A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the police department’s budget, highlighting the complexities of managing salaries, overtime, and staffing shortages. Lieutenant Brown presented the police budget, noting that contractual negotiations for officers were ongoing. The police department is grappling with a reduced workforce, which has led to increased overtime to maintain public safety. Brown underscored the unpredictability of emergency services, projecting an overtime budget of approximately $394,134.36. He emphasized the challenges posed by staffing shortages, stating, “think about just losing half of your department and still being able to answer the call volume that we do and still maintain public safety.” The lieutenant’s remarks initiated a broader conversation about the necessity of overtime and the potential for budget adjustments in response to unforeseen circumstances.

In parallel, the council addressed the broader issue of filling civilian roles in city government, which has remained challenging due to uncompetitive salaries compared to state averages. The inability to fill positions such as office managers and parking officers has placed added pressure on sworn officers, who are already stretched thin. This staffing struggle is compounded by the public’s expectation of accessible city offices, particularly for law enforcement-related inquiries.

The meeting also explored the financial implications of maintaining the police department’s vehicle fleet. The need to replace aging vehicles and manage maintenance costs was a recurring theme, with a proposal to replace a Dodge Charger that had been sold after reaching 150,000 miles. The council discussed the pros and cons of hybrid versus electric vehicles, with a consensus to continue using hybrids due to infrastructure costs associated with transitioning to fully electric options. The necessity of upgrading the 25-year-old alarm system at police headquarters was also highlighted.

Another topic was the city’s approach to managing stormwater and maintaining infrastructure. Funding for storm-related activities and equipment maintenance, particularly regarding road and sidewalk salt, was discussed. The council agreed to consolidate these expenses under a single line item, with a budget set at $12,000. Concerns over road repairs, particularly pothole maintenance, prompted the allocation of $1,500 to address these needs. The challenges of maintaining an aging vehicle fleet were acknowledged, with discussions on potential budget reductions to better align with actual maintenance needs.

The municipal clerk’s office was another focal point, with discussions on budget allocations for certifications, training, and operational expenses. A proposed 2% raise for the clerk and a substantial increase for the deputy clerk were contingent on certification achievements. The clerk emphasized the need for a $10,000 salary increase to enhance service levels. The budget also accounted for advertising, printing, and binding expenses necessary for affordable housing materials and legal notices.

Budgetary considerations extended to the planning board and tax assessor’s office, where updates to tax maps were deemed overdue. The need for a maintenance tax map was discussed to ensure accurate updates and avoid state intervention. The tax assessor highlighted the significant drop in assessed property values, prompting discussions on budget allocations for postage, consulting services, and potential legal representation for tax appeals.