SHARON COUNCIL 2 say they'd support tax rise to hire cops

Council's president said he considers adding two officers a safety issue.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- Two city councilmen say they're willing to raise property taxes -- by as much as 1 mill if need be -- to hire two additional police officers.
Fred Hoffman, council president, and Raymond Fabian said they think there may be a way to rework the proposed $8.5 million general fund budget for next year to bring on two additional officers without a tax increase.
If that can't be done, however, the two said this week that they would support a tax increase of up to 1 mill to achieve that goal.
Taxes went up 5.5 mills in the city this year.
One mill costs the average residential taxpayer about $13 a year and generates a total of $100,000 in revenue.
A full mill might not be necessary, said Fabian, who has always advocated expanding the police force.
Mayor's budget
Mayor David O. Ryan presented the budget with no proposed tax increases. Ryan, a former city police chief, said he always would favor additional officers, but he isn't supporting any tax increase.
His proposed budget shows a complement of 30 officers, but the department is operating with 29 right now and two senior officers are about to retire, cutting the number of officers on the street to 27, Ryan said.
Hoffman said he wants to see the complement raised to 32, pointing out that even if the city hires two officers at the first of the year, it will be June or later before they complete their training and assume their duties.
Hoffman said he's been talking to police officers who feel they are getting burned out because of all the overtime they work.
The department had 36 officers in 1999, but because of budget constraints, that number has been reduced, Hoffman said, adding that he sees adding two more officers as a safety issue for the city.
Votes uncertain
He said he's not sure he has the votes for a tax increase if it comes down to that.
Hoffman said council members Chris Outrakis and Robert Lucas made no commitment to the plan. Councilman George Gulla has been ill and hasn't actively participated in budget hearings.
Ryan said council has asked the city finance director to figure out the expense of hiring two officers and how that might be worked into the 2004 budget.
Council is expected to take a final vote on the spending plan next Thursday.
gwin@vindy.com