Renovo Regional Police study recommends two fulltime, four part-time officers

RENOVO — Emphasizing the decision is a local one, two local government experts from the state are recommending a Renovo area regional police force consisting of a chief, a fulltime officer and four part-time patrolmen, the estimated cost $238,000.

Ron Stern and Howard Dougherty met today in Renovo borough council chambers and presented their findings for a possible regional force to serve not only Renovo but South Renovo and Chapman and Noyes Townships.

Elected officials from all four municipalities were present to hear the study results from the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services. Stern called today’s presentation “a foundation to build on.” He said a Renovo regional force could “start small” and grow.

They presented a possible operating budget of $238,000 for 2017 but emphasized “it is what you want, what fits, what you can afford.” The state representatives said it would be up to the participating municipalities to determine how the operating costs would be divided up, utilizing factors such as population, road mileage, assessed value and general fund revenue.

If approved by the two boroughs and the two townships, a five member police commission would be set up to oversee the operation.

Dougherty said if the region just went by population, a force of six fulltime members would be called for, but he said the Renovo area “can’t afford that,” instead recommending the two fulltime officers and four part-time officers working 1,250 hours a year. Stern said the state offers a Municipal Assistance Grant Program which finances up to 50 percent of the total project cost.

Presently Renovo is the only western Clinton County municipality with a police force, consisting of one chief in Mike Jeffries. The borough spent nearly $85,000 for police services in 2015, the other municipalities zero.

Stern told the assemblage that if the communities want to proceed, paper work could be completed in “a couple months.” He said the local officials should take a couple weeks to “digest” the information and meet again to further consider the regionalization concept.