Finance Committee March 17, 2026

The Town of Amherst Finance Committee met on March 17, 2026, to discuss several financial and budget-related matters. A key procurement-related item was the committee's unanimous recommendation to the Town Council to adopt a financial order appropriating $55,000 from the Water Fund reserves to purchase 54 acres of watershed land on Shootsbury Road in Pelham. This acquisition, supported by two grants totaling approximately $308,000, aims to protect the town's drinking water supply and provide passive recreational opportunities. The committee also reviewed and refined a comprehensive list of budget-related questions for upcoming discussions with the schools, library, and town departments, focusing on staffing, capital planning, and funding sustainability. Additionally, the committee discussed scheduling for future meetings, including additional sessions in May and November to accommodate budget reviews and guideline preparations. The meeting included updates on debt financing terms for library and school projects, police detail revenue and expenses, and road maintenance funding and prioritization. The committee planned to review Community Preservation Act (CPA) project recommendations and related public forums in April. Overall, the meeting focused on budget oversight, capital project funding, and strategic financial planning for the town's upcoming fiscal year.