Fierce Disgreement Over Planned Police Department Move
By: Joe Holden
Updated: April 18, 2012
Harveys Lake, Luzerne County- It seems to be a no-brainer: use funds from a state grant to bankroll the cost of relocating the borough's police department. But the concept hit opposition Tuesday evening as people questioned why information on the grant was only now being released to the public. Other concerns focused on unanticipated costs that could force a tax increase.
Council members faced a full room, with questions about response times between the current police building and the plan to relocate to a building four miles away.
The borough has since shut off power to street lights because of dire financial straits. Council has also returned small stipends for their work. Councilwoman Michell'e Boice said a state-of-the-art police facility could lead to additional costs that might outpace funding for police operations.
In the end, council voted four to two in favor of using the state grant to fund the police department relocation. One councilman abstained.
Minutes before council's vote, President Larry Radel directed the entire council to move to a back room for "ten minutes." Eyewitness News asked the purpose for the apparent closed session. Solicitor Charles McCormick said he would find out.
Council members returned a short time later after Eyewitness News indicated an objection would be made if council left to go into executive session. At least three council members refused to join Radel.
Council members faced a full room, with questions about response times between the current police building and the plan to relocate to a building four miles away.
The borough has since shut off power to street lights because of dire financial straits. Council has also returned small stipends for their work. Councilwoman Michell'e Boice said a state-of-the-art police facility could lead to additional costs that might outpace funding for police operations.
In the end, council voted four to two in favor of using the state grant to fund the police department relocation. One councilman abstained.
Minutes before council's vote, President Larry Radel directed the entire council to move to a back room for "ten minutes." Eyewitness News asked the purpose for the apparent closed session. Solicitor Charles McCormick said he would find out.
Council members returned a short time later after Eyewitness News indicated an objection would be made if council left to go into executive session. At least three council members refused to join Radel.
