Pocono News Section

Lawmakers Debate Fee for State Police Service

Lawmakers Debate Fee for State Police Service - Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:17PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Sep 8, 2008 @ 05:17pm EST
MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - People who live in part of the Poconos are burning mad. They're upset about a proposal that would make them pay more money for state police coverage.

The bill would affect 21 townships across the state. The three in our area are: Chestnuthill Township and Middle Smithfield Township in Monroe County and Loyalsock Township in Lycoming County.

If passed, each person who lives in those townships would have to pay an additional $100 for state police coverage.

"I think that's outrageous. Don't we give them enough with our taxes every year," Jasmine Abrams asked.

While some people oppose the plan, others think the $100 fee is a cheap way to make the community safer.

"I'm in favor of it if they increase the state police here. If you have a burglary or something, it can take an hour or two hours before anyone can come," Carolyn Fonzetti said.

State police have many substations in the community of Middle Smithfield Township, like the one before the Foxmoor Mall, but its rarely staffed. Manager Sonny Hawkes says the state legislature needs to step in somehow.

"I think it's a joke. The legislature has to give us more state police. I suggested that each township kick in money to have state troopers designated for their area and they turned it down," Hawkes said.

If passed, the plan would bring in an additional $31 million every year. Some people fear it would bankrupt townships and push them to create their own police forces.

"That might cost us even more money. They have to buy cars, have a station and hire more people," Sal Indelicato said.

The proposed bill faces an uphill battle in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. It is not the first time it has been proposed. The idea was first developed by former governor Tom Ridge in the 1990's.