Resident urges council to preserve 24-hour police patrols amid budget squeeze

Tom Peek, a resident who identified himself during the public-comment period, told the council he and his partner chose the town for its sense of community and security and urged elected officials to maintain current police patrol levels.

"We do not support any changes in our law enforcement if it adds even 5 minutes to the response time," Peek said, arguing that prompt response is critical when "life and health are being threatened." He asked the council to prioritize public-safety staffing and not to adopt measures that would increase average response times.

Council discussion later returned to police staffing and budget options. Council members described mounting budget pressure and the need to meet state deadlines for cuts; speakers referenced a target of $500,000 in reductions and described scenarios that could translate into sizable percentage reductions to departments if savings are not found. Members asked staff to supply additional information on staffing, retirement effects and options to avoid sudden large rate increases or service cuts.

Councilors discussed possible uses for limited funds, including training and outfitting an additional school resource officer to allow scheduling flexibility, and retaining officers rather than reducing patrol hours. No formal direction or binding decision on staffing levels was adopted at the meeting; members asked staff to return with more detailed cost and implementation information.

The council heard the public comment and then proceeded with its agenda; follow-up from city staff was requested to clarify the fiscal options and timeline for any staffing changes.