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Resident survey shows Northfield residents worried about staffing and communication for public safety
Summary
A resident presented a 64-response Northfield public-safety survey showing residents believe the police department is understaffed (one full-time officer and one part-time on military leave), that the town lacks a town manager, and that residents want urgent, accountable local leadership to address safety, infrastructure and affordability concerns.
A Northfield resident presented final results of a local public-safety survey (64 respondents) and urged the Select Board to address staffing and communication concerns.
The presenter said the police department has been operating with "only 1 full time officer and 1 part time officer on military leave," and that the town currently has no town manager because the position has been vacated. The presenter argued those factors combine to slow progress on public-safety work: "Without that leadership in place, progress on public safety becomes slower and less coordinated." The survey results, the presenter said, show slow response times, reduced police visibility, and a majority of respondents reporting concern about public safety.
The presenter said the town has engaged the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to support hiring both a police chief and a town manager but added, "Acknowledgment is not action. Residents expect urgency, accountability, and visible progress, not delays or silence." The presenter urged the board to prioritize staffing, sidewalks and lighting improvements, safe routes for children, and affordability as part of public-safety planning.
Board members thanked the presenter and asked that any written concerns be sent by email so they can be included in the process. The board did not take an immediate action on staffing during the meeting but acknowledged the survey and the need for clearer communications and a hiring plan.
Next steps: The board will accept the survey results into meeting records and indicated staff and board follow-up on hiring and communication plans would be appropriate.
