Executive Committee tables ordinance to create part-time income tax clerk after union raises concerns

The Amherst Executive Committee voted to table Ordinance A-25-2, which would establish a part-time income tax clerk position, after a staff member said the union raised concerns and requested more time for discussions. The committee made the motion to table and approved it by voice vote.

Committee members met Jan. 21 for an executive committee meeting that included a single substantive agenda item: Ordinance A-25-2, “establishing an ordinance for the part-time income tax clerk.” A staff member identified as Ramsey told the committee he had submitted the ordinance to address the pending departure of Laura, the secretary of the income tax office, but that he had received word that “there's some concern on the part of the union.” Ramsey asked that counsel table the item so the mayor and the union could discuss alternatives.

The tabling motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee chair announced, “Motion will be tabled,” and later closed the meeting. No formal roll-call vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the meeting record shows a voice vote with aye responses and no recorded opposing votes.

During brief discussion before the motion, Ramsey described the current staffing in the treasurer’s office: a deputy treasurer, Laura (the income tax office secretary) who is retiring, and two part-time employees — one who is employed year-round at reduced hours and another who works part time only during tax season. Ramsey said the proposed ordinance was intended as a temporary staffing solution and referenced an existing ordinance section (139.03) that names a clerk position the town does not currently staff. He said the intent was that, if staffing difficulties continued, the committee could define the clerk as the needed part-time position.

Committee members asked follow-up questions about how long the item should be tabled and whether the position would be appointed or filled through a hiring process. Ramsey replied he expected the item to be tabled “until I call it again or until I resubmit it. I believe that we table this indefinitely,” and that he would seek clarification from the law department about the committee’s authority to appoint versus interview for the position when the item returns.

The meeting record includes the committee’s acknowledgment of unions’ concerns and the decision to delay action to allow the mayor and union representatives to meet; no alternate staffing action or interim appointment was adopted at the meeting. The committee adjourned after the tabling motion.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance A-25-2 — Motion to table indefinitely — Approved by voice vote (aye responses recorded; no opposing votes recorded in the transcript).