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Commissioners debate police coverage, say Talbot County arrangement gives more patrol hours for same money
Summary
Commissioners debated whether to reconstitute a local police force or continue a hybrid model with Talbot County deputies. One commissioner argued reconstituting a town force would add $250,000–$500,000 annually and that the current plan maintains or increases patrol hours for the same cost.
A lengthy commissioner exchange focused on the town's approach to policing as part of the FY27 budget. One commissioner explained the budget preserves a hybrid arrangement with Talbot County deputies and said the town could not practically reconstitute a full local force in time for the next fiscal year. "Reconstituting our own police department will cost 250 to $500,000 a year more than we will be spending with the plan that's in this budget," the commissioner said, arguing the current approach provides more hours of patrol for the same amount of money and shifts administrative responsibilities to Talbot County.
Commissioners acknowledged residents' concerns about intangible benefits of locally employed officers — familiarity with town routines and community ties — but noted those benefits must be weighed against substantial tax increases. The commissioner estimated additional property-tax burdens could range from roughly $800 to $1,700 per household to fund a local force. Commissioners stressed the arrangement could be revisited in 6'–12 months if circumstances change.
