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Proposal for Petersburg Police K-9 unit fails amid budget concerns
Summary
A Feb. 3 proposal to establish a Petersburg Police Department K-9 unit and cover startup and annual costs failed on a 4-2 vote after extended discussion about timing, recurring costs and funding sources; chief proposed using seized narcotics funds and a pending vehicle replacement to reduce initial expense.
A proposal by the Petersburg Police Department to acquire and fund a K-9 unit failed at the borough assembly meeting on Feb. 3 by a 4-2 vote.
Chief Kerr presented the request and the departments funding plan: use a vehicle replacement already scheduled in the motor pool to reconfigure as a K-9 vehicle, and apply seized narcotics interdiction/forfeiture funds toward startup costs. Chief Kerr said seized funds available included $24,354.32 in one account and additional funds that together could yield roughly $28,000 available immediately; he estimated the remaining upfront cost at about $26,265. He also provided an estimated annual operating/training cost of roughly $14,200 and said HIDA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and a regional organization (CCAD) had expressed interest in contributing to ongoing training once the program was established but would not commit startup dollars.
Assemblymembers expressed two primary concerns: (1) timing amid an uncertain fiscal outlook for the borough and potential grant/state funding fluctuations (including Secure Rural Schools uncertainty), and (2) ongoing recurring costs for training and program maintenance. Member Marsh and others questioned whether the borough should add a new program now or revisit the request later in the budget cycle. Supporters emphasized potential benefit for drug interdiction and public safety, while opponents cited the risk of committing new recurring expenditures before the FY2026 budget is better known.
Clerk roll call recorded the motion failed 4-2; the assembly did not approve the request at this meeting. The chief said the department could revisit the request later if financial circumstances change.
