It was noted that the intermediate school currently has only one officer from Yarmouth, despite increased student numbers, which have doubled to 800. The high school maintains two officers, one each from Yarmouth and Dennis. The discussion revealed that last year’s budget allowed for three officers, but budget cuts reduced this number, heightening safety concerns among parents and officials.

Chief Lennon emphasized the importance of SROs. He noted the significant increase in student population and the subsequent strain on safety measures, stressing the necessity of having backup officers to manage potential emergencies effectively. The chief expressed concerns that the community might hold him accountable if the current staffing proved insufficient during an incident.

In response to these concerns, a proposal for a warrant article aimed at securing funding through the fiscal year was discussed. This would allow SRO Alex to return to the school, addressing the police department’s inability to use its overtime budget for covering these positions due to new police reform mandates. The financial implications of training and certifying officers as SROs were detailed, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding solutions.

The meeting also highlighted recruitment challenges faced by the Yarmouth Police Department. With neighboring towns offering competitive incentives, including Barnstable’s shift to a civil service system, Yarmouth’s recruitment efforts face significant hurdles. The department, currently down seven officers, discussed a proposal for a $100,000 allocation for hiring incentives, aiming to attract new recruits with a $5,000 sign-on bonus. This initiative is crucial, given the estimated costs associated with training new recruits through the academy.

Discussions also touched on the broader challenges of recruiting public safety personnel, with high housing costs on Cape Cod posing additional difficulties. The board considered strategies to remain competitive, such as introducing sign-on bonuses and revising educational requirements for candidates.

Another topic of discussion was the financial implications of leasing and upfitting police vehicles. A proposal to lease vehicles while using special articles to cover upfitting costs was made. The Chief noted the rising costs of vehicles and the department’s shift to leasing as a fiscally responsible approach. Additionally, the ongoing generator replacement project was addressed, with updates on the logistical challenges and costs associated with the installation.

Further concerns were raised about the maintenance and safety of town parks, with discussions highlighting the need for proper upkeep and environmental considerations. The board emphasized the importance of establishing a structured maintenance plan for a new park project to ensure its viability, pointing to past infrastructure issues as cautionary examples.

Finally, zoning amendments and safety measures related to the Bass River Golf Course were discussed. The board acknowledged safety risks from errant golf balls and considered potential solutions, including warning signs and course realignment. Future discussions were planned to address these safety concerns comprehensively.