Community Voices-Budget Choices:  Looking Toward Amherst’s Future

 The Budget Coordinating Group (BCG) on Monday March 17, 2008 asked for, and received, Select Board endorsement of a process for Amherst to develop a community understanding about what services the Town, including the schools and libraries, should provide over the next several years.  That vision will guide the development of budgets in future years and enable the Budget Coordinating Group to propose a multi-year financial plan for the Town.  

 BCG co-chair Brian Morton said, “This process, Community Voices Budget Choices: Looking Toward Amherst's Future,” is an opportunity for the people of Amherst to consider our needs and resources and establish our long-term budget priorities.  We need to make financial and budget decisions with a view of the future.

 A citizen-led team named the Facilitation of the Community Choices Committee will lead the process and make a recommendation for a multi-year plan by mid-September 2008.  The BCG is seeking applications to serve on the Facilitation Committee.  Anyone who wants to be considered is asked to complete a Citizens Activity Form, (CAF) which can be done in writing or through the Town’s web site http://www.amherstma.gov/caf.asp. For people who do not have computers, paper applications are available at Town Hall or people can fill out a CAF online in the Select Board Office on the Mezzanine Level of Town Hall.  The BCG plans to designate the Committee at its April 14 meeting, subject to Select Board approval.

 The Facilitation Committee will take information from the boards and committees about needs, options, and resources and develop five alternative scenarios for combined town, school, and library services.  They will range from what could be supported with current funds to what could be optimally provided.  The committee will then seek input from the entire community before it makes a recommendation.

The BCG includes the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager, Superintendent of Schools and Schools’ Business Manager, Library Director, and representatives of the Select Board, School Committee, Library Trustees, and Finance Committee.  Speaking for the BCG, Morton said, “We have been working together long and hard to develop a process for creating a multi-year plan, and it is exciting to reach this next stage where the public has a voice in these important decisions.”