Law enforcement budgeting riches

Mayor Ramon Hayes presented the preliminary 2022 town budget to the council and community two weeks ago, Nov. 4, and all of a sudden there is a surfeit – a lot – of riches and commitment to law enforcement. It is a bit late in the process, with council scheduled to pass the budget Dec. 14, but will the council pause, if not ask for a do over?

First, both departing Councilmember Bill Stokes and Rick Dole, elected to replace him, agree on a strong law enforcement presence and filling the long vacant code enforcement officer position. For over a year, a small group of residents have a...