CLEARFIELD- In October, faced with a shortfall on being able to fund the Clearfield Regional Police Department, Borough Council held a special meeting in order to agree into funding the department through the end of the year. The 2025 budget allotment ran its course at the end of that month, with the final payment going through.
Council approved a motion at the special meeting on October 22 to fund the requested $250,000 for the remainder of the year.
Borough manager, Julie Brooks, noted that in order to pay the remainder of the requested balance, council would need to take out a loan. However, by Thursday’s meeting, she noted that banks were wishing to see the tentative budget prior to approving any loan. This was to ensure that the borough would have the available funding to pay off the loan, including the interest. Dennis Biancuzzo, borough vice president, noted that he was not comfortable in approving payment until council has the loan finalized.
Several police officers spoke of the shortfall in the budget. Levi Olson noted that the main difference between the borough funding it’s own police department prior to it combining with Lawrence Township was the usage of namely part-time officers.
However, with the regionalized department, along with a shortage on officers, relying on part-time officers on duty was no longer feasible.
Zachary Cowan hoped council would think carefully instead of in a rush, including reviewing studies of how fewer officers would lead to a higher crime rate.
Council member Larry Mack put the motion on the floor to approve the requested $250,000 pending the approval of the loan. The rollcall vote would go 4-3 against the motion. Mack, George Dehaven, and Bill Armstrong voted in favor. Biancuzzo, Ann Jane Ross, Barb Shaffner, and Bruce Fair all voted against. Tristan Buck was absent.
Borough committees also were in session, as they made a number of recommendations that were moved forward to the regular meeting.
- David Burke was recommended as the new code enforcement officer, replacing Brett Stewart.
- Public Works recommended the recycling center be open on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Clearfield Mayor, Mason Strouse, announced that November is Veteran’s Appreciation Month.
- A new ramp has been installed at the Santa House, with costs split between both the Planning and Development Committee and the Clearfield Revitalization Corporation. The street department completed installation of the new ramp at a cost of $384 to the borough. Brooks gave thanks to the street department for installing the ramp before the holiday season.
Borough council will hold it’s regular meeting on Thursday, November 20, at 5 p.m. Council will also have a special meeting on Tuesday, November 11, at 4:30 p.m. to discuss and potentially agree to an amended settlement in the case of Fulton vs. Clearfield Borough.
