The police department’s budget, as scrutinized by the committee, revealed that staffing challenges and turnover are leading to a reliance on overtime to fulfill shift requirements. The overtime budget, set at approximately $293,000, has seen little change over the years despite the growing pressure. To address these needs, the police department expressed a desire to expand its workforce, including the formation of an outreach team and a traffic unit. Additionally, the potential for cost savings through the acquisition of hybrid police cruisers versus traditional gasoline vehicles was evaluated, with the department opting for Ford products due to retrofitting costs.

The meeting also highlighted the collaboration between the police and Crest. The clinical co-response program, where police officers work alongside clinicians to provide on-scene support and de-escalation, was discussed as a means to potentially reduce criminal action in favor of assistance and referrals.

Turning to the Department of Public Works, the discussion underscored the impact of environmental regulations on operations, the need for enhanced staffing for environmental management, and the challenges in finding a suitable location for a new DPW headquarters due to zoning regulations. The aging infrastructure, particularly the wastewater treatment facility and sewer systems, prompted a debate on the necessity for equipment upgrades and the financial implications, with inflation affecting maintenance costs and the possibility of rate increases to fund these challenges.

The committee also deliberated over the town manager’s budget and the transparency of the Enterprise fund’s budget, particularly regarding fringe benefits costs. Staff turnover and the condition of the sewer system were noted as areas of concern. The sustainability of using retained earnings in the transportation fund was questioned, along with the need for funding to support stormwater management and athletic field maintenance.

In relation to the Amherst regional Public Schools, discussions arose about the potential use of one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the impact on long-term operating costs at the elementary school level. The reliance on non-recurring revenues was a point of contention, with the committee recognizing the need to assess the long-term implications of funding decisions.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to concerns over using one-time funds for operating budgets, with the potential adverse effects on the town’s financial stability and bond rating being at the center of the debate. There was a call for a long-term sustainable financial plan, mindful of the restrictions of Proposition 2.5. The implications of budget decisions on projects like the library and track and field were also considered, emphasizing the importance of prudent investment and financial planning.

As the meeting drew to a close, the sustainability of a proposed funding increase for the school district was debated, with a member citing Northampton’s approach to school planning as a potential model. The timing of the budget process and the possibility of layoffs were discussed, with concerns about the timing for a fundamental review of school funding.