Finance Committee reviews library, recreation budgets
The Finance Committee reviewed FY27 budgets for the library, public health and recreation without taking votes. Jones Library presenter Sharon Sherry outlined a $3,253,135 operating budget, up 5.3 percent, and said the trustees owe the town $8,995,873.70 on the $46.1 million building project.
Finance Committee · Meeting of May 19, 2026
AMHERST — The Finance Committee reviewed FY27 budgets for the library, public health and recreation without taking votes. Jones Library presenter Sharon Sherry outlined a $3,253,135 operating budget, up 5.3 percent, and said the trustees owe the town $8,995,873.70 on the $46.1 million building project. She said continuing high endowment draws is "not sustainable" on an annual basis.
Public Health Director Kiko Malin described a small staff supplemented by a program assistant and opioid settlement-funded intern work. The Recreation Department said it will leave the middle school for Wildwood after its lease expired. Cherry Hill Working Group chair Michelle Miller told the committee during public comment that the golf course is in "an emergency situation," as staff said a revolving fund will return in the fall.
Members adjourned unanimously, 7-0.
In the full story:
- The Full Story
- Why It Matters
- Key Motions & Votes
- Source
- Amherst's community access TV: Finance Committee meeting, May 19, 2026
- The complete report: 710 words
Source: the Finance Committee meeting of May 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.
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