Legal and financial details are being ironed out for Tarentum to absorb the Brackenridge Police Department and provide coverage to both boroughs by the end of the year.
“We’ve met with the state several times and had a few formal conversations among everyone involved,” Tarentum Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said.
He expects to hear from attorneys and actuaries within the next seven days to determine whether an initial plan can be green-lighted.
“The next steps will be to discuss it with councils and (police) unions and, hopefully, get it going,” Boddorf said.
Tarentum has 10 officers, and Brackenridge has three.
The plan is slightly different than a merger.
“What’s happening here is that we’re taking on their officers, and Brackenridge will help pay us for the three officers, and they’ll all provide services to both communities,” Boddorf said.
Tarentum Council will oversee operations that include payroll and scheduling.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into creating this kind of partnership, but things have been smooth and professional so far,” said Brackenridge Mayor Lindsay Fraser. “We’re working as quickly as we can to get back to 24/7 municipal police coverage in the borough.”
Brackenridge Councilman Randy Elliott said many of the details still are undecided, but he’s hoping the end result benefits the residents.
“It’s still in the lawyers’ hands, so we don’t know a whole lot,” Elliott said.
“Anything we can do to better the borough is what we’re looking for.”
The idea has been considered for years but became more immediate after Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire was killed on duty in January. Since then, Sgt. Michael Duffy has served as officer in charge, and the department has received help from the state police to cover shifts.
Officials believe consolidating forces would enhance coverage while retaining familiarity for residents. Officers already are used to providing mutual aid.
There are a combined 7,700 residents in Tarentum and Brackenridge. The two river towns cover a total of 2 square miles.
Officials are waiting for reports from actuaries to determine pension obligations. They also are waiting on direction from attorneys on how to proceed under state law.
“Once these things come in and we can all meet, everything can move forward,” Boddorf said.
“We’re really aiming to get this done this year.”
The next meeting has not been scheduled.
