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Hot Springs council delays adding full‑time police officer, cites budget pressure
Summary
Councilors debated a $97,000–$110,000 request for a new full‑time police officer but did not approve the position this year, agreeing to revisit the addition in next year's budget cycle while accepting a small projected deficit.
Councilors spent substantial time examining whether to add a full‑time police officer for 2026 and how that recurring cost would be sustained. Staff estimated adding a new sworn position would raise the general fund shortfall by roughly $97,000 to $109,750, depending on benefits and overtime impacts.
Proponents framed the request as a public‑safety and retention issue;…
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