About eight months after submitting its questionnaire, Clarks Summit is closing in on an answer from the state as to whether it would be reasonable to form a regional police force.
And so far, the feedback is "very positive," borough council President Gerrie Carey said.
"We are on the cusp of hearing back from the state Department of Community and Economic Development," said Ms. Carey, who said she expected a response within the next couple of months. "From what I have heard, they think the borough will be a great pilot."
With costs to support the Police Department climbing, Clarks Summit officials turned to neighboring municipalities in the spring, asking whether they would consider police regionalization.
Of the several they asked, only Newton Twp. expressed interest.
Now the two municipalities are waiting to hear back from DCED, which is conducting a free study that will help officials decide whether joining forces would be more cost-effective than both communities' current police contracts.
The study, which includes information about the communities and their police departments, should be completed by the end of February, Ms. Carey said.
Though nothing has been finalized, she said she expects to hear more positive feedback when the borough receives the DCED's recommendation.
"They looked at the territory itself and realized that with all the surrounding small communities - La Plume, Glenburn and Dalton - this would be an ideal fit," said Ms. Carey, referring to the DCED. "They realized we wouldn't be breaking up police departments. We would just be using the existing officers to cover more area."
As an officer who has preached communication and teamwork throughout his 20 years of service with the Carbondale Police Department, Clarks Summit Police Chief Joe Laguzzi said he would welcome a regional police force.
"I think it is a great idea," Chief Laguzzi said. "These smaller communities have trouble supporting their police department, while also providing 24 hours of coverage. A regionalization would certainly help both of those issues."
Last year, Clarks Summit paid $700,000 to support its Police Department - one of the borough's largest budget items.
Meanwhile, Newton Twp., whose police force consists of one man - Chief Bob Reese - contracts with South Abington Twp. each year.
In December, officials from both townships agreed to a new contract that calls for Newton Twp. to pay $55.08 per hour of police coverage through 2013 when Chief Reese is off duty.
However, with Chief Reese set to retire at the end of 2014, officials are looking to the future.
"We are happy with our coverage, but we are also very interested in exploring this idea," said Newton Twp. Supervisor Ron Koldjeski, who said he hasn't heard anything from DCED yet. "We will go with the option that provides us with the best coverage for the best price. We are hoping to hear something soon."
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