Brookline Selectboard declines immediate commitment to Windham County regional policing

Mike DeSocio, chair of the Brookline Selectboard, presided as the board considered a motion to join the Windham County Regional Policing Program. Doug Wellman moved that the Town join the program and Emily Beer seconded; board members discussed resident feedback, unclear service scope and concerns about committing Town funds before voters could approve the expense.

Dan Towler, a member of the public, voiced support for the concept but warned the Town could not commit budget funds without clearer cost information and Town approval. Alyssa Schmidt, a public commenter, said she favored a one-year trial and noted the program’s estimated $18,000 cost was comparable to a $15,000 planning expense the Town had previously approved. Schmidt also criticized the Town’s communication about other road work, saying the Town “failed miserably in notifying people” about the Hill Road closure.

Although members expressed support for the idea in principle, the board concluded that too many details were unknown and the timing required a significant expense before local approval. The Selectboard voted on the motion and it failed, with board members voting against the measure. E. Mark Bills suggested inviting the State Police to brief the board about coverage and services during a future meeting.