Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police chief asks Selectboard for commitment as police budget rises 1.88%
Summary
Police Chief Bruce Nason told the Selectboard the Police District budget shows a 1.88% increase driven largely by cost‑of‑living adjustments and outlined staffing pressures, including an open full‑time position and reliance on a new Community Resource Specialist.
Police Chief Bruce Nason told the Town of Bristol Selectboard on Feb. 9 that the Police District budget will increase by 1.88 percent next year and that he will be pressing the board for a commitment to chart a forward path for the department. "The increase generally reflects COLA," he said, adding that "the overall budget reflects a 1.88% increase."
Nason outlined department staffing: three full‑time officers, a Community Resource Specialist he called a "great asset," three part‑time officers with limited availability, and an open full‑time position for which candidates have withdrawn after learning the salary offered. He also noted one officer serves as a trainer and receives no pay for academy courses, and another officer recently received recognition for community policing efforts.
The Selectboard discussed the broader question of Police District expansion and agreed public input is required, with members describing the decision as "not simply a numbers‑driven decision." Board members did not raise questions about the proposed budget during the public information meeting. The board closed the Public Information Meeting after the discussion and staff noted that any steps toward district expansion would involve community engagement and additional planning.
