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Weekly digest · Amherst, NH

The week in ⁠Amherst

Jun 8–14, 2026

1 public meeting analyzed this week.

1 meeting this week 8 public speakers 1 not addressed
What's important ⁠this week

The Amherst Board of Selectmen addressed a serious procedural error involving the distribution of spring tax bills before formal board approval. While the Town Administrator cited a scheduling conflict for the oversight, the issue raised significant questions regarding ⁠proper municipal accountability. The administration has since pledged to adjust future schedules to ensure oversight precedes mailing.

Beyond the billing error, the Board began reviewing plans for a massive DPW facility project that could involve millions in taxpayer funds. Rather than approving a design contract, members chose to delay action to better understand the ⁠long-term financial impact on residents. They requested more granular cost estimates and a physical tour of the current facility before moving forward.

Looking ahead, residents should watch for more detailed square-footage cost estimates to be presented to the Board. These figures will be critical in determining if the town proceeds with a full replacement or a simpler refurbishment. Keep an eye on upcoming sessions to see how leadership resolves these ⁠infrastructure spending concerns.

Meetings this week, in ⁠order of impact

Ranked by public engagement, decisional consequence, and whether speakers' concerns were addressed on the record.
All Amherst meetings →
01
Board of Selectmen2026-06-09

Board of Selectmen · Jun 9

Selectmen are questioning the legal validity of tax bills and discussing a proposal to replace the undersized DPW facility.

Topics Board Appointment: Amherst Conservation Commission (ACC)· Girl Scout Recognition Proclamation· Town Administrator Updates· Tax Bill Approval Process· DPW Facility Replacement Proposal
Talking points
  • A board member noted that tax bills were mailed before the Selectmen formally approved them. The Town Administrator cited "coordination issues" between meeting dates and the printing schedule as the cause.
  • This is a breakdown in municipal accountability. Residents deserve to know that their tax obligations have been vetted and approved by their elected officials before they arrive in the mail. The administration has committed to fixing this schedule.
  • The Board is also facing a major fiscal decision: the replacement or refurbishment of the DPW facility. The Board is currently seeking more data and a site tour before committing to the initial design phase. We will continue to track this long-term cost.
Read the full report →
Lively
8public speakers
1 not addressed
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Digest composed by gemma-4-26b on 2026-06-14.