9/2/10-A bill introduced during the special session on transportation would authorize the State Police to levy a per person “patrol services” fee to be paid by each municipality that relies solely, or partly, on the police force for patrols.
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, SSHB15 would require that municipalities that do not provide local police patrol services, and instead rely solely on the State Police, pay a per person fee of $52 for the first year. The fee would double to $104 for the second year, and increase to $156 for each year thereafter.
Most municipalities with part-time local departments would also need to chip in. The first-year fee would be $17, double to $34 for the second year, and increase to $52 each subsequent year.
Failure by townships to pay the fees would result in forfeiture of all Commonwealth funding including liquid fuels and fuel use tax payments. They would also lose privileges of State Police patrol services.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee. For House bill status, call 717-787-5320.