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Houston mayor flags police staffing gaps and potential State Police fee increase
Summary
Mayor Gregory Wingo told the council that neighboring Harrington and Milford police departments declined requests for support because of staffing and insurance liabilities; he said he will meet with State Police and address any fee increases during upcoming budget discussions.
Mayor Gregory Wingo said the Town of Houston is confronting limits on outside police coverage after Harrington and Milford police declined requests for assistance because of staffing shortages and insurance-liability concerns. He told the council at the April 2 meeting that he plans to meet with State Police about coverage but expects the town—ould face higher fees that will need to be addressed in the budget.
Wingo said meetings in May, June and July will be longer to accommodate more substantive discussions, including budgeting for public safety. "They stated they don 0t have the staffing and it 0s an insurance liability," he said, summarizing the responses from the neighboring departments. The mayor said he will pursue additional conversations with State Police and look into possible funding sources to cover any increased costs.
Council members did not take a formal vote on policing at the April 2 session; the matter was presented as a report for future budget consideration. The mayor framed the outreach to other departments as part of broader planning for the Comprehensive Plan and upcoming budget cycle.
