Finance Committee May 7, 2026

The Town of Amherst Finance Committee convened on May 7, 2026, primarily to review and discuss the school budgets for the elementary and regional schools, as well as conservation and development. The meeting focused extensively on the proposed FY27 school budgets, including detailed presentations on salary increases, special education expenses, transportation contracts, and health insurance costs. The committee examined budget reductions, staffing levels, and the impact of potential funding scenarios, including a 5.87% budget increase scenario favored by the school committee. Discussions also covered the use of excess End of Year (END) funds to offset assessments, the status of collective bargaining agreements, and the challenges of accurately tracking full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing. Additionally, the committee addressed capital budget concerns, particularly debt assessments related to middle school roof and track projects. The meeting included dialogue on the regional school agreement amendments, lease issues for Chestnut Street Academy, and the timing of budget decisions relative to contractual obligations for staff reductions. Conservation and development topics were briefly introduced, highlighting grant funding successes and staffing challenges in planning and sustainability departments. Public comments raised concerns about inaccuracies in intervention staffing data and the potential adverse effects of budget cuts on special education programs. No formal votes were taken during this session, as it was primarily informational to guide future budget deliberations and recommendations to the town council.