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Finance Committee approves transfer to cover police overtime; chief cites end of summer special officers
Summary
The Finance and Advisory Committee approved a transfer to cover a projected $185,000 police overtime shortfall, with Chief Jonathan Searle saying the department must rely on full‑time staff and community service officers after the end of summer special police appointments.
Finance and Advisory Committee Chair Bob Malecki and committee members approved Transfer 1‑1 on June 18 to cover the Police Department's overtime shortfall.
Finance staff member Carrie Blair told the Committee the department has sufficient funds within its salary lines to cover a projected overtime deficit of approximately $185,000 through an internal transfer. Finance Committee member Maura McGroarty characterized the trend as "unsustainable" and urged longer‑term solutions. Police Chief Jonathan Searle said the department no longer employs summer special police officers and "this is just the cost to do business" as it shifts toward Community Service Officers and full‑time officers, which will require higher overtime allocations in future budgets.
Blair said the transfer request covers money already spent and that failing to approve it would have a negative impact on departmental operations and year‑end financials. The motion, placed by committee member Mike Taus and seconded by Chris Chambers, passed by roll call (Chambers – Aye, Fitzgerald – Abstain, Todd – Aye, Brice – Aye, Taus – Aye, Malecki – Aye, McGroarty – Nay).
