Kingston’s police chief told the Budget Committee Wednesday that short‑staffing and extended absences have driven overtime costs above budget and asked the committee to add $10,000 to the department’s overtime account for 2025. The committee approved the request.

At the Jan. 8 meeting, the police chief described multiple staffing pressures: two newer officers who must ride with certified officers until they graduate the academy, a full‑time officer on medical leave, and part‑time staff who are unavailable for all needed shifts. The chief said he had already used significant overtime in late 2024 and asked the committee to add $10,000 to the department’s overtime line for the coming year, explaining, “I’m looking for an additional, $10,000 in my overtime budget.”

Committee members pressed for detail on vacation liabilities and alternatives such as contracting with neighboring agencies, and several members said they would take the staffing and vacation questions to the select board if necessary. Members noted the cost of outside coverage (county or neighboring towns) would likely be higher than adding overtime.

After discussion the committee voted to add $10,000 to the police overtime budget; the motion carried and was incorporated into the proposed budget the committee approved for the public hearing.

The committee also discussed the broader staffing picture, including carried‑over vacation time and certification timelines for junior officers, and asked town leadership to continue work on recruitment and scheduling to reduce long‑term overtime needs.