Police Town Hall Meeting Postponed
In August, Ford City residents clamored for borough council to respond to resident concerns if the full-time police department was disbanded - as was recommended by the Council Police Committee during the summer. A town hall meeting to discuss police matters was originally scheduled for this Thursday, but has been postponed to a later date.
By Jonathan Weaver
Ford City residents have waited since the first week of August to hear more from Borough Council members about a recommendation to disband the local police department.
Now, they will have to wait a little longer.
Borough Council originally scheduled to talk about the issue at a town hall meeting Thursday evening at the Latin American Club, but that meeting will be rescheduled.
Borough Council President Kathy Bartuccio explained why.
“We thought we needed more information before we go in front of all these people,” Bartuccio said. “We want to get all the facts together so they know everything. The residents have a right to know what’s going on.”
In a letter dated July 14 to fellow council members, the borough Police Committee – made up of Vickie Schaub, Jerry Miklos and Scott Gaiser – made the recommendation to disband the full-time police force due to the department’s $550,000 budget.
“…Given the Borough’s financial situation and the other demands on its revenues, the cost of operating the department is not sustainable,” Schaub read from the letter at July’s second regular meeting.
Three possible options that would provide savings were reviewed by committee members, including contracting with a neighboring municipality, hiring a non-union working police chef or eliminating part-time officers and shifts or disbanding the department altogether.
But, committee members recommended permanent disbandment of the borough police force and to shift all police services to the Pennsylvania State Police.
A future Borough Council would not be prohibited from reinstating the local police force, and input from taxpayers will be received before a decision is made.
The Police Committee’s recommendation led to input from citizens, business owners, police personnel and officials from Fraternal Order of Police, Allegheny Valley Lodge #39 at the Latin American Club in August.
Borough Council members at that meeting were advised by Solicitor Anthony Vigilante not to comment since they did not call the meeting.
The next regular meeting had to be moved to the Latin American Club because of high attendance, but the topic was not on the regular agenda and therefore not discussed.
Councilman Gene Banks said the police department was to be discussed during last week’s work session, but was missed following a council executive session. Banks suggested that council members present facts and figures concerning borough finances – including the fire department, public works, office and water plant - before discussion continues on the 2015 budget rather than cancelling the meeting altogether.
Banks even made 500 flyers for residents to attend the town hall meeting and was surprised it was cancelled for this week.
Borough Manager Eden Ratliff stood committed to that final principle last week – that no decision will be made until local residents get to voice their input on the matter. If a date is decided, the town hall will be announced at the November 10th regular council meeting.
Two local municipalities are also not interested in utilizing Ford City police protection.
Ford Cliff Borough Mayor Lori Kijowski refuted a report that the municipality showed interest.
“That is incorrect information,” Mayor Kijowski said. “Ford Cliff Borough didn’t do any of that.”
Borough residents are currently protected by the Pennsylvania State Police –which Kijowski called “above and beyond” satisfactory.
Cadogan Township Supervisor William O’Brien Sr. confirmed the municipality was interested, but just signed a year contract for police service through South Buffalo Township.
Next weeks’ regular meeting begins at 6PM within Ford City Library on 4th Avenue.
