AMHERST — Both statewide and local option transfer fees on residential property transactions are being supported by members of the Town Council, who earlier this month testified to the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue on the legislation.

At Large Councilor Mandi Jo Hanneke, who is a cosponsor of a special act adopted by the Town Council in January, told the legislators that Amherst needs to expand both subsidized and non-subsidized housing, which it could do through a local bylaw of imposing a 2% transfer fee on select properties.

Estimates are this would raise $1.5 million annually, with about $1.4 million from sales of non-owner-occupied residential properties, and $33,000 from the sale of homes above 200% of the assessed median value.

While Amherst has used money from its Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Community Preservation Act account to support affordable projects, that has proved insufficient.

“We need additional revenue to continue developing and sustaining housing for our most vulnerable in town,” Hanneke said.

District 5 Councilor Ana Devlin Gauthier said Amherst, like other communities, has a housing crisis. “We do believe that there is nuance and complexity in how this impacts different areas in Massachusetts,” Devlin Gauthier said.

Of the 9,600 residential units in town, 1,250 are considered part of the state’s Subsidized Housing Inventory “and we’re still seeing increased pressure on that market,” Devlin Gauthier said.

Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst and Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, are co-sponsoring House Bill 3734, special legislation that would allow the town to levy the housing transfer fees. Domb applauded Amherst’s commitment to build and prioritize affordable housing using a housing transfer fee to generate revenue.

“To me, local housing transfer fee proposals are expressions of support, not only to build affordable housing, but to find the revenue needed to generate that,” Domb said. “I hope we can support that engagement.”

Trivia bee returns

An annual trivia bee that serves as the biggest fundraiser for the Amherst Education Foundation is set for Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium.

Being held for the 29th time, the competition includes teams of four who test their knowledge against other community members, businesses and organizations. This year’s host is Nick Yaffee, the longtime principal at Wildwood School and the former Mark’s Meadow School.

Teams are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes. A raffle for gift cards from area restaurants and businesses, including Osteria Vespa, Savannas and Crazy Noodles, also takes place, and pizza and refreshments will be on sale.

Money raised by the foundation supports programs and projects created by public school teachers and staff in Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury. Those who aren’t on teams are encouraged to drop by as spectators.

To register to play, by Monday, go to bit.ly/2023-trivia-bee.

Winter coats

The Amherst Survival Center is accepting new and gently used winter coats for a pop-up event that will take place in January.

People interested in making a donation should drop by the 138 Sunderland Road site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Tree tour

A tour of downtown trees, similar to one that took place on Mother’s Day in 2022, is being held by the Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The tour will focus on the autumn season and changes to trees over time. The tour begins on Amity Street on the side of the Jones Library and in front of the Strong House Museum, near the big sycamore tree.

Cycon reading

Dean Cycon, author and founder of Dean’s Beans, will be reading from his book “Finding Home,” as well as talking about his research into it, Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Jones Library’s Woodbury Room.

Cycon will be accompanied by Klezmer musicians Jason Ditzian on clarinet and Bea Carlson on accordion.

The book focuses on a group of Holocaust survivors returning to their hometown of Laszlo, Hungary, as they struggle to reintegrate into society, with a particular focus on young pianist Eva. All royalties from the sale of the book are supporting elderly Holocaust survivors.

Sip & Shop Stroll returning

A second Sip & Shop Stroll will have a makers market associated with it when the event is held on the evening of Dec. 14.

The Board of License Commissioners recently approved an all-alcohol license for the event, which includes horse-drawn carriage rides through Amherst center from 5 to 9 p.m.

The makers market this year will be at 45 South Pleasant St., the former A. J. Hastings, rather than The Drake.

Amherst Business Improvement District Executive Director Gabrielle Gould told the board that last year’s event saw most restaurants at capacity. “The goal is to get people out and about,” Gould said.

Meetings

MONDAY: Local Historic District Commission, 3 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Personnel Board, 10 a.m., First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall.