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Simsbury police commission presents FY 2026–27 budget; officials cite five vacancies and equipment needs
Summary
At a Feb. 9 special joint meeting, the Simsbury Police Commission presented its FY 2026/27 budget, proposing funding for 42 sworn officers, a 3.6% overall increase largely due to wage adjustments, planned camera and vehicle replacements, and in‑house training — while noting five current vacancies.
Police Commission Chairman Eric Lemke presented the Police Commission’s FY 2026–27 budget to the Board of Selectmen at a special joint meeting on Feb. 9, outlining staffing, equipment and training needs and a proposed 3.6% increase over the current year.
The budget proposal funds 42 sworn officers, which Lemke said remains below recommended staffing levels. He told the board that all current collective bargaining agreements with the department’s three unions are reflected in the proposal and that crossing guard compensation will increase by 2.5% for each year since the last adjustment in July 2022.
Lemke said operating costs have risen in several areas: labor rates for external vehicle repair have increased by roughly 50% since 2021, and the town’s contribution to the regional emergency services team was raised from $5,000 to $7,500 to maintain SWAT, crisis negotiation, accident reconstruction and drone-team capabilities.
The commission identified aging equipment and training needs as budget priorities. Lemke said evidence-management appliances about 20 years old are slated for replacement, and he described continuing certification and training across the department. The presentation noted this will be the third year the town provides state-required police certification training in-house rather than through a regional program.
The proposal also includes renewal of the existing roadside camera lease with planned enhanced coverage at one to two additional intersections, and replacement of four vehicles: two hybrid marked cruisers and two unmarked administrative vehicles. Lemke said hybrid vehicles have reduced fuel use, contributing to a reduction in fuel costs.
Police Chief Nicholas Boulter added that the town currently operates cameras at three intersections (six cameras total). He characterized the requested 3.6% budget increase as driven mostly by general wage increases, said there are no new capital items in the request beyond replacement needs, and noted that some ballistic or duty vests will need replacement. Boulter also confirmed the department currently has five vacancies and acknowledged discussion with the board about how overtime is handled.
No formal vote on the budget item was recorded at the meeting. The session concluded with Board member Diana Yeisley moving to adjourn at 5:53 p.m.; Kevin Beal seconded and all present voted in favor.
The presentation and discussion will inform upcoming budget deliberations; no additional actions or funding approvals were taken at this meeting.
