Pennsylvania Community Struggles For Police Funding

Although Glen Rock residents have expressed their support for Southern Regional Police, that service could be next on the chopping block if the budget is stretched any further.

Nov. 16, 2011

2 min read

Although Glen Rock residents have expressed their support for Southern Regional Police, that service could be next on the chopping block if the budget is stretched any further.

The Glen Rock council will hold a public hearing before its meeting Wednesday to go over its proposed budget. The council said it is set for Southern Regional Police protection in 2012, but might have to cut it in 2013.

As it has done for the past 10 years, Glen Rock sent the police department a letter of withdrawal, giving it the option to decline service in 2013. The option requires one year's notice and, as it has always been, can be rescinded.

Glen Rock Council President Richard Shiles said the decision is strictly "budget-driven."

"If the residents feel strongly about keeping the police service, we'll look into it," he said. "There are no alternatives as good as staying with Southern Regional Police. We'll take the public's concerns into consideration."

The costs: Glen Rock paid $225,778 for police protection in 2011. That increased by about $10,000 to almost $235,000 proposed for 2012. The new police contract includes a 3 percent salary increase, and guarantees that increase every year for the next four years, Councilwoman Lucy Cadwallader said.

"In most big cities, ($10,000) is not a lot," she said. "But in Glen Rock, a little borough with 1,800 residents, it is."

Cadwallader said the borough

is already down to a bare-bones budget, and a possible solution could be a tax increase. The borough is proposing moving from 2.85 to 2.95 mills -- a $10 tax hike for the owner of a $100,000 home.

Southern Regional Police Chief James Boddington, who took over in January, said he understands the borough is stretched thin and might have to raise taxes to keep police protection. He said he is not concerned the borough will drop his department.

"They personally told me they are satisfied with the department; they're just concerned about finances," Boddington said. "So when money gets tight, they put in a (withdrawal) letter."

The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Glen Rock EMS building, 59 Water St.

Amanda Dolasinski at 505-5437 or [email protected]