Stafford mayor submits balanced FY2025–26 budget; council and police urge more funding for officers

Mayor Ken Matthew submitted a balanced fiscal 2025–26 budget to the Stafford City Council on Wednesday, proposing a $39,737,781 general fund with $25,350,791 for salaries and benefits, $6,823,865 for operating expenses and $4,388,210 for capital items.

The presentation opened with public comment from Detective Reising, vice president of the Stafford Police Officers Association, who urged the council to fund ‘‘competitive pay for the Stafford Police Department,’’ saying neighboring agencies have recently awarded raises of ‘‘10 to 20%’’ and that the city risks losing officers after the city invests in training and equipment. ‘‘We ask that you invest in the men and women who protect the city every day, just as they have invested themselves in serving the city of Stafford,’’ Reising said.

Why it matters: Several council members said the paperwork shows a balanced budget but does not guarantee the city can meet contractual obligations, retain staff or maintain services without drawing on the fund…