Brentwood select board approves police budget after debate on staffing and chief’s recertification

The Brentwood Select Board voted to approve the police department’s budget as presented after a lengthy discussion about staffing levels, certification and costs.

Chief Murch, who spoke to the board about his first 30 days in office, outlined a sequence of training and administrative steps he has completed to regain full police certification after a lapse. He said he has completed annual use‑of‑force training, pistol and rifle qualifications, a 40‑hour field training package, and is scheduled to appear before the Police Standards & Training Council on Dec. 12 to seek reinstatement. He told the board he expects to complete an academy “law package” of four or five training days after council approval and that completion will restore his full certification.

On budget details, Murch said the department’s proposed budget reduces spending from last year by $130,460 (a 9.69% decrease) largely by eliminating part‑time wages (about $55,000) and deferring equipment purchases such as a cruiser and a canine program. He also proposed a lieutenant position budgeted at $95,000; the salary line reflects a $112,000 change that includes his pay and the lieutenant position. Murch said the reductions lower retirement and other line items, and that overtime control and stepped pay structures could help retention.

Board members pressed for specifics: the overtime calculation cited a $34 average base rate and an overtime rate near $51 an hour; vacant patrol rates were discussed in the $27–$35 per hour range depending on experience; and the board asked for confirmation of filed paperwork to reinstate certification. The chief agreed to provide copies of the Form E and related documents to the town administrator for the personnel file.

Several members voiced concern about staffing and the town’s 4% tax cap, with one warning that eliminating positions could make them difficult to restore without a warrant article. Murch defended the staffing target of nine sworn positions at full strength and asked the board for flexibility to hire if qualified candidates appear.

After discussion, a select board member moved to approve the budget as presented. The motion was seconded and the board voted to approve the police budget. The board also agreed to a short nonpublic session to address personnel matters later in the meeting.

Next steps: Chief Murch will attend the Police Standards & Training Council hearing on Dec. 12 and provide the board with filing documentation; the department will proceed with the adopted budget and staffing plan.