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Otis official asks to replace aging cruiser, cites nearby unionization in salary request
Summary
Kris McDonough told the Select Board on March 10 that Becket police unionization is affecting regional pay comparisons, asked to replace a 10-year-old Tahoe because repair costs are rising, and reported the department collected $14,000 in administrative fees and more than $49,000 in cruiser-detail fees.
Kris McDonough, an agency official, told the Town of Otis Select Board/Finance Committee on March 10, 2026, that the police budget request includes a cruiser replacement and salary adjustments to keep town officers competitive with neighboring departments after the Becket department unionized.
McDonough said there has been no intention among Otis officers to unionize as of the meeting. He emphasized that Massachusetts police now face intense training and professional standards that factor into staffing and pay considerations.
On equipment, McDonough requested replacement of the department’s Tahoe this year, saying repair costs have been expensive and the vehicle will be 10 years old in the upcoming fiscal year. He said the department upgrades to new-frequency radios as cruisers are replaced.
McDonough also reported revenue collected by the department, saying the town had collected about $14,000 in administrative fees and more than $49,000 in cruiser-detail fees when billing for details.
The Select Board heard the presentation but took no formal vote at the meeting; budget review will continue as part of the committee’s ongoing finance work. The meeting was called to order at 5:37 PM and adjourned at 6:23 PM.
