- MA
- Hampshire County
- 6/18/24
- 06/20/2024
- 184 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Finance Committee’s virtual meeting on June 18th, 2024, was dominated by a debate on the future of the town’s reparations fund, with a focus on the method and timeline for funding and distributing the allocated monies. The committee considered multiple funding options, including the use of cannabis tax revenue, and scrutinized the implications of these choices on the town’s financial stability and commitments.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/28/24
- 05/29/2024
- 117 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Finance Committee recently convened to tackle pressing budgetary concerns, with particular focus on the police department’s staffing issues and the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) infrastructure challenges. The police department’s need for increased staff due to overtime pressures, and the DPW’s discussion on environmental compliance, stormwater management, and the construction of a new headquarters were at the forefront of the meeting’s agenda.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/17/24
- 05/24/2024
- 123 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The recent meeting of the Amherst Finance Committee was marked by pivotal discussions on the future of the Crest Department and financial concerns surrounding the library project. Public commentary initiated a thorough debate with citizens expressing urgent concerns regarding the functions and resource allocation of both entities. The Crest Department’s operational challenges, such as the need for a qualified assistant director and accessible physical space, and the library project’s financial overruns and potential construction delays were at the forefront of the discussions.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/10/24
- 05/17/2024
- 109 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting of the Amherst Finance Committee, issues surrounding the financial sustainability of the Jones Library building project and the broader implications for the town’s budget took center stage. The committee delved into the challenges of the library’s funding, particularly in relation to donations and the annual fund, and the potential increase in programming once the capital campaign is paid off. Members also discussed the need for comprehensive budget narratives, the impact of sustainability initiatives on operating costs, and concerns about increases in Personnel Services within the General Government section of the town’s budget.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 5/7/24
- 05/10/2024
- 119 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a review of Amherst’s financial health and future planning, the Finance Committee met to scrutinize the annual Auditor’s report and engage in a multifaceted discussion on the overall budget with a heightened focus on the capital budget. The audit, presented by Scott McIntyre from Markham, affirmed the town’s financial statements to be fairly presented and free of material weaknesses or deficiencies in the internal control structure. Deliberations spanned from the increase in net pension liability, pegged at approximately $16 million from the prior year, to comparisons with other communities on funding Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), revealing a contribution deficiency of $1.5 million annually. Public comments amplified concerns over the Regional Schools’ budget, advocating for a 6% increase to avert staff reductions, and critiquing capital budget planning and allocations.