The Town of Stratford Ordinance Committee held a special budget workshop on April 2, 2024, focusing on the police and fire departments' budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting provided insights into staffing, equipment needs, and financial allocations for both departments.

The session began with discussions on police staffing levels. Chief McNeil clarified that while the department is not adding new officers, there have been internal shifts to address shortfalls caused by injuries and ongoing training for new recruits. Currently, the police force stands at approximately 100 officers, with a few entering the academy soon. The committee noted that the traffic division's headcount would increase from three to four officers, while the patrol division would see a rise from 70 to 73 officers due to these adjustments.

A significant topic of discussion was the increase in the police investigations budget, specifically for crime scene mapping equipment. Chief McNeil explained that the cost for this technology, which provides 3D mapping of crime scenes, has more than doubled from previous years, reflecting its critical role in evidentiary processes.

The committee also examined the payroll supplementary line item, which includes costs for overtime and callback pay. Chief McNeil indicated that callback costs have risen due to increased reliance on overtime to maintain minimum staffing levels during absences. This trend is attributed to the lengthy training period for new officers, which can take up to ten months.

Further inquiries were made regarding the budget for special events, which includes traffic control for parades and community events. Chief McNeil confirmed that these costs are necessary for public safety during such occasions.

The fire department's budget was also reviewed, with Deputy Chief Buck reporting a relatively flat budget with adjustments made for contractual obligations and rising costs of goods and services. The fire department has not experienced any surpluses or deficits in recent years and aims to maintain service levels with the proposed budget.

The committee discussed the education budget for both departments, highlighting the importance of training and certification for personnel. Chief Buck noted that the increase in the education budget reflects a commitment to professional development and compliance with state mandates.

Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges faced by both departments in managing staffing and operational costs while ensuring public safety and service quality. The committee concluded with a commitment to further review the budget proposals and their implications for the community.