The Homer City Community is offering its opinion on a proposed budget that would eliminate the only full-time police officer in the borough.
At a meeting on December 3rd, the council approved advertising a budget for next year that holds the line on property taxes but would eliminate police chief Anthony Jellison and leave the police force with only part-time officers. By doing so, the council is looking to save about $23,000 in expenses and prevent a tax hike that would make the community’s real estate tax the highest in Indiana County.
Many of the residents we talked to would like to see Chief Jellison stay. That includes Joe McAdams, who said that while it’s the first he’s heard of it, a chief of police is essential.
Misty Martin said that having just part-time officers would be scary to her.
We also spoke to some people from the Homer City business community. Michael Galosi, a distiller with Disobedient Spirits, said they had the chief help them out on occasion.
Larry Cadile is the owner of the building where Trendy Trades is located on Main Street. He said that an increased police presence would help deter crime.
While the budget is currently being advertised, changes can still be made to it. A special meeting will be held December 17th at 7:00 PM to pass a budget.
Comments