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Harahan police department seeks major funding increases as council questions deficits and staffing plans
Summary
Police Chief Lapre asked the council for substantial increases to the department’s budget, citing contract costs, equipment needs and lawsuits; council members pressed for data tying part-time hires to overtime savings and discussed millage renewal options to cover gaps.
Police Chief Lapre told the Harahan City Council during a Dec. 11 budget hearing that the police department is operating on tight resources and requested significant additional funding for 2026.
"You can't get Cadillac service on a Prius salary," Chief Lapre said, summarizing his view that the department’s current funding will not sustain the staffing and equipment levels he wants. He outlined several drivers of higher costs: ongoing contracts for Flock cameras (about $12,500 a year), an Axon body-camera contract he said totals roughly $33,000 a year with three years remaining, and an estimate of roughly $50,269 to upgrade computer units in 18 police vehicles.
Chief Lapre also…
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