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The Lock Haven Police Department needs better -- and a little more -- space.
That's the crux of City Council's review of proposals to either renovate the existing City Hall, build a new one or find a space, or spaces, to lease for city government and services.
So the ongoing process of reviewing proposals and costs is a necessary one -- whether anyone likes the estimated price tags or not.
Government always has to pay more for renovating or building public space.
It's mostly because of the prevailing wage act, but also because of all the requirements that come with making public spaces accessible and functional.
That said, there's no reason at this point to be alarmed by the very large cost estimates being vetted publicly by council as its members try to decide what's best for the city, its staff, its future and its taxpayers.
We're sure not everyone will be happy with where council lands.
We do believe city management and council are trying to find the best, most reasonable approach.
That said, we believe the city should not overspend on any City Hall project considering the burden it will place on taxpayers and businesses.
We have frequently reported -- and the city has lamented -- the fact that too many properties in the city are tax exempt.
That leaves the tax burden on fewer property owners.
It's a burden many communities face.
While assessing what to do, the city is negotiating a new agreement with the police union that, in part, proposes police coverage be reduced from 24 hours per day to 20 hours per day, in part by having officers work 10 hour shifts vs. 8 hour shifts. Whether that includes reduced manpower, we're still trying to figure out. City Manager Greg Wilson told The Express the move would save money as state police would be on call four hours per day under that scenario.
But that move kind of goes against results of a "Civilspace Budget Survey" the city recently conducted for its 2023 budget, whereby a majority of respondents said 24/7 police coverage is their top priority. That was followed by street maintenance and adequate firefighting capabilities. (It's unfortunate only 56 actual residents responded to the survey, but nonetheless …)
Should the city conclude that priority means taxpayers are willing to pay for 24 hour city police services?
Council is also behind recently announced plans to merge Hand in Hand and Hope Hose fire station companies as part of the equation to perhaps centralize police and fire services at a new location.
This would open the door to significant grant funding from state government, and perhaps even the federal government to lower the local cost.
Yes, there certainly are a lot of moving parts to this debate.
Answers won't come easy.
Bottom line: We don't believe a new City Hall is necessary, but the city police force needs better, more adequate space at a cost taxpayers and businesses can afford.