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At its Tuesday meeting, the South Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors voted that it will not, at this time, consider entering into any agreements to join the Lebanon County Regional Police force.
Although no formal proposal has been directly presented to the township to join, board chairman Stephen Krause said they were invited to attend a presentation outlining the potential merger. The session included a brief overview of how a regionalized police department could operate, as well as initial discussions on structure, costs, and participating municipalities.
This merger would combine the Lebanon Regional Police Department and Western Lebanon Regional Police department into a single 40-person unit.
“I think we’re pretty content with the performance and the coverage that we have and I don’t think we’re in a position where we want to jeopardize that by having to supplement other municipalities,” said Krause. “My biggest concern from our perspective is the loss of control because once they join the charter for the regional police they are no longer under South Lebanon Township.”
Krause emphasized that there were positives he saw to the merger, but ultimately he felt it best to keep the control within the borough in order to make the best decision for the township residents.
“The little bit of savings I saw that they show to me is not worth giving up your police department and all your equipment,” said vice chair Jonathan Beers.
Supervisors plan to stay up to date with this matter.
During the meeting, Brianna Laliberte, emergency management specialist with the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, provided a brief update in regards to emergency management.
“There’s still a lot up in the air at this point with what FEMA looks like, and what we have been told is that there will likely be a restructuring that puts more responsibility on the states, the county and the municipal governments,” said Laliberte. She also noted that at this time all federal grants are on hold.
Laliberte urged homeowners to ensure they have adequate property insurance, noting that federal funding in an emergency remains uncertain.
In other news, the board:
Heard the district justice report for March, which showed $6,230.08 in motor vehicle fines and $99.49 in non-motor fines, totaling $6,329.57. Supervisors noted the total was higher than usual and that the timing of fine payments is beyond the district justice’s control.
Approved several park usage requests for various events.
Approved a park employee applicant, pending a background check.
Approved an updated agreement for the Lebanon County Drug Task Force.
Approved agreement for usage of the Richland Borough yard waste and recycling center.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m., at 1800 S. 5th Ave., Lebanon. Meetings are open to the public.
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