Pocono News Section

Williamsport Police OT Fund Nearly Maxed Out

Williamsport Police OT Fund Nearly Maxed Out - Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 4:49PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 @ 04:49pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

With more than three months left in 2008, the city of Williamsport's police overtime budget is nearly maxed out. Eyewitness News has now learned where they hope to get the extra funding to get them through the year.

City police officials say newly reinstated training courses, high profile investigations, and a proactive approach in high crime areas are the reasons Williamsport's police overtime budget is nearly wiped out.

Police Chief Greg Foresman explained, "Some of these investigations are extremely lengthy and they cost a lot of money. That's where we're at right now and that's why we're coming back to council at this time to ask for more money."

With their $300,000 overtime allotment nearly spent, the department is asking city council for another $75,000 to get them through. Chief Foresman says the money would come from other line items previously eliminated from the budget.

Most of the residents we spoke with say the city should spend whatever amount is necessary to protect it's citizens.

Joanne Miller of Williamsport said, "I think they should get more money because it's hard out there working with the crimes and everything."

But others say the department needs to do a better job policing it's own finances.

Williamsport’s Heidi Gesselman explained, "I think that the money could be used for other projects- like maybe having to do with children, low income families, or rebuilding the city."

Foresman points out that the extra money would be added strictly as insurance, and only spent if necessary.

He added, "The money's there basically just to fill it in, just in case we would need it. I'm hoping that we don't."

The police overtime funding request will be on the agenda for city council's meeting Thursday night. But a final decision will likely take about a month.