CENTER TWP — Center Township’s supervisors expressed satisfaction with their current police services at Wednesday’s monthly meeting.

However, they also said that could change based on legislation that is pending at the state level.

Center Township and Butler Township officials attended a meeting held by City of Butler officials on Aug. 22, during which the possibility of a regional police force involving the three municipalities was discussed.

Currently, Center Township is serviced by state police.

“I would say that we are in a wait-and-see attitude,” said Center Township Supervisor Ronald Flatt. “We have real good service right now, but if the cost of that service becomes exorbitant than it would make sense for us to consider (a regional force). Certainly regional makes more sense than for us to develop our own police force.”

There is a state House bill that seeks to address the inequities of state police funding. If it would pass, townships like Center would be billed by the state police for services. However, being part of the a regional department would mean the township wouldn’t be billed.

Township supervisors Ken Frenchak and Alan Smallwood, who attended the August meeting, addressed concerns regarding a potential merger.

“The biggest concern is going to be what it’s going to cost,” Frenchak said.

Smallwood also spoke of financial concerns.

“The whole thing, the reason why (Butler) wanted us to merge with them is because they need help,” he said.

Frenchak also said that because Center Township doesn’t have a police department, the burden would fall on Butler Township and Butler to get the ball rolling before they jumped into the mix.

“They have to come together first,” he said. “They’re going to have to figure out what they’re going to do with the union. There’s a lot of that mechanics that needs to be done.”

Ed Latuska reiterated Flatt’s sentiment about being currently satisfied with their services.

“At this point in time, all the board members are happy with the service that we’re getting from the state police,” he said. “We’re not looking to make any changes. In the event the state passes legislation for municipalities receiving services from the state, we’ll look into the prices and the costs.”