Building the Budget: Police, Fire, Library and DoverNet in FY2027

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Police Chief David Terlemezian, Fire Chief Brendan Driscoll, Public Library Director Denise LaFrance, and Information Technology Director Annie Dove as part of an ongoing look at the City of Dover's FY 27 municipal operating budget.

Chief Terlemezian, in his first budget as chief, explains that despite the department's $13 million budget, very little is discretionary — the bulk is driven by personnel and operational needs. He highlights two notable increases: a shift to annual payments for body cameras at roughly $90,000 per year, and a growing city match requirement as federal grants for the prevention and social work units become less reliable.

Chief Driscoll describes a collaborative process built around input from officers who oversee specific areas of responsibility. He notes a modest increase in vehicle maintenance costs but credits recent Capital Improvement Program investments in new apparatus for keeping those costs lower than expected.

Library Director LaFrance discusses the department's anticipated move back into its newly renovated building, which required educated guesses on utilities and drove a modest increase in part-time staff hours to prepare for anticipated higher foot traffic. She also notes rising demand for programming and confirms the library will not resume passport services.

DoverNet Director Annie Dove outlines a largely flat budget focused on keeping hardware current and applications supported. She highlights two new cybersecurity investments stemming from Homeland Security assessments and notes that the city has added a paid subscription to the MS-ISAC threat intelligence service after federal funding for the program was discontinued.