Board keeps police budget, rejects a cut to Flock license‑plate reader service

The Board of Selectmen voted to adopt the town's revised FY27 police budget after adjusting the fuel line to reflect a negotiated lower per‑gallon rate. Lieutenant David Furland presented the department's request and recommended reducing the fuel line; the board accepted a $13,919 reduction in line 53090 and then approved the revised series total and the budget.

The meeting then turned to a contested privacy and public‑safety question: whether to continue paying an annual subscription for Flock license‑plate reader (LPR) cameras. The board heard a detailed defense from department leadership. "They are a force multiplier, giving us more opportunity to stop things from coming into our community and when they do happen in our community to stop them from leaving," Chief Ballastrassie said, urging the board to retain the program. Lieutenant Furland described operational uses: early alerts for stolen vehicles, locating missing persons and rapid response to traveling crime crews.

One selectman moved to cut $12,000 from the services line that funds Flock; another selectman seconded the motion and asked for discussion. Supporters of the cut cited privacy and long‑term civil‑liberties concerns and urged caution while state legislation is pending. Opponents said Waterford has audited its use, limited cross‑agency access to in‑state searches only, and documented the tool's usefulness. After discussion the motion failed on a voice vote. The police budget adoption (after the fuel adjustment) carried with the board.

Next steps: the police leadership and board members agreed to provide additional updates on usage, audits and contract terms as legislative proposals evolve. The department said it has not entered a multiyear contract with the vendor and is delaying expansions pending state guidance.