The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission approved budgets for both departments last night. If approved by the council, the Police Department’s $2.5 million dollar budget would represent an increase of 3% over last year. The department is hoping to make some minor equipment purchases next year, like a video camera for the K-9 vehicle and four new light bars for squad cars. Chief Dale Boldt also included a letter with his budget requesting city officials set aside $5 million for the construction of a new police station. There is uncertainty with some of the numbers in the Fire Department’s proposed $1.8 million budget for 2010. Chief Alan Mannel says the numbers provided to him by administration for fringes and benefits were substantially higher than previous years and, if accurate, would represent an 11% increase over 2009. He will be sitting down with the Finance Director this week in hopes of identifying any possible errors. Mannel says his proposed budget should really about be 5% higher than last year. While that is still above the requested 3% increase, Mannel says the extra money is needed to address important transportation and safety needs including the purchase of turn-out gear and new hoses. All city budgets will be submitted to the Finance Director by weeks end and will then be forwarded on the Administrative Committee for debate before heading to the council floor for approval in November.
