Following national and state declarations of emergency, Paul Bockelman, the Town Manager of Amherst, has issued a local emergency declaration (click here for PDF of declaration) to take actions to reduce the impact and spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) within the Town. Bockelman announced the declaration of the State of Emergency at a Special Meeting of the Town Council today.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman stated, “The threat of COVID-19 to the people of Amherst is significant and requires immediate and substantive action. A State of Emergency provides a clear mandate for action and creates a formal mechanism for the Town to be reimbursed by the State and Federal governments for the Town’s emergency response to the crisis.”
This declaration will also allow the Town to better prepare and position its resources in order to reduce the impact and spread of COVID-19 throughout the Town of Amherst. The State of Emergency was recommended and supported by the Town’s Health Director, Emergency Management Director, and Police Chief.
Per Amherst Home Rule Charter EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS AND DUTIES, Section 3.2 (g), the Town Manager has the powers, duties, and responsibilities to:
“Determine the existence of a public emergency or danger and be responsible for the maintenance of public safety, public order, and enforcement of laws. The Town Manager shall notify the Town Council President as soon as practical, but within 24 hours, of such a public emergency or danger and the actions taken. Should the declaration of public emergency continue more than 24 hours, the Town Council may meet to review, ratify, or terminate said declaration.”
Town Manager, Paul Bockelman added, “The Town of Amherst will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation. We recognize that the disruption COVID-19 has made on all our daily lives is real and significant. Our primary goal is to maintain the health and safety of this community and our staff.”
The State of Emergency will be in effect until terminated by the Town Manager.
Please consult these resources for more information:
Contact: Brianna Sunryd | sunrydb@amherstma.gov