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police-staffing

SPD announces abandoned search. Chief answers questions about staffing issues

The Southborough Police issued an unusual press release.

by Beth Melo on

The Southborough Police Department issued a press release on an incident yesterday evening. It involved a manhunt that was ultimately abandoned when officers had to respond to another emergency call. Read the full article → from SPD announces abandoned search. Chief answers questions about staffing issues

Town Meeting to ask for 7.7% 7.5% increase for 2026 taxes (Updated- Again)

A look at this year's budget drivers: public safety staffing, employee health insurance, and school budgets

by Beth Melo on

Updated (3/26/25 10:19 am): Since initially posting this story, I discovered that the Town has posted new budget documents. I’ve updated the story to reflect new figures.

At the Annual Town Meeting in just under two weeks, the Select Board is expected to ask voters to pass a budget that would create an estimated 7.47% increase in homeowner’s tax bills next year. It’s the largest spike since this blog has been covering Southborough Town government. Read the full article → from Town Meeting to ask for 7.7% 7.5% increase for 2026 taxes (Updated- Again)

STM Article 16: Adding a new SPD Lieutenant (Updated – again)

Voters will be asked to add another Police Lieutenant position to the budget to help deal with a "staffing crisis".

by Beth Melo on

According to Police Chief Ryan Newell, the Southborough Police Department has a staffing crisis. The SPD has lost eight officers in the last 21 months. And his second in command has an “overwhelming” workload.

To help alleviate the issues, voters will be asked to support funding a new Lieutenant position. Read the full article → from STM Article 16: Adding a new SPD Lieutenant (Updated – again)

911 Regionalization Article headed to Special Town Meeting (Updated)

The Select Board will ask voters to "recommend" regionalizing the dispatch staff that answers emergency calls.

by Beth Melo on

At the upcoming, Special Town Meeting, the Select Board will take the unusual step of asking voters to cast a non-binding vote to advise them. The Article will ask voters to “recommend” the board pursue regionalizing public safety dispatch services. Read the full article → from 911 Regionalization Article headed to Special Town Meeting (Updated)

Residents may be looking at a big tax increase.

Unique drivers this year (including Schools & Public Safety)

by Beth Melo on

It looks like the Town is facing a bigger than usual challenge this year in trying to rein budget increases in. Big drivers for tax increases this year aren’t the same one we have seen in the past couple of years. Read the full article → from Residents may be looking at a big tax increase.

Select Board withdraws from Dispatch IMA

Southborough will not be part of a MetroWest RECC on the superfund site in Westborough.

by Beth Melo on

Following up on guidance by Town Meeting, the Select Board took a new vote on whether to remain in or withdraw from an agreement with Westborough and Grafton to form a regional public safety dispatch center. Read the full article → from Select Board withdraws from Dispatch IMA

Police Alert & Updates

Front door kicked, Select Board to vote on Regional Dispatch agreement, and a report on what Police have been up to lately

by Beth Melo on

Southborough Police are investigating an incident of an apparently kicked (but not kicked-in) front door. It’s one of the many updates I’m sharing related to the SPD.

Another item I should highlight is tonight’s Select Board vote on an agreement to work with 3 other Towns to establish a public safety Regional Dispatch Center for  in Westborough. Read the full article → from Police Alert & Updates

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