MA Gov Body
- Filters
- 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.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 4/16/24
- 04/18/2024
- 110 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Amherst Finance Committee recently convened to discuss issues surrounding the school district’s budget, focusing on the implications of staffing adjustments due to enrollment trends, the allocation of funds amidst potential budget shortfalls, and the specific impact of proposed budget cuts on educational programs. The meeting also touched upon potential collaborations with local higher education institutions, budget transparency, and the financial challenges posed by the library project.
- MA
- Hampshire County
- 3/19/24
- 03/22/2024
- 73 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent Amherst Finance Committee meeting, focus was placed on the concern over the proposed $20,000 appropriation transfer order for the study of a potential East Amherst local historic district and the intricacies of the budget review process, particularly its impact on the school budget. The committee decided to recommend approval of the appropriation transfer order, excluding the funds for the East Amherst local historic district, and to communicate their concerns about the project’s wording to the Community Preservation Act Committee.
