HB1085

Changes to NH RSA 105-C:4 by adding section IV is not needed and would harm how we handle our salary budget. Under current state law and city charter the Rochester Police Commission does not have authority over the general budget of the police department it falls under the Chief's authority. While the commission has the ability to set wages, this is set in the local CBA with the union. Above the contract we currently pay officers a recruitment bonus and incoming certified officers a sign on bonus from our unused salaries from open positions. While it is authorized by the police commission as it related to wages, this is done with the authorization of the City Manager and Finance Director. State law should not be changed to limits how individual municipalities with police commissions handle the use of unused salaries, it is best decided at the local level. As current in our municipality as a matter of practice and principal all unused salary money goes back to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The manner in which section IV is written gives the appearance the change in state law is seeking to correct a local problem, which should be handled locally, not a change which would be made to impact how other commissions operate.

The Police Commission is an elected body chosen by the citizens of the community. Residents place their trust and confidence in the Police Commission to make decisions that are in the best interest of the community they serve. State government should not take away the Commission’s authority to make those local decisions. Paragraph IV goes against the long-standing principle that the best decisions are made at the lowest level of government. The state should not dictate how local budget funds are utilized. That responsibility belongs to the Police Commission with respect to the city or town police budget. As we all know, recruiting and maintaining a fully staffed police department is an extremely difficult task. Local Police Commissions are the ones who must manage this ongoing challenge, and they should be allowed to do so without interference from the state. For these reasons, I strongly oppose this bill.