Board of Selectmen — September 9, 2025
The meeting was substantive and revealed serious deferred-investment and staffing problems across multiple departments, but the tone remained collaborative and informational with no public opposition, no split votes, and no confrontational exchanges. The weight of unresolved fiscal and service challenges was notable, but the discussion itself was cooperative.
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At the September 9, 2025 Board of Selectmen meeting in Amherst, department directors presented their FY27 strategic plans — and the picture that emerged is one of significant deferred investment across public safety, recreation, and infrastructure. No votes were taken, but the decisions the board will face in the coming budget season were put squarely on the table.
The most urgent issue may be the Fire Department. The Acting Chief told the board directly that the current staffing model is 'inadequate for operational needs' for a town of Amherst's size and commercial traffic. With 60 members but only one full-time officer, and 1,200 medical calls per year averaging 87 minutes each, the department said career personnel need to be introduced — a shift that carries an estimated $400,000 annual budget impact. On top of that, the department has $425,000+ in critical equipment needs: PFAS-free protective gear ($150,000) is required by a mandate taking effect in 2026, portable radios ($275,000) are 20 years old, and five department vehicles have a combined age of 92 years. None of this spending was committed at the meeting — it all goes into the FY27 budget process.
For families with young children, a more immediate concern: Recreation Director Irene Berry told the board she is '99% positive' that youth basketball for grades 1–2 will be eliminated this year due to the closure of Wilkins School, which housed the multipurpose room the program depended on. Grades 3–4 practices will also be reduced. The board directed Berry to contact Mount Vernon about using their facility as an alternative, but no solution has been confirmed. Separately, Babousik Beach was open only 40 days this summer — down from 50 in 2024 — due to cyanobacteria, with revenues dropping roughly $2,000. An alum treatment is in the state DES permitting process, and the board directed staff to research other options including APOD technology and sonic wave therapy. No funding commitment has been made.
Also worth watching: the Board Chair stated that Amherst 'should start seriously looking at' development impact fees to help fund a potential $8 million community center, and directed staff to survey town-owned properties for possible sites. And the Police Chief noted an increase in complaints against officers in recent years, saying 'I've never seen as many as I have seen in the last couple years,' while noting they are 'almost never really an issue.' The department pointed to body cameras and an ongoing accreditation process as its accountability response. FY27 budget season is approaching. These are the numbers residents should be following.
Public impact
Acting Chief identified need for career personnel additions estimated at ~$400,000 in annual budget impact; current model described as inadequate for population and call volume
$425,000+ in critical equipment needs including PFAS-free gear ($150,000, mandated by 2026) and portable radios ($275,000); fleet of 5 vehicles with combined age of 92 years also flagged
Beach staffed only 40 days vs. 50 last year; ~$2,000 revenue decline; alum treatment in DES permitting process with cost not specified at this meeting
Grades 1–2 program likely eliminated entirely; grades 3–4 practices reduced due to loss of Wilkins School multipurpose room
Scope of increases not yet defined; fees have not been revised in over 12 years, suggesting potentially significant adjustment
Chief identified clerical support deficiencies and aging radio and server infrastructure affecting department operations; new phone system expected within 2–3 weeks
Chair signaled serious intent to pursue $8 million community center funded partly through development impact fees; town property survey ordered as first step
Topics discussed
Director Irene Berry presented strategic plan focusing on four areas: Babousik Beach (cyanobacteria issues affecting operations and revenue), Buck Meadow recreation facility development, pickleball court needs, and expanded programming for all age groups.
Recreation department will likely eliminate grades 1-2 basketball and reduce grade 3-4 practices due to loss of Wilkins multipurpose room, creating significant scheduling challenges for indoor programming.
Director Christy Drobin presented comprehensive plan covering building permits, zoning, historic preservation, and new online permitting system rollout. Highlighted staffing constraints and need for regulatory updates.
Acting Chief presented plan addressing critical staffing inadequacies, with 60 members but only 1 full-time officer. Emphasized need for career personnel, fourth provider position, and administrative assistant restoration. Analysis showed 1,200 medical calls annually averaging 87 minutes each, consuming significant departmental resources.
Department conducts code enforcement, building inspections, fire drills, school safety programs, and community outreach including station tours and safety education for senior residents.
Strengths include diverse workforce and transport revenue generation. Weaknesses include inadequate staffing for population size, resource limitations, and public misconceptions about department structure.
Department identified opportunities through additional EMS transports, commercial inspections, grant funding (SAFER grants), and updating mechanical permit fee schedule not revised since 2013.
Fire department outlined critical equipment replacement needs including PFAS-free protective gear ($150,000), portable radios ($275,000), and staffing additions totaling approximately $400,000 in budget impacts. Urgent needs include replacing 20-year-old portable radios, outdated firefighter protective gear due to PFAS-free mandate effective 2026, and five vehicles collectively 92 years old.
Police Chief began presentation of strategic plan with updated goals including maintaining professional standards, addressing staffing needs, drug enforcement initiatives, and records management overhaul.
Department maintains strong hiring processes, excelled in community outreach programs, achieved low property crime numbers (around 30 incidents), and has quality accident/criminal investigations.
Identified needs for new phone system (implementation expected within 2-3 weeks), portable radio replacements, server upgrades for electronic records storage, and addressing clerical support deficiencies.
Body cameras have become essential for complaint investigations, discovery information, and maintaining professional conduct standards. Guardian Tracking software implemented for accountability and training management.
Department making significant progress toward accreditation with goal of completion by next summer. Process requires policy updates, evidence management improvements, and civilian personnel compliance changes.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Fire Department Staffing Crisis — Need for Career Personnel
Babousik Beach Cyanobacteria — Reduced Operations and Alum Treatment Under Review
Youth Basketball Eliminated for Grades 1–2 Due to Wilkins School Closure
Community Center Development — $8 Million Project and Impact Fee Funding
Fire Department Equipment Deficit — $425,000+ in Critical Replacements
Increase in Police Complaints — Transparency and Accountability Concerns
Mechanical Permit Fee Schedule Not Updated Since 2013
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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