Board of Selectmen — May 26, 2026
The meeting featured spirited debate over budget reallocations and security spending, alongside public testimony regarding committee governance.
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A summary of key decisions from the May 26 Board of Selectmen meeting:
Internal divisions were on display regarding Amherst's emergency services. The Board passed a 9-5 vote to reallocate $85,000 within the EMS budget—moving funds from the Deputy Chief’s salary to cover part-time wages and overtime necessitated by staffing vacancies. This split vote suggests the Board is far from a consensus on how to manage these budget overruns.
Governance issues also led to the formal disbanding of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. During the meeting, a resident testified that the committee's mass resignation was a direct result of confusion regarding the town's governance and decision-making authority, specifically regarding the Baboosic Greenway project. The Board has voted to dissolve the committee entirely to allow for a structural overhaul.
Finally, the Board is weighing an $11,000 proposal for new Town Hall security cameras and electronic key fobs. While no decision was made, the debate highlighted concerns regarding both the necessity of the expenditure and potential privacy issues. The Board has requested more information and a formal policy before proceeding.
Public impact
Reallocation of $85,000 from salary to wages and overtime.
The reallocation was approved via a split 9-5 vote.
$60,000 distributed across 15 agencies.
The board voted 5-0 to approve the allocations.
Topics discussed
The Board of Selectmen read a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Emergency Medical Services Month.
The proclamation was formally adopted by the Board.
The Amherst Fire and EMS Department held a ceremony to promote David Dion to the rank of Lieutenant.
Dion took the oath of office and was pinned with his new rank.
A citizen addressed the board regarding the mass resignation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
The speaker urged the town to use the experience to establish clearer roles and governance for future infrastructure projects.
Representatives from Priority Power Management introduced themselves following their acquisition of Standard Power.
The company provided background on their services and will provide a slide deck to the town.
Priority Power will provide a general contact email for the town to use.
The Board discussed the formal resignation and status of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
The Board voted to accept the resignations and formally disband the committee.
The Board and staff will determine the appropriate future structure and membership for a successor committee.
The Town Administrator provided updates on municipal projects, grants, and upcoming events.
Information was shared regarding various departmental successes and upcoming community celebrations; multiple personnel and budget actions were approved.
Staff presented a proposal to upgrade Town Hall security via electronic key fobs and a new camera system.
The Board did not reach a decision, but expressed a need for more information and a formal policy.
Staff will return to a future meeting with more specific information, potential security policies, and costs.
The Board reviewed and voted on fuel supply contracts for town facilities, including heating oil and propane.
Both contracts were approved.
Approval of the job description for the newly approved full-time Transfer Station Attendant position.
The Board approved the job description and authorized the DPW to advertise the position.
DPW to advertise the position to meet FY2027 staffing needs.
Discussion and approval of the distribution of grant funding for Health and Human Services for FY27.
The Board voted 5-0 to approve the grant allocations as presented.
Renewal of the municipal prosecutor contract for the Amherst Police Department for FY27.
The Board voted 5-0 to accept the terms and authorize the chair to execute the agreement.
Amendment to the Police Union contract to update healthcare provider information.
The Board voted 5-0 to approve the contract amendment.
Authorization to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with American Tower Corporation.
The Board voted 5-0 to accept the NDA as written and authorize the chair to sign.
An update on the transition to the new Civic Plus website platform.
The project is ongoing with a target completion date in June.
Release of the new website, anticipated in June.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Town Hall Security Upgrades
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Dissolution
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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