Police present July stats as board disputes use of town cruiser for charity event

A police officer (S9) presented July statistics to the board, reporting 155 total calls for service in July and a range of activity including 38 motor vehicle stops and 17 ATV/motor-service incidents.

Later in the meeting board members questioned a town cruiser trip on June 23 that was used to attend a charitable event outside town. S9 said he did not obtain prior board approval but explained the trip raised funds for a Child Advocacy Center and that he had submitted reimbursement. "He represented the town of Pittsburgh and raised over 1,500 bottles," S9 said, describing the charitable intent.

Several members cited the town policy that employees are not permitted to use town vehicles for nondepartmental business without prior select-board approval. Speaker 5 said an exception should have been requested in advance so the board could have evaluated the request. The board did not rescind the reimbursement during the meeting but emphasized better communication and prior authorization in the future.

Members also discussed the department's staffing and whether two cruisers are needed if the town cannot attract applicants; they asked staff to reassess vehicle assignments depending on future hires.