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Police budget rises; council debates overtime, SRO reimbursements and regionalization
Summary
The Police Department’s FY 2026 budget shows a near‑8% increase (reflecting catch‑up from prior contract and a projected 4% raise), higher dispatch costs, a five‑year Axon contract renewal and an overtime line driven by vacancies; councilors raised regionalization and efficiency questions.
The Town Council heard March 10 that the Police Department’s preliminary FY 2026 budget includes a 7.8% increase driven by contract catch‑up from FY 2025 and a 4% cost provision for the coming year, higher contracted dispatch costs and equipment and supply price increases.
Town staff said one and a half school resource officers (SROs) are budgeted as shared positions with MSAD 51; the town receives partial reimbursement from the school district but officials said reimbursement has not kept pace with increased employee costs. Sturgis said the town will discuss reimbursement adjustments with the school district.
Overtime, vacancies and staffing
The department’s overtime budget is set at about $105,000 in the draft. Councilors and staff explained most overtime results from covering shifts created by vacancies, extended sick leave or employees on light duty; filling vacancies will reduce overtime but not eliminate it because holidays, training and unplanned absences remain.
Equipment, contracts and community policing
- Dispatch: Contracted dispatch costs increased and are a driver of contracted services growth across police and fire budgets. - Axon: The police budget includes a five‑year Axon contract renewal that adds redaction functionality for video evidence. - Canine: Councilors and staff described the K‑9 unit (Officer Otto) as providing community engagement, missing‑person response and drug‑detection capabilities.
Council reaction and regionalization discussion
Several councilors asked for measurable steps on efficiency and possible regional approaches. Councilor Eads and others asked the town manager to bring back specific, actionable plans or targets for shared services or regionalization that could be evaluated within months rather than general direction.
Ending: Staff said they will provide additional detail on SRO reimbursement levels, overtime drivers and recruitment status as part of the ongoing budget workshops.
