Brownsburg chief warns of insurance shortfall, outlines specialty-vehicle plan funded by federal forfeitures

Chief Joseph Grimes told commissioners that several department line items, notably insurance, were underestimated in the budget and that he has discussed the issue with the town clerk and town manager; he said the town manager will likely propose an appropriation to the Town Council to cover the shortfall.

"I have had further dialogue and communication with the town clerk as well as the town manager," the chief said, adding that adjustments will be proposed so the department can rely on other line items in the near term while a council appropriation is pursued.

The chief also described a plan to acquire three specialty vehicles — a command vehicle to replace a retrofitted RV, an investigation-unit vehicle equipped for on-scene audio and video, and an armored personnel carrier — with an initial deposit and final payment on delivery. He stated these purchases "are going to come from federal forfeiture funds." The chief identified the funds as non-tax revenue (Caesar/federal partnership funds tied to narcotics enforcement).

On capital projects, Chief Grimes said the town has secured a parcel for a police training and street-department facility, that rezone proceedings are scheduled for March 16 at 6 PM at town hall, and that phase 1 construction could start in November with a goal of partial occupancy by summer 2027.

No appropriation vote occurred at the meeting; the chief's report served to alert commissioners and to request further action by town leadership as needed.