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Greenfield police budget rises as ambulance calls grow; chief seeks second full‑time hire
Summary
Police Chief Shea reported increases in overtime, part‑time wages and vehicle maintenance; the ambulance service saw call volume rise from about 640 to about 810 calls, and the chief requested authorization to hire a second full‑time employee to manage billing and provide backup. The board discussed proximity to a regional prosecutor office.
Selectman George Rainier read Article 9, explaining the proposed Police Department budget for 2026 and noting increases in several cost lines. Police Chief Shea detailed the drivers behind the request, including higher overtime, elevated part‑time wages and increased vehicle repair and maintenance costs.
During the operation-and-maintenance discussion (Article 10), Chief Shea told the audience that ambulance call volume has climbed from approximately 640 calls to about 810 calls, increasing billing complexity and workload. To address that growth and to provide a backup to the current chief during absences, Chief Shea requested authorization to hire a second full‑time ambulance employee.
Chief Shea also discussed the regional prosecutor arrangement: the retirement of Chief Giammarino and modern prosecutorial requirements make bar-certified prosecution necessary, and the Greenfield Police Department benefits from proximity to the regional prosecutor, who works out of the Greenfield Police Station.
If approved by voters on the warrant, the budget increases and staffing authorization would be implemented through the town’s normal hiring and payroll process.
