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The Greensboro Police Department’s FY26 budget was the only topic on the docket for the Town Council’s workshop meeting on April 3.
Despite recent departures of town staff - including the town manager - Greensboro Mayor David Spencer said that FY26 budget talks “could not be put off any longer.” Greensboro Police Chief Lt. Lenox Trams presented the proposed police department budget, which he stated was a group effort between himself and other town employees.
The department anticipates a total revenue of $62,175. This figure includes funds from state aid, grants, and proceeds from ticketed violations or fees. Mayor Spencer noted that the upcoming speed camera, which Chief Trams said is now in the “installation phase,” could increase the chances of revenue from speeding tickets. According to Chief Trams, this anticipated amount is “the exact same as last year.”
Total anticipated expenditures for the department are set at $400,258.
Salaries for personnel are over half of the total expenses, budgeted at $271,580. Other line items include insurance, maintenance, utilities, and other necessary operational costs. It also includes grant-funded community support initiatives like the basketball program.
A new consideration in the budget this year is the police department’s proposal to bring on a K-9. Despite undergoing chemo and radiation, as well as having a leg amputated, Greensboro’s Sgt. Adams assured the Council and the public that K-9 Mosley is “always on her mark.” “She’s a true warrior,” he said, “and she always wanted to go back to work.” The Council funded a recent vet check-up for Mosley and she received “a clean bill of health.” $8,000 is included in the expenditures for emergency veterinary care, dog food, training, and equipment.
Another topic that drew discussion was a $10,000 payment to Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. Councilman Joe Noon inquired as to why Greensboro Police Department was responsible for paying this amount to the Sheriff's Department. Councilman Pete Brelia explained that in the past with the Caroline-Queen Anne narcotics task force, town municipalities who were unable to lend an officer instead gave this sum, and CCPD intends to use this model with a county-wide criminal investigation task force. Mayor Spencer said that the support that CCSD provides Greensboro, considering its limited staff of only two officers, puts a “strain” on CCSD’s budget. According to Mayor Spencer, the payment exists so “when they come in here and conduct lengthy investigations on our behalf, to offset those costs.”
The Council confirmed that they are awaiting a formal Memorandum of Understanding from CCSD, and more discussion can take place when one is received and it is able to be reviewed by the town’s legal team.
The workshop meeting concluded with Chief Trams thanking Greensboro town employees who aided him in preparing the budget proposal and a brief suggestion from Mayor Spencer to consider adding a line item for marking Greensboro PD vehicles.
