Portsmouth police department proposes $8.5M budget for FY26 with salary adjustments

The Portsmouth Town Council meeting on April 29, 2025, focused on the proposed budget for the police department for fiscal year 2026, highlighting significant increases aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing staffing challenges.

The proposed budget of $8,512,203 represents an 11.12% increase from the previous year, primarily driven by salary adjustments and benefits enhancements following a newly ratified three-year collective bargaining agreement with the police union. The budget aims to tackle recruitment and retention issues that have affected the department, reflecting a national trend in law enforcement.

Key components of the budget include an 18.78% rise in salary costs, which includes a $3,000 salary adjustment for all officers and a 5% general wage increase. These changes are designed to improve compensation and make the department more competitive with neighboring agencies that offer sign-on bonuses and better retirement packages.

Operational expenses are projected to increase modestly by 2.8%, with notable investments in technology and training. This includes a $24,000 allocation for computer support during the transition to a new records management system and a $3,000 increase for firearms training, which will incorporate a new non-lethal restraint tool aimed at enhancing safety.

The budget also accounts for a $25,000 increase in holiday pay, attributed to the addition of Juneteenth as a state holiday and proportional pay raises. Overall, the proposed budget reflects a strategic approach to ensure operational readiness and officer development while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The council is expected to review and provide provisional approval for the budget in the coming sessions, emphasizing the importance of investing in public safety for the community.