The Hanson Police Department is seeking a level-service budget for Fiscal Year 2026 as part of the proposed $3 million override on the Annual Town Election ballot.
For the first time in several years, the Police Department is fully staffed with 25 sworn officers and one civilian.
If the override is defeated at the ballot, the Hanson Police Department will lose at least one full-time officer and possibly a second due to budget reductions. The Police Department would also have to defer the purchase of three new police cruisers to replace aging vehicles that are constantly in service and used by all shifts.
According to Chief Michael Miksch, a budget reduction would also result in slower officer response times and the potential need to close the police station to walk-ins overnight.
The Police Department seeks to maintain the same number of currently employed officers if the override passes.
Residents will vote on the Proposition 2 1/2 ballot question during the Annual Town Election on Saturday, May 17.