Board of Selectmen — March 9, 2026
The meeting was largely procedural and collegial, but the 'No Kings' event request generated genuine values-based disagreement on the board — including an explicit invocation of MAGA rallies as a cautionary hypothetical — and the off-agenda disclosure of a decade-long delay to a major regional transportation project added unannounced significance to what was otherwise a routine agenda.
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**Amherst Board of Selectmen — March 9, 2026: What You Need to Know**
The meeting covered a lot of ground, but one item stands out as a transparency concern: a significant update about NH Route 101 was disclosed during the meeting without appearing on the public agenda. The Wilton-Milford-Amherst-Bedford Route 101 improvement project has been removed from the FY2027-28 Transportation Improvement Program, pushing the expected construction window back to 2034-2036 — a delay of nearly a decade. Residents who rely on Route 101 for their daily commute had no advance notice this would be discussed, and no public comment opportunity was offered. Local officials said they are working to restore funding through Senate Bill 627, but no formal action was taken at this meeting. Items of this magnitude belong on the agenda in advance.
The most contested vote of the evening was 4-1: the board approved a request from Engaged Citizens to hold a pro-democracy "No Kings" rally on the town common on March 28, 12–2pm. The dissenting board member raised a principled concern — that the town has no historical precedent for political events on the common, and that approving this event sets a precedent the town will have to honor for demonstrations of any political viewpoint. The board chair countered by citing First Amendment rights to free speech and public assembly on public property. Both positions reflect genuine values. What's clear is that the board has now established a precedent it will need to apply consistently going forward.
The board also took an unusual procedural step, authorizing the DPW to begin the public bidding process for the $1.08 million Thornton Ferry Road 2 bridge replacement before all required wetland permits are finalized. The board cited project timeline pressures. The risk: if permits come back with significant conditions or are delayed, the town could face complications with bids already received. Residents should watch for how the permit process unfolds.
On a positive note: Amherst is part of a 7-agency police software consortium that secured a $1 million congressional grant and will save $1,827,000 compared to individual procurement. The board also approved a switch in finance software that cuts annual costs from $60,000 to $30,000. These are straightforward wins for taxpayers. Official minutes from the March 9 meeting have not yet been published — check the town website for the full record when they are posted.
Public impact
Major regional road improvement project pushed back approximately 8–10 years from anticipated construction window, with no guaranteed restoration of funding
Consortium approach saves $1,827,000 compared to individual procurement; modernizes aging IMC system with cloud-based Pro Suite platform
$1.08 million public infrastructure project; bidding authorized before wetland permits secured, adding procedural and financial risk to the project
Annual software costs reduced from $60,000 to $30,000 — a $30,000 recurring savings — while adding electronic timekeeping and HR management capabilities
Topics discussed
Sally Hooper requested use of town common for December 12 house tour, with plans for shuttle buses, ticket pickup, and potential involvement of other organizations like Boy Scouts and Lions Club.
Becky Stoughton requested use of town common for March 28 pro-democracy event from 12-2pm, coordinating with existing Easter egg hunt and similar events in other towns.
Chief Champoli presented $1 million congressionally directed grant for cloud-based Pro Suite software shared among 7 partner agencies, replacing aging IMC system with significant cost savings.
Finance Director Jacob proposed transitioning from Springbrook to AccuFund/HR Cloud system for electronic timekeeping and HR management, reducing annual costs from $60,000 to $30,000.
DPW Director Eric presented $1.08 million project to replace deteriorating culverts with twin concrete box culverts, seeking authorization to proceed with bidding despite pending wetland permits. Board authorized proceeding with bidding prior to final wetland permit approval.
Discussion of the temporary bridge from Thornton Ferry Road, currently stored at public works facility, planned for future use as permanent replacement for Brook Road bridge (rated 5 on DOT rating).
The Wilton-Milford-Amherst-Bedford NH Route 101 project was removed from FY27-28 Transportation Improvement Program, delaying construction until 2034-2036, but local officials are working to restore funding through Senate Bill 627.
Town is finalizing purchase agreement with Pierce contractor and working on bond terms, with board approval expected at April 13 meeting.
Staff has provided comments on first draft of new charter for bike path organization, will circulate to board for review and approval.
Discussion of tomorrow's election logistics including ballot collection procedures and potential parking conflicts with high school awards ceremony scheduled 6-8pm.
Board member requested highway safety committee review of Cricket Corner and Boston Post Road intersection for potential four-way stop installation.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
No Kings Pro-Democracy Event on Town Common
NH Route 101 Transportation Project Delayed to 2034-2036
Thornton Ferry Road Bridge Bidding Authorized Before Wetland Permits Finalized
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Accountability flags
Agenda items not discussed
Topics discussed — not on agenda
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claude-sonnet-4-20250514, claude-sonnet-4-6, claude-opus-4-6 · analyzed 2026-06-01.
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