Deputy Chief Position Cut by North Branford Police Commissioners

For months, a budget cut of $110,000 has been hanging over the North Branford Police Department. The cut was mandated by the Town Council in its $47.43 million budget for 2011-12. 

"Nobody expected to be cut like that," said Dan Troiano, chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners.

With no decision made at the , a council member remarked that it is difficult to determine actual cuts and another meeting will be scheduled to address the issue.

The issue was addressed in a special meeting yesterday, July 13, with the result being the elimination of Deputy Chief Michael Doody's position.

"We’re top heavy and we need people on the road to protect the citizens," said Troiano. "To reach that cut, we would have had to get rid of two patrolmen who we need on the streets to keep the town safe." 

The New Haven Register reported that the decision is “null and void, as there was no item listing a vote on the meeting agenda, and votes can’t be added to special meeting agendas, according to Town Attorney John Gesmonde.”