Budget committee approves police operating funds, trims capital request amid carry‑forward uncertainty

The Phippsburg Budget Committee on March 31 recommended $54,000 for the police operating account for fiscal year 2027 and voted unanimously to recommend a reduced police capital request of $25,000 after questioning equipment leases and anticipated carry‑forwards.

The committee opened its review of public safety budgets by asking Chief Eric Halpin to describe plans for FY27. Chief Halpin said the department entered a Motorola agreement prior to his arrival that covered in‑car cameras, body‑worn cameras and an associated database; he told the committee the total system cost was presented previously at approximately $45,000 and that the purchase has been spread over five years. "They make a lot of sense," Halpin said of body cameras, adding footage can limit municipal liability.

The committee pressed staff for detail about where camera payments and replacement clauses appear in the ledger. A town staff member explained the line had been reallocated among supply subcolumns and that the recurring lease payment had been reported roughly as $7,000 a year in the documents on screen. Committee members asked to see the contract to confirm the remaining billing cycles and any early‑termination fees before future purchasing decisions.

Members spent the bulk of discussion on fleet needs. The department currently lists a 2025 Ford Explorer and a 2019 four‑door interceptor; members discussed using capital funds and vehicle sale proceeds to help buy a pursuit‑rated pickup truck that could tow the harbor boat and be outfitted with computers, light bars and a cage. Outfitting was estimated on the record as up to $15,000; speakers warned fitment and installation timelines can add months. Several members urged staff to analyze leasing versus buying, noting leases can include mileage and fitment restrictions.

Staff also told the committee the town has a lump of public safety revenue from a prior hiring reimbursement; staff presented that revenue on the record as roughly $48,000 and said the working plan is to roll it into a dedicated new‑officer fund to be used for training, equipment or retention rather than one‑off capital spending.

After the discussion, the committee voted to recommend $54,000 for police operating; the chair moved the recommendation, and members recorded a unanimous vote. On the capital request, members debated asking the full $45,000 on the town warrant versus reducing the ask to rely on carry‑forwards or transfers into a special new‑officer account. A motion to recommend $25,000 for police capital passed unanimously.

What’s next: The committee will forward its recommendation package to the select board, which must place warrant articles before town meeting. Committee members said they want clearer carry‑forward reconciliations and a copy of the camera lease before final capital commitments.