The Rindge Police Department’s proposed budget for 2017 is almost $125,000 over last year’s approved budget, with more than half of the increase earmarked for an eighth full-time officer.
Police Chief Todd Muilenberg presented a proposed budget to the Select Board and Budget Advisory Committee Wednesday. Should the town approve the acceptance of a COPS grant at Town Meeting, Muilenberg said the $78,973 needed for the eighth officer would be offset by $54,016.
“My budget does not include the money reflected if the town accepts the COPS grant,” said Muilenberg. “It simply includes the money needed for an eighth officer.”
The Police Department was one of four NH agencies to be awarded a $125,000 U.S. Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program grant this year, which would require the town to hire an eighth full-time officer for at least four years.
Muilenberg said further savings could be realized in the budget based on the experience level of the eighth officer and whether the new hire enrolls in health insurance. Finance Director Ellen Smith said if the officer elected to take the health insurance stipend, as much as $20,000 could be saved.
The budget also requests a $12,000 increase – up from $23,000 – to the part time budget, which is less than the about $40,000 spent in this year’s budget. Health insurance and retirement increases, which have hit the entire town’s budget, account for the rest of the increases in the wages and benefits portion of the budget.
The operating budget, which includes ammunition, uniforms, administrative expenses, and more, is requested at $55,549. Overall, Muilenberg’s requested budget is $903,375.
The board agreed to a $1,750 minimum sealed bid on the town’s recreation van. The board will accept bids through Dec. 21 at 6 p.m.