Select Board backs raising police cruiser detail fee, creates revolving fund for vehicle costs

The Select Board voted to change its police cruiser detail fee to follow the FEMA schedule of equipment rates for a police SUV (rounded to the nearest dollar), replacing the current $10‑per‑hour fee. Staff described the move as a way to more accurately cover vehicle wear and maintenance and automatically update the fee when FEMA revises rate tables.

The town administrator said the change could increase revenue from roughly $50,000–$60,000 a year to about $100,000–$120,000 depending on demand. The board also recommended Article 6 to create a revolving fund under M.G.L. ch. 44 §53E½ so detail revenue can be used for vehicle purchases and maintenance. Members discussed whether moving revenue to a revolving fund would reduce general‑fund appropriations in future capital requests; staff said it would more likely offset future capital requests rather than reduce operating appropriations. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.