Police chief seeks one full-time officer amid tight general-fund pressures

Police Chief Odis Rogers told the Finance Committee the department’s 2026 budget keeps personnel as its largest line and requests the addition of one full-time patrol officer, acknowledging an option to hire two and promote a lieutenant instead. "The budget shows two new officers or one new patrolman and a lieutenant promotion," Rogers said, explaining the choice reflected operational priorities and fiscal constraints.

Rogers and Finance Director Tom Reynolds said the department faces built-in cost increases, including contractual 3% wage raises and a roughly 22% rise in health-insurance expenses that together push payroll costs up by an estimated $60,000–$70,000. Rogers noted St. Mary’s continues to fund half of one position, offsetting approximately $54,000. Council members asked about hiring versus promotion trade-offs and whether the civil-service eligibility list remains available; Rogers said the list was certified in March and is valid for one year unless extended by civil-service commissioners.

Rogers also outlined vehicle and capital needs that feed the personnel discussion. He said the department aims to purchase one cruiser each year to reduce long-term repair costs and described inventory and use distinctions between patrol vehicles, school resource officer (SRO) cars, a K9 unit and a detective vehicle. Reynolds told council the civil-service line and other costs are presented in the General Fund but can be reorganized for final budget presentation.

No formal vote was taken on the police budget at this meeting; the committee discussed funding trade-offs and asked staff to return with final figures for the consolidated presentation.