The primary focus of the meeting was a series of budget transfers aimed at upgrading police department equipment. The committee approved a $15,955 transfer from the police department’s professional services budget to its equipment budget. This reallocation addresses a surplus resulting from six unfilled full-time officer positions, which will now fund mobile data terminals for detectives. The deputy highlighted the necessity of this upgrade, explaining that detectives had previously faced challenges due to a lack of on-site technology, requiring them to leave active scenes to complete tasks at the station. The new equipment will enable detectives to remain in the field.

Further financial adjustments were made to bolster the department’s firearm capabilities. The committee unanimously agreed to transfer $56,107.14 from professional services to ammunition and firearms, a move aimed at standardizing the department’s firearms with red dot optics—a feature increasingly adopted by police agencies statewide. This upgrade aligns with new training standards and aims to provide officers with consistent and reliable equipment across the board.

A discussion ensued about the broader implications of these purchases, including a query about potential trade-in allowances for existing firearms. The deputy confirmed that the old firearms would be sold back to the manufacturer, offsetting the cost of the new models.

Attention then turned to the library’s financial needs, where $23,000 was reallocated from personnel funds to repair and maintenance. This transfer was facilitated by staffing changes and temporary shortages, leaving part of the personnel budget unused. The intended use of these funds is to purchase soundproof study booths to meet the demand for quiet study areas, particularly from students. Laura Bennett, chair of the board of trustees, explained the plan to replace an underutilized reference desk with these new booths, a move designed to enhance the library’s functionality without requiring physical expansion.

The committee also addressed procedural concerns, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols. Members highlighted the need for a purchase order and documentation of competitive pricing before the fiscal year-end to ensure compliance. This emphasis on procedure reflects the committee’s dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability in financial decisions.

In addition to these key transfers, the committee discussed beach enterprise fund needs, with $13,000 approved for lifeguard payroll. The chairman of the beach committee detailed the financial challenges faced due to significant raises for lifeguards and unexpected expenses, leading to a depletion of funds prior to the new fiscal year. The committee acknowledged the importance of not disrupting beach operations, particularly during the summer season, while also recognizing the need for improved budget management in the future.

Finally, the committee explored the implications of beach pass price increases on revenue, noting a decline in sales despite the price hike from $35 to $50 for non-seniors. This drop in sales, attributed partly to poor weather, has led to stagnated revenue, prompting discussions on potential adjustments to pricing strategies and the allocation of parking ticket revenues to support the beach fund.

An additional budget transfer was approved to cover a shortfall in the veterans’ benefits salary line due to a previously signed contract oversight. This transfer ensured that personnel would be compensated appropriately.