Middletown council raises police private-duty rates, narrows exclusions after questions about posting

The Middletown Common Council voted April 6 to raise the city's police private-duty hourly rates and approved a clarifying amendment that excludes public works and the water and sewer department from the new invoicing approach.

The resolution updates the nonprofit private-duty rate from $76.50 per hour (no cruiser) and $89.50 with a cruiser to $112.50 per hour; the contractor and city-agency rate with a cruiser was set at $125 per hour. Councilwoman Sloth, who introduced the item, said the changes are intended "to cover costs and take in additional revenue." The body approved a friendly amendment that explicitly excludes public works and water and sewer departments from the new billing treatment.

Council members questioned practical effects. Councilman Vincent J. Lofredo asked who would perform private-duty assignments under the change and whether the amendment would shift costs between departments; members heard from presenters that public works historically has not been billed private-duty rates and that water and sewer billing practices vary depending on whether work is performed by city crews or outside contractors. One member also noted that the second page of the posted resolution was not available until mid-afternoon the day of the meeting, drawing concerns about late notice.

Despite those questions, the council moved the measure forward with the friendly amendment. The motion carried with no recorded opposition. Mayor Eugene Pino Serra and staff said departments can bring further clarification to a subsequent meeting if needed.

Next steps: the amended fee schedule will take effect upon council approval and implementation details (invoicing procedures between departments) may be revisited at a future meeting if additional concerns emerge.