Amherst board sets public hearing to consider repeal of town Freedom of Information (Chapter 22); residents ask for more details

The Amherst Town Board announced a public hearing on proposed changes to the town's Freedom of Information rules (Chapter 22 of the town code) and scheduled further public discussion; board leadership said the hearing will commence on the 22nd with a subsequent vote to follow.

During public expression, Jane Cox asked the board to publish more detailed information about what the repeal or rewrite would change and why; she also requested that employee retirements be listed by name on the agenda and noted that two communications referenced on the agenda did not include attachments. Don Smith asked who initiated the proposed changes and what the goal is, stressing that the current agenda descriptions are minimal and urging more transparency.

Supervisor Lavin responded that the board is simply requesting a public hearing and that the public will have an opportunity to ask questions at that hearing. He said the hearing would commence on the 22nd and that a vote would follow at a subsequent meeting. The supervisor emphasized that the process will include opportunity for public comment and more documentation ahead of a vote.

The board formally moved resolution 2026-458 on June 8 to set a public hearing concerning the repeal of Chapter 22 (Freedom of Information) and subsequently approved it as part of the regular agenda. The board did not vote at this meeting to repeal the code; it only set the hearing.

Next steps: The town will provide a public hearing on the proposed repeal of Chapter 22; residents and the board indicated they want additional documentation and opportunity for questions prior to any vote.

Sources: public comments by Jane Cox and Don Smith; statements by Supervisor Lavin; resolution 2026-458 recorded on the meeting agenda.