Municipalities to probe joint police force
BROWNSVILLE TWP. – Brownsville Township has become the first community to officially decide to join Brownsville Borough for a feasibility study for a joint police force. The supervisors voted Monday to join the study, as long as it can be done at no cost to the township.
Brownsville Township currently pays Brownsville Borough $12,000 a year for on-call police protection.
“I can’t see where it’s not going to cost us a lot more to go with a regional police force – $12,000 isn’t one man’s salary.
“You’re better off going with the state police. It doesn’t cost your anything,” said supervisor Barry Bookshar.
Homer Yeardie, chairman of the supervisors, said it won’t cost anything to study the possibility of operating a joint police force and added that once the financial figures are available, the township can make an informed decision.
“We can’t go where it’s costing us more,” Yeardie said. “We’ll see if a joint force will help or hurt.”
Yeardie announced that finances are currently tight in the township since the first payment of $13,000 is due on the new township building. The building includes a garage for the township equipment, an office and a meeting room.
An open house will be held within the next two months.
The township is still discussing a new agreement with Charter Communication for cable- television service. The cable company originally requested a 12-year contract, but has reduced that to eight years. Yeardie said the township is interested in a shorter agreement, due to the rapidly changing communications field.
Yeardie said the township is looking into the possibility of paving Union, Center and Ann streets this year.
Union Street is definitely scheduled for paving, while the others are dependent on the availability of funds.
The township recently participated in a streambank clean-up project with PA Cleanways and the Izaak Walton League.
Yeardie said the supervisors are now looking into clearing trash from Brown Street and Lynn Road.
Yeardie said they are looking for any information that will help them identify who is scattering rubbish and throwing out furniture and appliances in the area.
Bookshar said he counted more than 30 tires thrown out on Lynn Road.