Board of Selectmen — December 22, 2025
Amherst board passively acknowledged a federal firing range 100 yards from a local farm — then moved on without discussion
The meeting was largely administrative and cooperative, with the only notable friction being a resident's concern about a federal firing range that received minimal board engagement and an implicit staffing warning in the finance department — neither of which produced board conflict or community confrontation.
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AMHERST BOARD OF SELECTMEN — December 22, 2025 Meeting Summary
Here's what was discussed and decided at Monday's meeting — including a couple of items residents should be tracking closely.
FIRING RANGE NEAR THE TOWN LINE: Resident Will Loot raised a concern about a proposed firing range at New Boston Space Force Station, located approximately 100 yards from Freestyle Farm at the end of Mac Hill Road near the Amherst town line. He noted that the governor has already contacted the Secretary of Defense about the matter — meaning this has escalated to the federal level. The board acknowledged the comment briefly but took no action and made no commitment to advocate on behalf of affected residents. If you live near Mac Hill Road or have concerns about this proposal, this is worth following — the board did not discuss it further Monday night.
$10 MILLION OPEN SPACE BOND HEADING TO VOTERS: The board voted 4-0 to move a $10 million open space acquisition bond to a January 12 public hearing, with a vote expected at March town meeting. The Budget Committee approved forwarding it 5-1 — the only non-unanimous vote on any budget item. The board has asked staff to prepare a voter information booklet with 20-year amortization cost estimates before town meeting. That document matters — make sure you read it before you vote on a two-decade debt commitment.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT RUNNING SHORTHANDED: Amherst's finance department is currently operating with only two staff members after one employee went on leave. The town is patching the gap with temporary help from other departments and a former finance director. A board member put it plainly: 'When the finance department falls apart, it takes months to put it back together. We really don't want you to fall apart.' No structural fix or hiring timeline was presented. Every vendor payment, budget report, and financial control in town runs through that office.
OTHER DECISIONS: The board approved a $2,275,000 purchase order for a new 2027 Pierce aerial fire truck (March build date locked), approved a department name change from 'Amherst Fire Rescue' to 'Amherst Fire and EMS,' and heard a strong update on the DPW solar project — a 54kW system that cost the town under $10,000 net after a $96,777 DOE grant, with a projected payback of just over one year. The FY27 operating budget (a $7,700 increase over last year) goes to public hearing on January 12. That's your opportunity to weigh in before a final vote.
Public impact
Draft 6 budget reflects a $7,700 net increase over prior year; full tax rate impact not specified but moving to public hearing January 12
$10 million bond; board directed preparation of voter information booklet with 20-year amortization impact estimates before March town meeting
Purchase order approved up to $2,275,000 (including 2.5% contingency) for 2027 Pierce aerial truck; March build date locked
Department reduced to two staff; relying on temporary assistance from other departments and a former finance director with no defined resolution timeline
$148,000 system offset by $96,777 DOE grant plus ~$40,000 tax credit filing pending; net cost under $10,000 with projected payback just over one year
Topics discussed
Public comment about a proposed firing range at New Boston Space Force Station, approximately 100 yards from Freestyle Farm at the end of Mac Hill Road near the town line.
Presentation of new K9 officer Nico and handler Officer Mark Frederick, who completed 14-15 weeks of training funded by the Stanton Foundation grant.
Assessor Angela Silver presented findings showing 178 valid sales with weighted mean of 66.5% and median ratio decrease of 4%, indicating 4% market increase.
Public hearing on adding Lineborough Road to no-through trucking ordinance and proposed stop sign at Thornton Ferry 1 and Ravine Road intersection due to sight distance issues.
Appointment changes including Wendy Randenberg moving to alternate position, Nancy Gurzan and Ryan Helfind becoming full members.
Review and approval of draft 6 budget ($7,700 increase) and multiple warrant articles including $10 million open space acquisition bond.
Town administrator reported meeting with U.S. Space Force regarding replacement of their communications tower in Boston. No impact expected on Amherst communications, federal government paying for replacement, town may contribute to inspection costs.
Meeting with DOT discussed implementing four-way stop signs as short-term solution at this intersection. Long-term solution remains on the 10-year plan.
54 kilowatt solar system installed for $148,000 with $96,777 DOE grant reimbursement. System operational with just over one-year return on investment. Net town cost under $10,000.
Contract signed with CivicPlus for new website platform. Implementation starts March 2025, expected completion June-July 2025.
Finance Director requested approval to add five additional pre-approved purchasing organizations beyond New Hampshire state bid list to provide more competitive options while bypassing formal bid process.
Discussion of finance department operating with only two people due to one employee on leave. Using temporary assistance from other departments and former finance director.
March build date locked in for new aerial truck. Committee reviewing specifications, legal counsel will review contract before board signature.
Chief requested changing department name from 'Amherst Fire Rescue' to 'Amherst Fire and EMS' to better reflect merged department identity and move toward true integration of fire and EMS services.
Budget Committee chairman reported votes on various warrant articles - 5-1 approval for open space bond, 6-0 approval for operating budget and all capital reserve fund articles.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
New Boston Space Force Station Firing Range Near Residential Property
$10 Million Open Space Acquisition Bond
Finance Department Staffing Crisis
Fire Department Name Change and Cultural Integration
Lineborough Road No-Through Trucking Ordinance and Traffic Displacement
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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