Council weighs adding investigator and patrol officers as staff warns of tight budget

Staff told council their recommended package to preserve public safety would fund an additional police investigator, an additional firefighter and replacement police tasers. "Staff is coming with a recommendation to fund an additional investigator, an additional firefighter, and the replacement of our police officer tasers," staff said, and estimated the net impact at about $200,000 assuming staff-identified cuts.

Councilors discussed alternatives, including phasing purchases or hiring and whether to fund equipment like license-plate cameras instead of officers. Police and public-safety officials said meeting minimum patrol coverage would require adding personnel: the recommended mix would restore three officers per patrol shift under typical scheduling and provide detective capacity, while leaving some wish-list items deferred if the council opts for a lower rate.