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Avon council reviews plan to create a controlled "buy money" fund for undercover policing
Summary
Staff proposed creating a separate, nonreverting police fund to hold undercover "buy money" and forfeiture/donation receipts, with internal controls and a suggested initial appropriation of $10,000; council discussed allowable sources, DLGF reporting rules and replenishment protocols.
Town staff presented a plan to establish a distinct, nonreverting fund to house undercover "buy money," seized funds and donations for limited police operations.
Speaker 2 explained the proposal’s purpose: to make funds available for undercover purchases and targeted operations while keeping stringent internal controls and auditability required by the state. The ordinance draft would create a separate fund into which the council appropriates money; the fund’s sources could include court-ordered forfeitures and donations, and its expenditures would be tightly restricted and recorded.
Council members asked whether funds could be taken from general revenue or from seized assets; staff said the fund must be created and appropriated consistent with DLGF rules and that the proposed initial appropriation ($10,000) is a placeholder to establish the account. Staff noted the fund is commonly used in other jurisdictions but stressed compliance with state transparency and reporting rules.
No formal vote was recorded at the session; staff asked for guidance on whether the council wants the ordinance placed on a future agenda for introduction and appropriation.
