Kingston Considers Override to Fund Public Safety and Schools
Board of Selectmen Aims for February Proposal to Address Budget Shortfalls
KINGSTON - January 21 - Kingston officials are exploring the possibility of a Proposition 2 1/2 override to address budget shortfalls in public safety and education. The Board of Selectmen discussed potential override scenarios during a presentation by the budget working group, aiming to develop proposals by February to present to voters.
Fire Chief Mark Douglass and Police Chief Brian Holmes presented their department's budget requests, highlighting increased call volumes and staffing needs. The fire department is seeking to maintain current staffing levels, while the police department is requesting additional officers to address growing demands.
"We are operating at a skeleton group," said Chief Holmes, noting the department has not seen significant growth since 1997. "Six percent [budget increase] is going to be catastrophic."
The police department is requesting three new patrol officers, one deputy chief, and one full-time dispatcher at an estimated cost of $1,156,951. Chief Holmes emphasized the need for "cops on the streets" as the top priority.
Fire Chief Douglass reported that 53% of EMS calls in 2024 were reached within six minutes, a critical benchmark for cardiac arrests and trauma responses. He also noted a significant increase in mutual aid received, with 127 instances in 2024 compared to 79 given.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey presented a budget that includes a 6% increase for the police department, which Chief Holmes said would result in the layoff of one full-time patrol officer and one dispatcher. To maintain level services without layoffs, the department would need an additional $211,000.
The fire department is facing similar challenges, with Chief Douglass stating that the proposed budget would limit their ability to fill shifts during illnesses or injuries.
Board members expressed concern about potential service cuts and explored options to find additional funding within the current budget. Selectman Kim Emberg suggested looking at various departments for potential savings, including the Council on Aging and Recreation Department.
"We're not just thinking about this year. We're thinking about next year, too," Emberg said, emphasizing the need for long-term planning.
The board also discussed increasing transfer station fees as a potential revenue source. Hickey presented a proposal that would raise the annual permit fee from $240 to $350 for most residents, potentially generating an additional $230,000 in revenue.
"So right now it's costing the taxpayers $256, almost $257,000 to operate the transfer station when you take the budget amount less the revenue we receive. By increasing the fees, as I've identified on the right-hand side of the paper, you're increasing the revenues." Hickey explained.
However, Board Chair Eric Cron expressed concern about the steep increase, saying, "Going from $240 to $350 for a sticker is going to be [difficult for residents]."
The potential override discussion comes as Kingston faces increased demands on town services. The recent approval of MBTA zoning, which could allow for over 500 new apartments, is expected to further strain public safety resources in the coming years.
Hickey committed to providing the board with additional revenue and cost-saving options before their next meeting. "Let me try to get creative. I'll work with both chiefs and all the other department heads and see what we can pull together," he said.
The board plans to continue budget discussions at their next meeting, with the goal of finalizing override proposals in February. This timeline would allow for educating the public before any potential vote at the annual town meeting.