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Police chief cites staffing and overtime strains, suggests public safety referendum
Summary
Chief Westfall told the committee July 21 that recent incidents and recruitment challenges have pushed the department over its 2026 overtime budget and recommended the city consider a future public safety referendum to fund additional resources.
Police Chief Westfall briefed the committee on July 21 about a string of recent incidents and ongoing personnel challenges, and he said those operational pressures have already pushed the department over its overtime budget for 2026.
"It is something that I am recommending moving forward with some type of public safety referendum for increased resources," Chief Westfall said, citing a fatal motorcycle crash on Woods Road, a significant search and pursuit tied to a reported $500,000 embezzlement investigation and multiple shootings the department is still investigating. He also noted recruitment challenges he described as a shrinking candidate pool and said five new hires will attend the academy next week with an anticipated December graduation.
Westfall told the committee the department is working to be less reactive and more proactive but that current staffing gaps and unplanned overtime are harming morale and effectiveness; he asked the committee to consider resource options and said he will return with further proposals. Committee members acknowledged the pressures and suggested continuing the conversation about options for additional funding and community engagement.
