City of Amherst

The Council meeting involved several legislative actions. A resolution concerning automated clearing house and electronic transactions was adopted during its first reading. Several ordinances were advanced to a second reading, including one establishing mitigation rates for Fire Department emergency service deployments, which prompted extensive discussion regarding uninsured motorists and funding allocation. Other items advanced to a third reading included a resolution recognizing the U.S. Postal Service's 250th Anniversary and an ordinance establishing salaries for the Mayor's Court Magistrate and Clerk of Court. The Council adopted an ordinance authorizing a contract with Verdantas LLC for the Water Pollution Control Center's No Feasible Alternative Improvement Project. Agenda requests included upcoming utilities schedules and the 2026 Permanent Budget. Administration reports for January were reviewed and acknowledged.

The Executive Committee Meeting focused on the proposal to create a full-time Payroll, Accounts Payable, Budget Assistant position within the Auditor's Office and add it to the non-bargaining ordinance as an emergency measure. Discussion centered on the history of the position being full-time prior to 2006, its subsequent part-time status, and the need to restore it to full-time due to increased duties related to time clock system implementation and budget assistance. The committee addressed concerns regarding ordinance drafting, conflicting ordinances, and the potential future responsibilities, including HR functions. The motion to send the proposal to the council floor with emergency status passed with a 7-0 vote.

The committee discussed the authorization to bid and award the Annual Tree Trimming Project for the year 2026. The program was noted as a beneficial annual process for the city, and the motion to proceed was moved to the floor of the council with a unanimous vote.

The Finance Committee meeting focused primarily on the 2026 Permanent Budget. Key highlights included the expected savings from a highway lawsuit which will fund the purchase of another truck, and the police department's forthcoming drone program, which will be grant-reimbursed. Discussions touched upon potential small adjustments in part-time employee status and confirmation that major infrastructure items are already accounted for in the budget. Projected revenue was noted as being mostly flat, despite the loss of a large business (Nordson), which was offset by strong small business growth. The committee voted to send the budget to the floor of council for further review.

The Council discussed and acted upon several ordinances, including establishing wage rates and benefits for non-bargaining unit employees, authorizing bids for city tree trimming, and making appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year. Ordinances regarding the Potomac Energy Center and Bright Mountain Solar schedules with American Municipal Power, Inc. were advanced to their third reading. Additionally, the Council reviewed upcoming agenda requests concerning a drone program for first responders, the South Lake rehabilitation project, and the annual road rehabilitation program, while also acknowledging receipt of the monthly reports from the Auditor and Treasurer.