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Pennridge commission reviews 2025 budget draft, flags accreditation, vehicle and firearms costs
Summary
The Pennridge Regional Police Commission reviewed a first draft of the 2025 budget on July 24, proposing a 3.07% overall increase and a 6.59% rise in township contributions; commissioners questioned vehicle, firearms and phone upgrade costs and discussed pursuing department accreditation before a planned September approval.
The Pennridge Regional Police Commission reviewed the first draft of its 2025 budget at a July 24, 2024 meeting. Chief Paul T. Dickinson Jr. said the draft proposes a 3.07% overall increase and that contributions from the participating townships would rise 6.59% next year.
The increase, Chief Dickinson said, stems from officer salary increases, expenses related to pursuing department accreditation, purchases of new firearms and higher fuel prices. Commissioners were told the commission hopes to finalize the budget in September.
Commissioner Jay Keyser asked about a budgeted replacement vehicle. Chief Dickinson said the estimate covers the purchase of a 2025 Ford Explorer plus the costs to upfit it for police use; Keyser requested previous years' vehicle maintenance records and an updated fleet report to justify replacement timing and cost.
Keyser also expressed support for pursuing accreditation; Commissioner Dave Nyman said he has discussed the need for accreditation and that East Rockhill understands the expense. Commissioners framed accreditation as a multi-year investment tied to training and operational standards.
Line item 410.211 for firearms expenses drew questions from Keyser and Committee member Jim Nietupski. Chief Dickinson said the purchases would replace aging equipment and include noise suppressors and shorter barrels intended to improve officer health, safety and maneuverability. He gave the cost per rifle as $2,315.50.
Commissioners also asked about a phone-system upgrade and whether the department had adequate phone lines. Chief Dickinson said the quoted vendor for the phone project is Galco Phones.
The commission did not take final action on the budget at the July 24 meeting; members thanked the Public Safety Committee for presenting an early draft and indicated they expect further discussion and a vote toward approval in September.
