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Council approves $6.15M police budget amid staffing and overtime concerns
Summary
Police leadership presented a $6,147,208 budget dominated by salaries and benefits; councilors pressed on contractual cost drivers, training needs, hiring costs and vehicle purchases before approving the request by roll call.
Police officials outlined a $6,147,208 operating request that the department said is primarily salaries and benefits. The presenter explained that some lines were cut (fuel, uniforms, maintenance) but contractual obligations and pay scales drive increases in other lines, including training and software (the RMS/IMC system). The department also budgeted to replace vehicles and to sustain minimum staffing and training requirements.
Councilors asked whether the department could operate under another default budget and probed overtime and staffing patterns; the department reported it currently has 28 full-time officers and that offseason attrition and injuries make overtime difficult to reduce without risking public safety. After discussion and questions about contractual increases and vehicle costs, the council approved the police budget by roll call.
