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Auburn Police Chief outlines budget increase to cover training, vehicles and staff costs
Summary
Police Chief presented the department’s FY2026 budget request — roughly $9.8 million — citing higher training, vehicle and equipment costs, a young patrol force, and reimbursements from grants that offset part of the spending.
The Auburn Police Chief presented the department’s 2025–26 budget request to the City Council on April 10, citing personnel shortages, equipment needs and training costs as drivers of the proposed increase.
Chief said the department requested just under $9.8 million for the coming fiscal year, up from roughly $8.0 million the previous year. The chief told council the increase is driven largely by wages and benefits, training for many new officers, higher fuel and ammunition costs and increased equipment maintenance. The police department counts 69 sworn positions on paper, with several vacancies and multiple new officers in the academy and field training.
Why it matters: The chief emphasized that about 75% of patrol officers have seven years or less on the job, and the department is investing substantially in recruit training, academy attendance and overtime to maintain service levels. The department also pursues reimbursements from grants — including GIVE and STRIVE — that have covered detectives and community work and that are expected to offset some costs.
Details and context - Personnel and training: The chief said the department is relatively young: of 44 patrol officers, 32 have seven years or less of experience. The department logged more than 15,000 hours of training last year. - Staffing numbers: The presentation listed 69 sworn officers (with several vacancies), nine special patrol officers (SPOs), seven civilian staff and multiple part‑time positions such as crossing guards. - Equipment and capital: The department requested five patrol cars and is pursuing grant funds to cover up to three vehicles. The chief said the department seeks upgrades to radios (quoted at roughly $640,000) and body‑worn cameras for SPOs assigned to schools. - Reimbursements and grants: The chief reported about $785,000 in reimbursements from grants and details (including overtime reimbursed for special events), and anticipated additional funds from GIVE and STRIVE. He said the combined reimbursements could exceed $1.2 million when GIVE and STRIVE are included.
Council discussion and follow‑up Councilors asked about overtime and whether training costs could be funded by grants. The chief said some overtime is reimbursable through grants, and he described plans to work with the school district on a cost‑sharing approach for body cameras assigned to SPOs. Council members and the chief discussed vehicle and radio funding opportunities from state representatives.
Next steps: The chief and staff will continue to pursue grant funding and work with the finance office and council during remaining budget deliberations.
