Boost Local Safety: Why a Tax Could Fund More Police on Your Streets!

Across the picturesque landscapes of the Lehigh Valley and beyond, many municipalities are navigating a pressing dilemma: how to ensure the safety of their residents without straining already tight budgets. Instead of funding their own police forces, these communities often lean on state police for protection and to respond to emergencies. But as costs rise and resources dwindle, this reliance is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

“Police service doesn’t come cheap,” asserts Bath Borough Manager Brad Flynn. “Whether a town operates its own police agency or partners with a regional department, equipping, training, and compensating officers is a hefty financial burden.”

Recognizing this challenge, a bold Lehigh Valley lawmaker is stepping up with a solution: a new tax dedicated exclusively to public safety. This proposed legislation aims to empower municipalities to take charge of their own policing needs.

Take Bath, for instance. In 2019, the borough left the Colonial Regional police force, citing an annual cost of $413,546 as too high for their budget. Now, they rely solely on state police for coverage, a move that’s echoing across Pennsylvania as more towns face similar financial constraints.

According to state Rep. Joshua Siegel, D-Lehigh, while many communities appreciate the reduced property taxes that come with state police reliance, it’s putting immense pressure on state resources. “Every second counts in a public safety crisis,” he emphasizes, referencing a crucial 2020 report showing that over two-thirds of Pennsylvania’s municipalities depend on state police for their safety.

Despite boasting more than 1,000 police departments—more than any state in the nation—only 15% of these have more than 10 officers. This situation is particularly acute in smaller communities like Bath and the Mount Bethel townships, but larger areas like Lower Macungie Township are also feeling the strain.

State law doesn’t require towns to fund their own police departments, leaving many municipalities vulnerable. Former Bangor mayor John Brown recalls how his town frequently had to assist state police with calls in neighboring areas lacking local law enforcement. “We had an obligation to back up the state police when they couldn’t respond,” he shared, highlighting the ripple effects of this reliance.

For communities like Catasauqua, the financial demands of a local police force are staggering—around $1.6 million annually, making up about 15% of the borough’s budget. “Residents desire a higher level of service,” noted Catasauqua Manager Glenn Eckhart, underscoring the critical intersection of safety and fiscal responsibility.

As municipalities grapple with balancing these financial pressures against essential services, Siegel warns that many will soon find themselves cornered by revenue-raising limitations. “Every town in the Lehigh Valley will eventually face constraints on their ability to fund essential services,” he said, pointing to the growing number of communities hitting the state’s tax caps.

Siegel is proposing legislation that would allow municipalities to impose a new tax of up to 5 mills specifically for police funding. This initiative gives towns the option to enhance their local law enforcement presence or support nearby departments. “This legislation offers much-needed flexibility for municipalities to prioritize their safety without battling rigid tax caps,” he explained.

In Bath, the potential revenue from this special tax could raise around $280,000—enough to potentially hire a couple of officers. While Bath’s current setup leaves them short-staffed, this proposal could be a game changer. “I would need seven to ten officers for full coverage,” Flynn stated, highlighting the ongoing struggle for adequate policing.

Brown, now a member of the Northampton County Council, sees the proposal as a valuable tool for municipalities. “It’s about giving communities another option outside of relying solely on the real estate tax,” he said. With the costs of policing continuing to climb, many towns are turning to state police for support—a situation that inevitably places a burden on those in surrounding areas.

Siegel acknowledges that while not every community may benefit equally from this optional tax, it could spark important conversations about local police services. “This could inspire towns to seriously consider establishing or enhancing local or regional policing,” he said.

Key cities like Allentown and Easton, which operate with home rule charters, aren’t bound by the same caps as others, but most municipalities are feeling the strain. In Bethlehem, public safety accounts for nearly 16% of the city’s budget, underscoring the critical need for sustainable funding solutions.

‘A Big Problem’

A 2022 report from the Pennsylvania Economy League highlights the financial limitations many municipalities face. While certain special taxes can be levied for emergencies, state laws prevent their use for police funding. “This creates a substantial challenge for communities,” remarked report contributor Lynne Shedlock, emphasizing the potential impact of Siegel’s proposal.

However, not everyone is on board with the proposed tax. The Pennsylvania Municipal League has voiced concerns, arguing that adding another burden could exacerbate the existing reliance on property taxes. “Homeowners are already grappling with high tax bills,” warned deputy executive director Amy Sturges.

One alternative solution posed by Shedlock involves reassessing properties in counties with outdated valuations—an essential step for communities needing to boost their revenue without raising millage rates. Flynn also suggests that state lawmakers consider enabling county sheriff’s departments to take on policing duties in smaller towns, citing successful models from other states.

As municipalities contemplate their police service futures, Siegel emphasizes the importance of local or regional law enforcement. “Hopefully, this special millage rate will prompt communities to critically evaluate their public safety services and consider how to best meet the needs of their residents,” he concluded.

Contact your local news for more updates on this ongoing discussion.