CLEARFIELD – “May the Lawrence Township Board of Supervisors be authorized to increase property taxes by six mills for the payment of salaries, benefits or other compensation for ambulance, rescue, police or other emergency services?”
The above referendum question was posed to township voters during Tuesday’s General Election. And, 2,055, or 72.72 percent, told the supervisors “no.” Only 771 voters, or 27.28 percent, voted “yes,” according to the Clearfield County Election Central Web site.
In February, the supervisors approved for a referendum to appear on the ballot, as they sought for voters to approve a public safety fund for the Lawrence Township Police Department. Had it been voter-approved, the fund would’ve had its millage accounted for separately under the general fund budget. In addition, it would have resulted in a 33 percent property tax increase with this revenue going toward the police department.
Also, had it been voter-approved, it would have allowed the township to employ up to two full-time police officers or up to three part-time police officers, according to a previous GantDaily.com report.
The Lawrence Township police originally consisted of 14 police officers, including full- and part-time positions. However, through attrition the department only has seven, officers, said Supervisor William Lawhead in a previous GantDaily.com report.
The supervisors will hold a special budget meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Lawrence Township Municipal Building. The supervisors expected they would need to hold a post-election meeting to adjust its budget so far as the police department funding.
