Large police transfers approved to cover chief’s negotiated pay, accrued time and storm overtime

A meeting of the town’s governing body approved multiple year‑end transfers to the police department to cover the chief’s negotiated pay increase, accrued‑time payouts and storm‑related overtime.

Chief of Police David Furlan said the largest request — a $200,000 FY26 transfer — will cover a negotiated increase in the chief’s salary, payout of accrued time and overtime incurred during recent storms and community events. “That was about $4,500 for personnel alone” for the blizzard, Furlan said, and added that the department has seen more event staffing needs for concerts, tree lightings and other large gatherings.

Furlan also described recurring increases in phone and data costs and new charges by carriers when the department obtains cell‑phone data for search warrants. “When we do a search warrant for cell phone data, they’re allowed to charge us,” he said, estimating per‑request costs of about $50–$75 depending on the carrier. He said the department moved some vehicle computers to a new vendor (T‑Mobile) for savings but is still seeing new line‑item pressures.

Board members pressed for clarity on how overtime and event staffing are billed and credited; town finance staff explained that when other departments request police support, the town bills the requesting department and credits the police overtime line when revenue is received. The motions to transfer funds passed by voice vote; no numeric tally was recorded on the transcript.

The board also approved smaller police transfers: a $106,632 appropriation to pay out accrued time for a former chief and a $10,000 transfer to cover telephone service for the remainder of FY26. A separate $3,000 transfer to cover repair costs was approved.

The transfers will be forwarded to the board of finance as required. No further public comment was recorded on the items.