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Germantown board green-lights further exploration of Washington County IT support for police, asks for firm cost estimate
Summary
The Germantown Village Board voted to continue exploring a Washington County IT shared-services arrangement limited to police department support, contingent on the county returning a concrete cost estimate; the motion carried with one vote opposed.
The Germantown Village Board voted to advance discussions with Washington County about using county IT staff to support the village's police department, but required that the county provide a concrete cost estimate before any contract is approved.
The board's direction follows a presentation from county IT officials that outlined two options: a county-hired full-time IT position dedicated to the police department (Option A) or broader county takeover of village IT (Option B). Scott Schmidt, Washington County chief public works officer overseeing IT, told the board the cost picture was not yet fixed: "It could be anywhere from zero dollars all the way up to ... $155,000," he said, describing the range as an early estimate contingent on county board approvals.
Trustees broadly supported moving forward for police-only services but pressed staff for numbers. Trustee Kaminsky proposed — and the board approved — an amendment requiring a concrete, not-to-exceed cost to be returned to the village board for approval before any contract was finalized. The amended motion carried by voice vote with one trustee opposed.
Why it matters: Germantown recently expanded public safety staffing and faces rising capital and operating costs. Board members said county shared services could bring experienced IT personnel, 24/7 escalation and a larger support staff behind a local technician, but they also warned against conceding an exclusive provider role without clear terms and costs.
What was said: Chief Merin opened the discussion by explaining the police department's immediate need for Pro Phoenix and squad-car support. County representatives described staffing and funding models and said the county executive and county board would need to approve any expanded shared-services commitment. "If we have a position I think the ... great thing about that is really the truly partnership that we could create," Scott Schmidt said.
Next steps: Trustees asked staff to return with a detailed cost estimate and clarified terms and asked that the General Government & Finance committee or building oversight committee track an enterprise-level RFP option if the village chooses to pursue a broader solution. County officials said they expect the matter to go to the Washington County board in July and that any Germantown action would still require county approvals.
The board did not enter binding contract terms or set a cost cap tonight; it directed staff to continue negotiations with the county on the police-only option and to bring a formal cost proposal back to the village board for approval.
