Police chief outlines FY27 budget increase, equipment grants and staffing plans

Noel Verde, who identified himself as with Liberty PD during the meeting, presented the police department’s budget packet and five‑year forecast to the council.

He said the department expects a FY26 favorable variance (roughly $227,772) and proposed a FY27 budget of about $3.39 million, an estimated increase of roughly $176,867. Verde cited filling an officer vacancy, higher fuel and parts costs, planned equipment lifecycle replacements (radios, in‑car terminals, firearms) and contract-driven increases in utilities and janitorial services as primary drivers.

“Some of the reasons for those variances, we have had an open officer position for a while,” he said, noting the department plans to recruit to compete on salaries and benefits. Verde told the council that body-armor and shield grants had been pursued and that the department is seeking grant funding where possible to offset major purchases.

Council members asked about recurring operating costs for new systems (in‑car camera and software) and were told the expected annual operating cost for the camera system is about $30,000 once the grant-funded equipment is fully implemented. The chief said the department replaces roughly three vehicles a year under its current replacement schedule (average unit cost with upgrades estimated in the mid‑$80,000 range) and maintains about 23 fleet units.

Other discussion items included potential drone programs (training and FAA certification costs were flagged), handheld and in‑vehicle radio replacement planning, and the department’s officer-certification and training needs. Council members pressed the chief on retention and whether the proposed 3% COLA and 2% merit would keep pay competitive; the chief said the FY27 proposal should help sustain competitiveness but that pay remains a yearly question.

The council thanked police staff for the report and asked staff to supply follow-up cost details for programs and contracts.