New Ordinance Could Lock in Falmouth’s Bloated Police Budget

What Is an Ordinance?

In Falmouth, an ordinance is a regulation that carries the force of law. The city maintains an adopted set of ordinances, and from time to time, the council votes to amend them.

One proposed change recently caught my eye while reviewing Councilman Anthony Cox’s notes.

Why This Matters

It’s no secret that we’ve actively discussed the bloated police budget in Falmouth. Somehow, despite the size of our town — just 1.3 square miles with a population of around 2,600 — we still can’t maintain 24-hour police coverage.

That’s why this jumped out:

November 6, 2025 — First Reading

Ordinance to Increase Minimum Police Staffing

Proposed Change:
Raise the minimum staffing from three officers to a police chief and six officers, totaling a seven-person department.

Discussion:
None yet. But this is expected to come up at the next city council meeting.

Note:
Whisper will have Paul Maddox at that meeting to provide insight into the city’s finances.

Wait… Haven’t We Already Had That Many?

We’ve already had about that many officers on payroll. Yet still — no consistent 24-hour coverage.

So here’s the question:

Why write that number into law now?

It feels like an attempt to lock in the bloated police budget through Election Day. And depending on who wins office, maybe even longer.

Let’s Be Honest

When the original ordinance calling for three officers was adopted, the town’s population was about the same as it is now.

So ask yourself:

Does a 1.3 square mile town with 2,600 people really need seven full-time police officers?

To me, it feels excessive.
It feels performative.
And it feels like another way to protect a budget line that’s already not delivering the coverage we’re paying for.

Be Heard

If you believe this matters, speak up.
Request to be added to the agenda for the next city council meeting.

Your voice matters.
Use it.

Whisper One Out.