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Police officials cite contract costs, technology upgrades in 2025–26 budget brief
Summary
Police leadership told the finance committee that the department's 2025–26 budget reflects a new labor contract, higher overtime projections and capital funding for body and dash cameras under an Axon contract.
Police leaders presented the department’s 2025–26 budget to the finance committee on March 20, saying the increase largely reflects the new labor agreement and several technology and equipment investments.
What was presented: Chief Carl Jacobson and department leadership told the committee the personnel line changed after staff recalculated salaries using the newly posted collective bargaining agreement. The department estimated a $2,100,000 increase in overtime associated with higher pay rates and continued staffing gaps; the chief said the department used $2,000,000 in ARPA revenue replacement last year to offset overtime and expects contract costs to drive part of this year’s increase.
Capital and technology: The police capital plan in the budget includes a multi‑year Axon contract to replace body and dashboard cameras and related weapons equipment. Jacobson described a $3,000,000 figure tied to the Axon purchase spread over multiple years and additional capital requests for radios and other communications equipment.
Staffing and recruitment: Jacobson said recruitment has improved since the contract was signed and that the current academy class and lateral hires are helping to replenish ranks. He told the committee that an academy class is in training and that vacancy levels and overtime use will change as recruits come on duty. He also cited increases in minority and female representation in recent classes.
Public safety programming: The department said it will continue community policing and de‑escalation training, expand targeted enforcement against illegal drug distribution and maintain quality‑of‑life enforcement units focused on noise and off‑road vehicle complaints. Jacobson described investments in license‑plate readers and other cameras as tools that aided the department in resolving shootings and homicides this year.
Budget status: The department characterized the proposed budget as driven primarily by labor costs. Officials said they have cut some overtime shifts since the contract took effect but warned that the new salary levels yield higher overtime costs when overtime is required. The finance committee requested corrected budget figures reflecting the contract line‑by‑line; police staff indicated an amended budget will follow.
