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Police say carriers are charging municipalities for phone‑data requests; board approves $10,000 transfer
Summary
Police Chief David Furlan told the board carriers have begun charging for phone-data retrieval tied to search warrants — roughly $50–$75 per request — and the board approved a $10,000 transfer to cover increased telephone and data costs.
Chief David Furlan told the board the department has started receiving bills from carriers when it obtains phone call histories or geolocation data under judge‑issued search warrants, a new cost driver he said has appeared over the past two years. Furlan described vendor charges for carrier-produced data as typically "about 50 to $75," and said his FY27 budget will be adjusted to better anticipate that expense.
Board members questioned whether such charges were permitted and whether a federal law had authorized them; Furlan said he was not aware of a federal law and that the practice appears to be a private-firm decision until legislators provide guidance. After discussion on charging, overtime credits and how revenue/credits are posted to departmental budgets by finance staff, the board approved a $10,000 FY26 transfer for telephone and related service costs by voice vote.
