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Board hears concerns about police overtime and vehicle budget amid FY2027 review
Summary
Finance consultant highlighted police budget pressures from union contract costs, overtime and shift‑differential pay, and questioned whether hiring more part‑time officers or rescheduling could reduce costs; a $70,000 vehicle line may not cover retrofit expenses.
During the FY2027 budget review, Julie Thomsen told trustees that the police budget has been strained by items in the police union contract, including shift differential pay, officer‑in‑charge pay and overtime. "Police Union Contract has taken a toll on the police budget in the General Fund," Thomsen said, and she asked whether staffing could be adjusted or more part‑time officers hired to reduce overtime and the officer‑in‑charge pay burden.
Thomsen also noted the FY2027 budget includes $70,000 for a police vehicle but cautioned that figure appears low once retrofitting and equipment installation are considered. The board discussed scheduling and staffing options but did not adopt personnel actions at the March 23 meeting; the remarks were part of the larger budget presentation and flagged issues staff will need to address in later budget deliberations.
