Trending
LOCK HAVEN -- The potential reduction of police services in Lock Haven has caused a stir within the business community.
Paula Neyhart, owner of the Bus Stops Here, attended Monday night's council meeting to voice her concern over the possibility the department could go from 24-hour daily police coverage to 20 hours.
Neyhart's business, which sells educational supplies along with toys, puzzles and games, has been a staple downtown for roughly 40 years.
The potential shift in coverage was first made public during a City Council meeting last fall by City Manager Gregory Wilson.
Rising costs to taxpayers and council's desire not to raise taxes are the driving force behind the proposal, Wilson said.
At the time, Wilson said this would mean officers' hours would move from 8-hour to 10-hour shifts.
The remaining four hours would be covered by Pennsylvania State Police, but that would have to go through a formal request.
The issue has become a flash point since the city and police union have not been able to agree on a new labor contraact.
Thus, an arbiter is now involved and is expected to issue binding decisions on pay rates, pension contributions and health care premiums, among other issues.
The arbiter has no say, however, over police work schedules.
The previous contract expired on Dec. 31, 2022.
No details of the negotiations have been made public.
"Because of the amount of information the arbiter will want to review, it will take several weeks before a final determination is issued," Wilson said.
When final action is determined, it will be presented to council at a regular public meeting.
Neyhart told council that, as a business owner on Main Street, she's dealt with issues both in her store and outside of it where law enforcement was necessary.
"I have had some less than fortunate incidents both in my store and around the store," Neyhart said. "I'm there alone. In the winter time, in the dark, I've had people hanging around the dumpster right by where I park my car."
In the past, Neyhart said she's been able to speak with city police about this issue.
"They were very responsive and listened to my concerns and acted upon them," she said.
Neyhart said her main concern is the potential for those who may cause issues in the area, seeing the lack of city police coverage at night as a green light to act up - losing "our lovely Lock Haven."
She said if the city is not proactive, they may need to be reactive to a potential crisis down the road.
"I'm hopeful that you'll take that seriously and that you will consider letting the city police do their jobs," Neyhart concluded.
Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. Manager Kira Rosamilia also spoke about the potential change on behalf of the nonprofit merchants' group members.
Rosamilia said she first learned of the possible reduction in police coverage by a representative of LHPOA. She explained that, at first, she was requested to speak at an arbitration hearing on Friday morning, but was later asked to speak at a public meeting.
Rosamilia said she reached out to about 30 businesses and asked for comment regarding the proposal.
"I do have some comments from numerous businesses who do not want that," Rosamilia said of the reduction.
Rosamilia specifically touched on a business downtown who could face raised insurance rates due to the product it sells.
"They would have to adjust the entrance, add codes and have even considered hiring guards," Rosamilia said. She noted the costs for just this business alone could be great if city police hours are cut below 24.
She further noted a petition against the move, with 40 signatures from city residents and those who work in its limits, was in her mailbox one morning at the DLH office.
"I'm here stating that numerous businesses do not want this to happen," she said.
Members of council did not comment on the matter during Monday's meeting.
The Express spoke with a few businesses with store fronts downtown following council's meeting. Many of them preferred the city's police force remain 24-hour if possible.
"Any cut would be bad. In general, going backwards isn't a good thing," Randy Reese, owner of Reese's Print Shop at the corner of Main and Mill streets, said.
Reese has been at his location since the mid-1990s. He said he hasn't faced too many issues that required a police presence, though its happened.
"Over the years I've had to call in a few times. One time someone put a flower pot through the front door," he said.
Jeff Miller, owner of DataBit Solutions, Inc., said he isn't excited at the potential reduction.
"I'm not happy with it. I feel like the city is large enough for 24 hour police coverage," Miller said.
Miller's business, that consists mostly of computer and technology repair, said he hasn't had issues in the past -- but worries some could arise later.
"I'd like to keep it that way," he said.
Ashley Foltz, owner of Skeleton Key Boutique, said she feels public safety -- including a 24 hour police force -- should be a priority overall.
"Ideally, in my mind, it would be better to keep it 24 hours," she said.
For Avenue Bookstore owner Kris McMann, her concern doesn't lie specifically with the cut in hours -- but what that would be mean for the officers.
"I don't feel that I'm in danger from it," she said. "I'm just not in favor of any police officers hours possibly being cut."
No comment has been made on how specifically hours would change, beyond Wilson's statement that officers would go from 8-hour shifts to 10-hour.
McMann also feels that it would be difficult for Pennsylvania State Police to cover Lock Haven on top of the multiple other municipalities within Clinton County.
Matt Welty, digital manager at Beiter's, said its good for the store's staff to know who would respond to an alarm at the store.
Tamy Lamey, owner of Alanna's Ice Cream and More, said she isn't concerned about the potential change.
"I really don't think it would have an effect on my business," she said. "I have cameras and tenants upstairs and I live nearby."