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Committee member moves to cancel new police cruiser purchase amid staffing shortfall; board approves
Summary
Facing an upcoming resignation and plans to operate with a part-time officer, the board voted to cancel a planned police cruiser purchase to preserve capital reserves and postpone the expenditure until staffing is stable.
Committee member (Speaker 3) moved that the town cancel its order for a new police cruiser, saying the town will be operating with reduced staffing and does not need the vehicle immediately. The motion, seconded by Chair (Speaker 1), was approved by voice vote.
"I just don't think it's wise to spend the money we can leave it in and offset with the amount of interest we get," Committee member (Speaker 3) said, arguing that the town could run existing cruisers and preserve capital reserve funds while staffing remains uncertain. Staff member (Speaker 5) noted that if the order is returned the money is not automatically removed from the capital reserve fund and that officials would follow up with the vendor and the finance officer.
The vote followed discussion about current mileage on existing vehicles and the town's anticipated staffing level; members said the town is likely to operate with one part-time officer for the near term. The board recorded at least three affirmative voice votes on the motion. The decision postpones the purchase pending future staffing and budget reviews.
