Vice Chair Gail Butler opened the Subcommittee C advisory meeting with a heavy focus on fiscal year 2027 public safety requirements, welcoming department heads and a four-legged visitor named Rio, the town's fire comfort dog. Butler remarked, Joining us on Zoom is Briana Keating. And I'm also told that we have Rio here today with us. Rio, can you take a bow? The session began with Police Chief Dana Flint presenting a $19.5 million budget, a notable increase driven by the town assuming the $266,000 annual cost for body-worn cameras previously covered by federal grants.

Chief Flint noted, My proposed budget for FY27 includes 16,338,919 for personnel services, while acknowledging the department remains 16 patrol officers short of its full complement of 100. The committee scrutinized the department's vehicle replacement cycle and long-term facility needs. Chief Flint explained that while a new facility might be a decade away, the current headquarters requires immediate HVAC and evidence room upgrades to remain functional.

Member Briana Keating questioned the rising costs of equipment, asking, You mentioned there's the 107.8% increase on R&M equipment. Is that what you said was primarily for body cam? Member Thomas Jacintho, Jr. voiced concerns regarding the maintenance of existing infrastructure during the feasibility study for a new public safety complex. **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to "approve the budget as presented"**. **Motion Passed 4-0**.

Fire Chief Foley delivered a sobering report on emergency response trends, noting that call volumes have doubled since 2015, leading to response times that now sit outside national averages. Foley explained, The town administration understands that we're at a tipping point with our delivery of services. To combat this, the department is seeking to staff a "Ninth Company" rescue unit out of the Pine Hills station to provide redundancy in the southern districts.

Member Myles Edward Ramey inquired about community safety initiatives during the winter months, asking, You mentioned adopting a hydrant. That was you, right? Chief Foley urged residents to clear snow from hydrants near their homes to assist crews during storms. **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to "approve the fire department budget as presented"**. **Motion Passed 4-0**.

Harbor Master Chad Hunter and Environmental Director David Gould rounded out the session with updates on infrastructure and green initiatives. Hunter highlighted a 12-year waitlist for boat moorings and a new $1.5 million grant for Town Wharf renovations, noting, It's been five years since we adjusted any of the fees. **Motion Made by Briana Keating to "accept the emergency management budget as presented"**. **Motion Passed 4-0**.

Gould discussed the success of electric vehicle charging stations but warned that fees must increase to cover maintenance. He projected that solar power agreements would save the town $250,000 annually, stating, Every little bit is going to help. So you do that over 20 years and now we have sort of an impact. **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to "accept the harbor master budget as written"**. **Motion Passed 4-0**. **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to "approve the energy and environmental budget"**. **Motion Passed 4-0**. The meeting was adjourned at 5:21 PM.