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Council discusses police budget gap, grant searches and options to fund patrol vehicles
Summary
Council members said the police budget is close to balance but hinges on potential grant awards and choices about vehicle funding. Members discussed creating a recurring line item to save for replacements, a 1.5% COLA in current expenditures, and outreach to state surplus for used vehicles.
Speaker 2 asked how far off the police budget was and Speaker 1 said "I believe that it's close," while emphasizing that outstanding items and pending grant awards could shift the estimate. The council identified Chief Otter, Maria and the city's grant writer as working with CJTC and the state to pursue funds that "will make a huge difference depending on the amount we can get."
Speaker 1 said current expenditures "do also include a 1.5 cola" and noted Tenino employees did not receive a COLA last year; council members discussed whether that figure could be reduced by council direction. Speaker 2 proposed establishing a dedicated line item this year to accumulate funds for vehicle replacements incrementally instead of relying on leases or ad hoc purchases. Speaker 4 flagged an imminent need, saying the city "gonna have to replace the chief's truck before that."
Speakers recalled difficulties getting grants specifically for vehicles; Speaker 1 said the chief believed vehicle grants were not typically available, while Speaker 5 reported a positive lead at the state surplus and said staff "may be able to find a good vehicle for police" pending paperwork. Speaker 1 committed to sending updated expenditure figures when significant updates are available so the council can re-evaluate options.
Council members did not take a formal vote during the discussion but agreed to pursue grant avenues, explore state surplus purchases, and consider establishing a recurring vehicle savings line item as part of upcoming budget work. The next procedural step is for staff to provide updated expenditure numbers and any grant award details to the council for a follow-up review.
