Amherst budget funds community response program; advocates say funding inadequate
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST The creation of an unarmed community responder program whose members will respond to some emergency calls typically handled by police is included in a $25.1 million municipal budget delivered to the Town Council Monday by Town Manager Paul Bockelman.
The proposed budget includes $130,000 for the Community Response for Equity, Safety and Service, or CRESS program, funded through savings from keeping two current police officer positions vacant. But some councilors say this spending may be an insufficient answer to appeals for cutting police funding and redirecting money from law enforcement.
Amherst budget funds community response program; advocates say funding inadequate
Published: 5/4/2021 6:54:04 PM
AMHERST The creation of an unarmed community responder program whose members will respond to some emergency calls typically handled by police is included in a $25.1 million municipal budget delivered to the Town Council Monday by Town Manager Paul Bockelman.
The proposed budget includes $130,000 for the Community Response for Equity, Safety and Service, or CRESS program, funded through savings from keeping two current police officer positions vacant. But some councilors say this spending may be an insufficient answer to appeals for cutting police funding and redirecting money from law enforcement.
Parents, students denounce school budget cuts in Amherst
Children board buses at Wildwood School in Amherst. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST Rather than cutting nearly 15 positions from the secondary schools, town officials should reduce Amherst’s public safety budget and compel higher education institutions to assist with funding the public schools, according to residents who spoke to the Town Council last week.
At a budget hearing on the $31.9 million proposed fiscal year 2022 budget for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, councilors were informed about concerns with a budget proposal that is $1.2 million below providing level services at the high school and middle school.
Parents, students denounce school budget cuts in Amherst
Children board buses at Wildwood School in Amherst. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 4/11/2021 11:29:34 AM
AMHERST Rather than cutting nearly 15 positions from the secondary schools, town officials should reduce Amherst’s public safety budget and compel higher education institutions to assist with funding the public schools, according to residents who spoke to the Town Council last week.
At a budget hearing on the $31.9 million proposed fiscal year 2022 budget for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, councilors were informed about concerns with a budget proposal that is $1.2 million below providing level services at the high school and middle school.