrim rates.
248/280
3
2/ But it wasn't smooth. A motion to set employee premium contribution splits (84/16 for the standard plan, 90/10 for the high-deductible HSA plan) FAILED 3-2. At least three members thought that wasn't generous enough for the HSA plan.
236/280
4
3/ The Police Union president and Police Chief both appeared to push back — citing a prior failed HSA rollout and warning that families with high medical costs need real upfront money to make the switch. The board listened.
223/280
5
4/ After the failed vote, the board reconsidered. Final result: 84/16 for the Yellow plan, 95/5 for the HSA plan, plus maximum HSA funding — $2,500 for single coverage, $5,000 for families, half contributed upfront. Passed 5-0.
227/280
6
5/ FIRE DEPT: Chief Matt Connolly is retiring May 23 after 39 years. The board approved a $16,000 contract with Municipal Resources Inc. to conduct an operational assessment of the department — as the chief transition begins. Funded from a vacant deputy chief position. Passed 5-0.
281/280
7
6/ The board described this as part of the leadership transition. Residents who rely on fire and emergency services should follow how this unfolds.
147/280
8
7/ BEAVER BROOK BRIDGE: A motion to authorize $5,000 for a wetland permitting study — needed to move an $80,000 grant project forward — failed for lack of a second. No board member would support it, even contingently. The project timeline and cost scope are now uncertain.
272/280
9
8/ Budget update: Town is tracking roughly $1 million surplus through April 30. Some lines are over budget (sick incentive, overtime), but the overall picture looks stable for FY25. /end
186/280

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AMHERST BOARD OF SELECTMEN — May 12, 2025 Meeting Summary

The biggest issue at Monday's meeting was health insurance. Because the NH Health Insurance Trust (NHIT) is dissolving, the town must find new coverage for all municipal employees by FY26. The board voted unanimously to switch to CIGNA plans through School Care, with projected savings of over $100,000 compared to staying on Harvard Pilgrim. But the path to that unanimous vote was not straightforward: an earlier motion on how to split premium costs between the town and employees failed 3-2, reflecting real disagreement about whether the proposed terms were sufficient — especially for employees with families on the high-deductible HSA option. Police Chief Anthony and Union President Justin Jerome both appeared before the board to argue that the HSA plan needed maximum upfront funding to work, pointing to a prior rollout that failed due to insufficient employer contributions. The board responded: after the failed vote, they revised the HSA employer contribution to 95% (employees pay just 5%), and approved maximum HSA funding of $2,500 for single coverage and $5,000 for families, with half contributed at the start of the year. That version passed 5-0.

Separately, the board approved a $16,000 contract with Municipal Resources Inc. to conduct an operational assessment of the fire department — announced the same night as Fire Chief Matt Connolly's retirement after 39 years of service, effective May 23rd. The assessment is funded from a vacant deputy chief position. The board described the assessment as part of the leadership transition process. Residents who rely on Amherst's fire and emergency services should pay attention to how this transition unfolds.

On the Beaver Brook Bridge grant project: a motion to authorize $5,000 for a wetland permitting assessment failed because no board member would second it, leaving an $80,000 grant project with unresolved questions about timeline and potential cost beyond original scope. The board did authorize the Town Administrator to request a timeline extension from the state — but stopped short of committing any additional funds until that extension is confirmed.

Other actions: the board approved accelerated state funding for the Papucci Greenway North 3 pedestrian pathway project, renewed a mutual aid agreement with Milford for building inspections, approved an $8,600 transport cost for a new ladder truck, reaffirmed its 7% contribution to the employee deferred compensation plan, and confirmed the town budget is tracking roughly $1 million surplus through April 30.

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Email select board information on diesel vehicle replacement grants
Assigned: Jason Hennessey · Due: Not specified
Add select board members to NRPC monthly newsletter distribution
Assigned: Will Luke · Due: Next NRPC visit
Finalize health insurance decision and submit to police union
Assigned: Board · Due: May 15th, 2025 (with potential Wednesday meeting if not decided)
Follow up on brownfield site assessment grant availability ($200,000 grant status)
Assigned: Jason Hennessey · Due: Not specified
Contact town counsel for necessary documentation and contract amendments for insurance plan changes
Assigned: Staff/Lincoln · Due: Before Wednesday meeting
Schedule Wednesday meeting to finalize insurance plan implementation
Assigned: Staff · Due: Wednesday
Present insurance plan options to union membership for vote
Assigned: Union President Justin Jerome · Due: 3pm tomorrow (following day)
Issue RFP for IT security policy development
Assigned: Staff · Due: Not specified
Submit amended support letter to NH Department of Environmental Services
Assigned: Staff/Lincoln · Due: Not specified
Execute MRI contract for fire department assessment
Assigned: Town Administrator · Due: Not specified
Contact state regarding Babousik North 03 project funding acceleration and request formal paperwork
Assigned: Eric (Public Works Director) · Due: Not specified
Contact Bureau of Trails to request timeline extension for Beaver Brook Bridge project
Assigned: a speaker (Eric) · Due: Next day (following meeting)
Report back on timeline extension response for Beaver Brook Bridge project
Assigned: a speaker (Eric) · Due: After contacting Bureau of Trails
Research status of mutual aid agreement with Pelham
Assigned: a speaker (Lincoln) · Due: Not specified
Develop guidelines and framework for Boston Post Cane award program
Assigned: a speaker (Chair) · Due: Next meeting
Verify Boston Post Cane is available at the Wigwam museum
Assigned: a speaker (Chair) · Due: Before next meeting
Continue researching disposal options for old ladder truck
Assigned: a speaker (Chief) · Due: Ongoing
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Report composed by claude-sonnet-4-20250514, claude-opus-4-6, claude-sonnet-4-6 · analyzed 2026-06-01.