FARMINGTON — Members of the town Budget Committee began their review of the 2012 budget recently with some department heads.

With a proposed police budget of $1,198,677 — it’s $183,385 more than last year — Chief Jack Peck explained the needs line by line.

Wages for officers, already set by contract negotiations, anticipated expenses associated with the new police station and $75,000 for a building reserve were the highest contributors to the increase.

The chief’s and deputy chief’s salaries were increased by the town’s 3 percent cost-of-living raise based on the consumer price index.

Wages for the officers reflect the 3 percent cost-of-living raise and a 2 percent adjustment, with six officers ready for step raises as contracted, he said.

Training and education, also a contractual obligation, increased by more than $8,000 to cover the tuition of police courses. Uniform costs increased due to the Police Academy’s requirements for those attending, and stipends for clothing maintenance increased to $450 each for the 16 officers. The total employee costs requested was $32,415. It was $18,595 in 2011.

A request for $75,000 for the building reserve brought mixed reviews from committee members.

The amount includes the cost of materials for a proposed three-bay garage to be built by Foster Technology Center students. The town would fund the cost of site work prep, a concrete pad, materials, installation of three overhead garage doors and an alarm system, Peck said.

The estimated cost of the garage with a second floor is $50,000 and any leftover funds would be held in reserve for future years.

Committee member Clyde Ross commended Peck for asking for a reserve account.

“Over the last 10 years, there’s been no seed money when we get ready to do something,” he said. Reserve accounts “help reduce what is laid out when you need something,” he added.

Chairman Joshua Bell questioned going back to residents for garage costs after they  approved $490,000 this year to renovate the building given by Franklin Memorial Hospital to become the department’s headquarters.

The Fire Department’s proposed budget was also reviewed. It stands at $314,812, which is $27,087 more than last year. 

It includes a salary increase for the fire chief, who said he has not had one since he took the position more than 11 years ago. There are also funds to update the department’s fire records management system that will tie into the new county dispatch and police systems.

The committee agreed to hear presentations from agencies, including Farmington Public Library, the chamber of commerce, American Red Cross and Safe Voices on Feb. 1.

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