At a Monday, September 14, meeting, the Lancaster Township Supervisors voted unanimously to accept Manheim Township’s $1 million proposal to extend its police coverage into Lancaster Township.
About 75 local residents gathered at the meeting to observe and comment upon the Supervisors’ consideration of the police contracts presented by the City of Lancaster and Manheim Township.
Early in the meeting, Mayor Rick Gray spoke to the Supervisors to make the City’s final case for it’s proposal. Gray asserted that the MT plan amounts, ultimately, to a “proposal for patrol services.” Gray argued that the City’s proposal would provide a much higher level of service; in fact, the Mayor asserted, if the City were to provide services identical to those proposed by MT, the bill would ring in at a mere $851,000. Tony Allen, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, later called this a “low-ball” estimate on the City’s part.
Charging that MT’s proposal underestimates the physical and budgetary demands of effectively protecting Lancaster Township, the Mayor asked why proposals from other Townships came with a price similar to the City’s.
As was the case at the PSC meeting last week, arguments in favor of the City’s plan focused on the capacity to handle urgent calls with optimal speed and strong numbers; arguments in favor of MT’s plan focused on the capacity to handle smaller, ‘nuisance calls’ and to provide regular patrols.
Robert Field spoke as a Lancaster Township resident and representative of Manor House Apartments. Field emphasized the necessity of a police department’s ability to arrive ‘at the scene’ with multiple units, even in the case of routine calls and vehicle stops. The arrival of several cars at a domestic disturbance can establish a sense of order and security, and will maintain safety for both citizens and officers, Field said.
One man, who resides in the eastern end of Lancaster Township, argued for the City’s proposal, citing that the fates of the City and the Township are intertwined. He also asked that the Board of Supervisors delay their decision until they have thoroughly assessed the actual level of service proposed in each plan. Several other community members also asked that the Supervisors delay their decision.
Another man, who resides in the southern end of Lancaster Township, spoke in favor of MT’s proposal, asserting that it would provide more regular patrol coverage for his neighborhood. Under the current arrangement with Lancaster City, he said, police cars are rarely seen in his part of the Township.
Several residents argued that, out of respect for the due diligence of the Public Safety Committee (PSC), the Supervisors should follow the PSC’s recommendation to contract with MT.
Kenneth Armentrout a member of the PSC who voted against MT’s proposal last week, added to the chorus of those requesting a delay in the Board’s decision. Armenstrout advised that Township officials take time to seriously discuss the problem-solving potential of a regional department. “That’s been a dream for 40 years,” Armenstrout said.
Patrick Egan, another PSC member who voted against MT’s proposal, noted that the more expensive City plan would only cost the average homeowner an additional $60 per year.
Following public comment, the Supervisors weighed in on the proposals before their final vote. Supervisor Thomas Schaller emphasized that, under current City coverage, the Township is often left without patrolling officers. Schaller also noted that, to some residents, $60 extra dollars can mean a lot. He concluded by asserting the importance of conservative spending: “You can’t keep budgeting a deficit, because sooner or later you’re going to run out of backup money.”
Supervisor Kathy Wasong stated that her overriding concern, before financial considerations, was “the safety of Lancaster Township residents.” She argued that in terms of “feet on the ground” coverage, MT offered a superior proposal. Wasong also asserted that, since the City will effectively discontinue police coverage after December 31, the Supervisors could not delay their vote. To ensure a smooth turnover process, Wasong said, the Township had to make a prompt decision.
Finally, Supervisor and Chair Tony Allen stated his support for the MT proposal: “If we can provide the same amount of safety for less money…, then there’s no reason why we should not do this.” To defend the quality of protection offered by the MT proposal, Allen cited the MT’s higher commitment of regular, patrolling officers.
The Supervisors then voted unanimously to accept Manheim Township’s offer over those presented by the City of Lancaster.
