CLEARFIELD — Tensions flared Thursday as members of Clearfield Borough council met to discuss the future of local law enforcement.
Last month, the borough council voted to withdraw from the regional police force at the end of the calendar year and establish its own department. The decision followed failed attempts by borough and township supervisors to reach a funding agreement that would sustain the regional force beyond 2026.
During public comments, resident Christie Fulton questioned the council’s plan for an independent department. She asked if upcoming finance committee meetings would be advertised so the public could attend.
Council President Ann Jane Ross said the council had not yet scheduled the meetings but promised they would be advertised. Fulton argued the council has not been forthcoming.
“You revealed your dissolution date at the last joint meeting, and since then you should’ve been able to come up with your $1 million plan,” Fulton said. “It’s all rhetoric; it’s irrelevant. I want to see the money.”
Fulton added that an independent municipal department would cost far more than $1 million and noted that the council has not addressed dissolution costs. She also reminded the council that Mayor Mason Strouse previously promised the borough would not rely solely on Pennsylvania State Police for coverage.
“I think there’s options floating around that have to do with how much you’ll rely on state police,” Fulton said. “I only have assumptions because you haven’t been transparent enough to reveal your financial plan.”
Council member Bruce Fair also criticized the move, comparing the borough’s tax strategy to “crowdsourcing.”
“We take their (taxpayers’) money and fund the borough. They expect good roads, good police and fire coverage, good utilities,” Fair said.
Fair argued the borough cannot launch a new department for $1 million without leaving gaps in daily coverage. He expressed concern for officer safety if backup is unavailable.
“Mark my words; you cannot do this,” Fair said. “I’m so confused in the manner in which we do business. When we began to contemplate leaving… we should have had a complete plan, down to the schedule, benefits, utilities.”
Fair noted that despite three votes to leave the regional force, the council still does not know if a standalone department is feasible. “It’s godawful how this has been done,” he added.
Despite the criticism, the council approved a motion to appoint Rodney Witherite of Curwensville Borough as an independent consultant to assist the borough with the police department transition. Fair cast the lone dissenting vote.
The council and township will hold their next joint meeting to discuss the regional police department at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Lawrence Township Municipal Building.
