Southold budget restores recurring police equipment costs previously covered by ARPA

Supervisor Albert Krupsky Jr. told the board the 2027 tentative budget preserves police staffing levels and provides funding for officer equipment and training.

"This budget reflects our commitment to public safety by maintaining proper police staffing levels and providing officers with the necessary equipment and training," Krupsky said. He added that previous budgets relied on federal ARPA funds for recurring expenses such as police vehicles, and that these costs are now included in the tentative 2027 plan.

Board members praised the emphasis on public safety and asked follow-up questions about long-term funding. Krupsky said the town will continue to monitor revenues and expenses and will report back during the detailed departmental reviews ahead of the public hearing and adoption vote.