Budget adds five patrol officers; department to convert one detective and remove assistant chief position

City budget staff told the commission the FY26 proposal includes five additional patrol officers and vehicle funding. "Budget proposes 5 additional patrol officers," Budget Administrator Bob Anathin said, and he explained how the positions would be funded: two through a COPS grant, two by removing the assistant chief position and reallocating that salary, and one by converting a detective slot into patrol.

Why it matters: commissioners said increasing patrol presence is a priority and pressed for assurances that academy slots and retention strategies are coordinated. Anathin said the plan includes funding to get two people through the police academy.

Vehicles: the budget includes funding to lease additional patrol vehicles, and staff noted that 22 vehicles are coming off lease and the city will own those vehicles after lease expiry. "We will own them," Anathin said when asked about vehicles retiring from lease.

Commissioners raised related items including step/contract increases for sworn staff and retention. The manager and police leadership said collective bargaining negotiations will determine final pay adjustments; any changes beyond the tentative budget will come back to the commission.

Other policing items in the budget presentation included continued support for reserves and youth programs: commissioners asked that the city explore expanding the Explorer program to 15–20 youth and budgeted a modest amount for Explorer costs.

Next steps: final staffing and compensation will depend on the outcome of labor negotiations and the commission's final budget decisions. Staff said they will return with contract details as negotiations conclude and with a clearer schedule for academy attendance.