Budget Coordinating Group Sep 30, 2026

The Town of Amherst Budget Coordinating Group met on October 2, 2026 (the meeting title references September 30) to begin coordinating the FY28 budget process. Members agreed by consensus that the town finance director would chair and the school district finance director would serve as vice chair. The group reviewed a proposed calendar for developing budget guidelines, including earlier department-head input and several opportunities for coordination with the Finance Committee and Town Council. The calendar will be shared and meeting dates revisited to allow members more time to review Finance Committee discussions. No budget guideline or procurement award was approved at this meeting.

Discussion focused on FY28 fiscal pressures and potential contract-related costs. The town forecast medical-cost trends of about 11%, lower recent property-tax new growth, rising fuel and electricity prices, and higher borrowing costs. School representatives noted upcoming negotiations for driver, maintenance, custodial, and food-service contracts; higher rates in year three of the transportation contract; and a decision to consider on whether to continue a track-maintenance agreement or absorb that work into the operating budget. The town also reported switching property-and-casualty insurance providers to a fixed price for the next fiscal year, with incentives that may reduce costs; the change covers the elementary schools, while the regional district has separate coverage. The library reported $10.3 million raised toward its $14.8 million share of the capital project, with a further $1.7 million expected from the MBLC, and discussed uncertainty about future operating costs and endowment income. These were status updates and planning considerations, not contract approvals or spending votes.