Police staffing crisis sparks urgent budget discussions

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the current staffing levels of the police department and the implications for the upcoming budget. The police chief confirmed that the department currently has 46 officers, with potential increases as offers have been made to six additional candidates in the past two weeks.

The conversation highlighted the existing vacancies within the department, which include one bailiff position, two school resource officer (SRO) positions, and seven patrol positions. The chief reassured council members that the budget should cover the new hires, although there was some uncertainty regarding the exact financial implications of these additions.

Council members expressed concern about the potential for payroll costs to exceed the approved budget, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility. One member specifically requested that any budget overruns not be attributed to them, underscoring the need for careful management of resources.

The meeting also clarified that the costs associated with the school resource officers would be drawn from the police department's budget, ensuring that funding for these critical positions is accounted for in the financial planning. As the department prepares for potential growth in personnel, the council remains focused on maintaining budgetary discipline while addressing community safety needs.