Special meetings scheduled for vote on Tarentum-Brackenridge police consolidation

The idea to consolidate police forces in Brackenridge and Tarentum continues to inch forward.

More than 7,500 residents in the two boroughs could be served by a combined department by the end of the month if the move is approved during specially scheduled meetings July 28.

Both councils will meet, separately, to vote on an intergovernmental agreement for police protection.

“(The process) was a little overwhelming at first, but everyone came together for the safety of the residents,” Tarentum Council Vice President Lou Ann Homa said.

“I see the consolidation as a step in the right direction for the residents of both boroughs and for the safety of the officers.”

If it’s approved, the three Brackenridge officers and their police equipment would be absorbed by Tarentum’s force, which is a 10-man operation.

The Brackenridge department would no longer exist. Schedules, pensions and other issues would be covered by Tarentum administrators.

Brackenridge Mayor Lindsay Fraser, who oversees the police force, did not return calls seeking comment. Her council took initial steps toward approval last week by voting to advertise the related ordinance.

The mayor said previously that sharing municipal services could create leverage for obtaining state funding.

The police budget for Brackenridge is about $570,000. If the consolidation is approved, the borough would pay Tarentum $435,000 plus an annual fee equal to 7% of the police budget, or $39,000.

In return, Brackenridge would benefit from additional manpower, more flexibility to meet hours of peak demand and enhanced training opportunities. State police have been helping to cover shifts in the borough.

“One of the largest benefits for Brackenridge will be the police presence on the weekends,” Tarentum Councilman Kevin Bertocki said. “They have been depending on the state police, and what some people don’t know is they cover a very large area. The state is also short of officers, which doesn’t help.”

Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf was careful not to call the consolidation a merger. He said the goal is to maintain community policing and have familiar faces patrolling the streets.

The small towns abut each other and stretch less than 2 miles.

“I think it will be a great thing for both boroughs,” Bertocki said.

He said Tarentum police Chief Bill Vakulick works to keep up with the latest technology for his officers, and that will now benefit Brackenridge.

“Both boroughs have good, dedicated officers that work well together now, so I don’t see anything changing there,” Bertocki said.