Finance Committee hears police budget with SRO, staffing increase
Oak Bluffs Finance Committee reviews Police Department budget with $475,000 overtime increase and SRO staffing proposal. Police Chief Jonathan Searle requested authorization to hire one additional officer and dedicate an existing officer as School Resource Officer to the elementary school, the only
Finance & Advisory Committee · Meeting of January 15, 2026
Oak Bluffs Finance Committee reviews Police Department budget with $475,000 overtime increase and SRO staffing proposal. Police Chief Jonathan Searle requested authorization to hire one additional officer and dedicate an existing officer as School Resource Officer to the elementary school, the only island elementary school without an SRO. The $475,000 overtime increase reflects the elimination of special officers under state law, requiring greater reliance on full-time officers at overtime rates.
Principal Jeremy Light and a community member spoke in support of the SRO proposal.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 358 words
Source: the Finance & Advisory Committee meeting of January 15, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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