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Amesbury City Council Standing Committee of the Whole Meeting of July 21, 2026
Published: Jul 21, 2026
Public Health Nurse Position Funding Discussion
The City Council Standing Committee of the Whole discussed Bill 2026-119, an order to authorize a transfer of $15,000 from the budget reserve to the Public Health Salaries and Wages account to partially fund a public health nurse position. Pam Toby explained that additional funding would come from administrative funds received from the Public Health Excellence Grant. The current public health nurse role is covered by regional staff from the Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance. This transfer aims to make the position more attractive to applicants by potentially increasing the salary range. The committee discussed the nature of the position (full-time, 35 hours/week), its location, and its role in bridging inspections and community health needs. The committee voted to refer the bill to the full city council with a positive recommendation.
Water Department Seeks $48,000 Transfer for Sick Leave Buybacks of Retiring Staff
The City Council Standing Committee of the Whole discussed Bill 2026-118, an order to authorize a transfer of $48,000 from the water-retained earnings account to the water sick leave buyback account. This transfer is needed to cover the sick leave buyback obligations for two retiring, long-term employees, Barry Wilson and Bill Littig, who have over 40 years of service each. Director of Public Works Joe Buckley explained that these employees are crucial for maintaining licensed personnel in water operations, a role facing a state-wide deficit of qualified individuals. The committee discussed the challenges of hiring licensed operators, the need for internal promotions, and the potential impact on overnight shifts due to staffing shortages. The committee ultimately voted to refer the bill to the full city council with a positive recommendation.
Amesbury Fire Department Seeks $1.6 Million for Two New Fire Pumpers
The City Council Standing Committee of the Whole discussed Bill 2026-117, an order to appropriate and raise by borrowing $1,600,000 to pay for the purchase of two fire pumpers and incidental equipment. Fire Chief Rob Sereno presented the need for replacement, highlighting that the city has not purchased a new fire truck since 2001 and that current apparatus are aging and in disrepair. The borrowed funds would cover the replacement of Engine 2 and Engine 3. The committee engaged in extensive discussion and questions regarding maintenance costs, replacement timelines, financing plans, and the specific details of the proposed new trucks. The committee ultimately voted to refer the bill to the full city council with a positive recommendation.
City Declares Inoperable Vehicles and Equipment Surplus for Disposal
The City Council Standing Committee of the Whole discussed Bill 2026-120, an order to declare various municipal vehicles and equipment as surplus. The items to be surplused include two John Deere backhoes (1990 and 2000) from Public Works, a 2014 Ford Focus electric vehicle from the Water Department, and a 2008 Ford F-250 truck from the School Department. Pam Toby provided details on the condition of each vehicle, citing safety concerns due to rust and rot for the backhoes, a failed steering rack and degraded battery for the Ford Focus, and severe rust rendering the school truck inoperable. The vehicles and equipment will be disposed of via public bid. The committee engaged in brief discussion regarding replacements and potential scrap value. The committee voted to refer the bill to the full city council with a positive recommendation.
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The Amesbury News archive
Amesbury Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting of July 23, 2026
Amesbury City Council Meeting of July 14, 2026
Amesbury Planning Board Meeting of July 13, 2026
Amesbury Conservation Commission Meeting of July 6, 2026
Amesbury Block Party 2026
Amesbury Block Party 2026
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