Residents Question Patrol Spending as Selectboard Notes Grants, Calls

Residents used public comment to question recent police-related expenditures and whether those choices reflect the town’s priorities. One commenter cited roughly $352,000 in special-warrant spending while saying a number of families had entered tax liens, urging fiscal scrutiny.

In the operational report, an agency official summarized ongoing police activities and grants, noting the town applies annually for a roughly $13,300 highway-safety grant and that officers will support school patrols and other assignments. The official reported several domestic incidents and juvenile matters that required response and said a SWAT activation had occurred in recent weeks. Staff and board members discussed grant timing and the need for clearer agenda descriptions so the public can understand potential budget impacts.

Board members said they would follow up on specific spending questions and encouraged residents to provide documentation for claims about particular line items. The selectboard also discussed how certain vehicle purchases are funded (revolving cruiser fund) and that some expenditures are designated for specific purposes rather than general operating budgets.