As we near the end of Fiscal Year 2022 (June 30th) we're also nearing the end of our Fiscal Year 2023 budget process. All City departments presented their budget proposals before City Council last week, and the Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 14th to hear comments from the public before voting on the budget.
I hope you've been following along, and have read through the FY23 Budget Book. It includes a lot of information about this year's process and decisions made.
This year's process was uniquely challenging as we have five union negotiations underway, we had a new Chief Financial Officer join our team after the process had begun, and quickly understood that the financial implications of the pandemic, which we have already felt the effects of, would significantly impact this year's budget as well.
We talk about all of this and more in the budget book. I encourage you to take the time to read it, understand the process, and get involved on June 14th!
Be well,
Kassandra
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES
The Amesbury VFW Post 2016 and Amesbury Veterans Services Office have announced Memorial Day ceremonies for 2022, to take place on Monday, May 30th.
There will be no parade, but there will be wreath ceremonies beginning at 7:30am at Alliance Park, Union Cemetery, the Doughboy and Justin Memorial, and the Polish Memorial.
A formal ceremony will follow at Landry Stadium at 10am.
Full details: https://www.amesburyma.gov/MemorialDay2022
WATER QUALITY TESTING FOR SUMMER
Water quality testing has started for the 2022 summer season. Samples are taken weekly on Tuesdays and results are received and posted on Wednesday afternoons. If any waterbody fails the test, it will be immediately resampled and new results will be posted on Thursday afternoons.
You can always find results posted on the Water Quality Testing webpage.
HELP KEEP OUR WATERWAYS CLEAN!
The Lakes & Waterways Commission is educating residents about the dangers of certain lawn fertilizers for our waterways. Help us keep our waterways free of harmful additives that cause algae blooms and other issues. Learn more about what you can do to help.
DOING BUSINESS IN AMESBURY
The City's Office of Community & Economic Development partnered with the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce to develop a Guide to Doing Business in Amesbury!
This helpful guide will help businesses at all stages through the process of launching or expanding a business in town. Take a look at the guide!
AMESBURY POLICE CHIEF SEARCH
The City launched the search for our next Chief of Police following the retirement of Chief William Scholtz last month. The public is welcome to participate through a citizen survey, which is available online and in person at select locations.
Learn more and take the survey.
THERAPY DOG WHITTIER IN RECOVERY
The Amesbury Police Department had an emotional month as our beloved therapy/comfort dog Whittier developed a life-threatening illness and were unsure if he would pull through. We are all happy to report he’s now on the road to recovery!
Three weeks ago, Whittier developed a respiratory condition that was originally thought to be a mild case of Kennel Cough. He was brought to Amesbury Animal Hospital (who generously handles Whit’s healthcare needs free of charge) and he was placed on antibiotics and monitored. He wasn’t improving and with additional testing, was diagnosed with a bronchial infection and given stronger antibiotics which seemed to help. Then, without warning this past Monday, Officer Peters found Whit in a state of distress. He could barely walk and had to be carried to the cruiser. After being assessed, Amesbury Animal Hospital recommended Whit be transferred to Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital for emergency treatment, and we are so grateful because that decision saved Whit’s life! Port City told us that if his condition didn’t quickly improve, he would need a life-saving surgery that would cost upwards of $20,000. Acting Chief Bailey, along with Mayor Gove, Chief of Staff Ann Marie Casey, CFO Marisa Batista and Communications Director Caitlin Thayer immediately got together to create a plan to support Whittier. Thankfully, we received word from Port City yesterday that antibiotics are working and Whit is improving!
Whit is now home and recovering, and we know everyone will be excited to see him out in our community again soon.
Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital did an incredible job with Whittier’s treatment, administering the advanced care that Whit needed, but also reducing our bill to $5,800.00. This unexpected cost was necessary to save Whit’s life, and we know how much Whit means to this community. If anyone would like to donate to Whit’s bill and help us with this cost, please call Port City at (603) 433-0056 and press option #2. We would be so grateful for any support people are willing to give.
We are eternally grateful to everyone who pulled together to save Whittier.
PROJECTS
There's a lot going on in Amesbury!
Elm Street Reconstruction
Once school lets out in June crews will put the final coat of pavement down, followed by road markings, signage and final plantings.
Amesbury Elementary School Building Project
The building looks like a building! Walls are up and work continues on the interior and exterior. A 3-week look ahead is published weekly on the project page. Subscribe here for project updates.
Athletic Fields Project
Sod is in and is taking root! The site is still under the control of the contractor as they complete final work on these diamond fields. Subscribe here for project updates. (Photo below by Mel Webster)
Route 150 at I-495 and South Hunt Road Update
The telephone poles have been removed, however, the jersey barriers remain. Our grant for this project ends June 30th so we expect to see all work complete for this project before then.
