Police Committee Minutes 6-1-2026

Police Committee Minutes 6-1-2026

RUTLAND TOWN SELECTBOARD POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

JUNE 1^st , 2026

The Police Committee of the Rutland Town Selectboard met at 11:00 AM on Monday June 1^st, 2026, at the Municipal Town Hall. Present were Selectboard Chair Mary Ashcroft, Selectboard Member Matt Getty, Town Police Chief Ted Washburn, Town Police Officer Jimmy Plakas, and Town Administrator Bill Sweet.

Reviewed the impact the proposed Walmart project could have on our police department.

• Discussed the possible and anticipated impact Walmart would have on our Police Department.
• Discussed their initial impact on the department versus the long term benefit their financial analysis says the town would realize out to 2034.
• The manager of the new store was supposed to meet with Chief Washburn this morning, but he did not show up for the meeting.
• Based on call history received from Rutland City Police, they respond to over 400 calls for their address annually.
• Reviewed historical call patterns from Hannaford. The new Walmart could be the same or similar call frequency.
• Discussed the time involved in retail theft and other anticipated types of calls for service.
• Discussed the long-term staffing need of the department, which could be up to 5 or 6 officers.
• Reviewed the profound impact the situation at the Cortina had on the department, which had negative impacts on our officers.
• Other towns have negotiated with Walmart projects in their areas, some have not. Newport did not include anything in the Act 250 permits for their project but reached an agreement with them separately to be paid $100,000 per year for 6 years for impacts. This was paid to the municipality and not earmarked to any specific department.
• Discussed options for what permit conditions could be requested.
• Reviewed the questions on the MIQ.
  • Does the municipality have the capacity to provide the following services without unreasonable burdens for the above project.
    • For the Police Department, the committee agreed the answer is no.
    • They believe the increase in call volume would overburden the existing staff of the Police department.
  • Would the deficiencies occur without this project.
    • The committee agreed the answer was no.
  • If no, what measures could the applicant take to alleviate the deficiencies.
    • The committee agree the answer was impact fees.
  • If the deficiencies are common to many projects, does this project create burdens which are disproportionate to the taxes and user fees to be paid to the municipality.
    • The committee agreed the answer is yes.
  • Is a fee recommended?
    • The committee agreed the amount should be $125,000 per year.
    • Discussed the length of time to request and to base it on time, when the local option tax meets projections, or if an escalator clause should be used.
  • This will be discussed more with the full Board.

Discussed the status of hiring for officer positions.

• Three applications were received. One applicant withdrew. Of the 2 remaining, 1 has law enforcement background and the other does not.
• The SRO has submitted his letter of resignation. This position will be advertised as well.
• The police department will conduct interviews by an internal panel and report back.

Reviewed the status of the budget approaching the end of the year.

• There are some transfers from other accounts still to be made which cover most balances in deficit.
• A vote by the Board to carry over Cortina settlement funds is needed before the end of the fiscal year.

Chief Washburn told the committee Officer Plakas was award the 2025 American Legion Officer of the Year. Officer Plakas was nominated by Chief Washburn. There is a ceremony June 27^th in Colchester for the award presentation.

The meeting adjourned at 12:46 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet