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First Posted: 6/28/2013

LUZERNE — Borough council at a special meeting Friday night voted to offer police coverage to the neighboring borough of Pringle.

Council President Mike Jancuska opened the meeting by explaining that a contract between Kingston and Pringle, in which Kingston provides Pringle with police coverage, expires Monday. Pringle officials asked if Luzerne officials would be interested in offering a proposal.

“This meeting is multi-layered. Can we do it? Do we want to do it?” asked Jancuska. “At what price can we do it if we do want to do it? And is it worth even putting a bid in if we’re higher than Kingston’s (proposal)?”

Council spent about 45 minutes discussing officer hours and various rates.

Mayor Jim Keller provided written estimates of hours and manpower that would be needed to take on coverage of Pringle that was put together by Police Chief Patti O’Donnell. Kingston planned to increase the price of coverage from about $61,000 to $69,000, he said.

Councilwoman Mary Ellen Schell said she believed Pringle officials were pleased with Kingston’s service, but not with the price.

Councilman Kurt Santayana asked if Luzerne could provide coverage without hiring more officers.

Jancuska said it would be “possible, but difficult.” He later said he believed hiring at least one part-time officer would be necessary.

Schell agreed, saying existing officers’ hours would have to be increased as well.

Councilman Bill Turcan surmised that the majority of calls in Pringle would be to the Luzerne Shopping Center and the West Side Career and Technology Center. Keller said he heard officers estimate there were about 100 calls per year in that borough.

According to the state police Uniform Crime Reporting System, there were 337 offenses reported in Pringle in 2012, compared to 349 in Luzerne.

Keller also said state Sen. John Yudichak told him providing police coverage for Pringle would greatly improve Luzerne’s chance at attaining police-related grants.

Santayana expressed concerns about whether $57,500 would adequately cover costs for full-time coverage. Other council members suggested offering a one-year contract at the relatively low cost the first year to ensure the price and hours of coverage meet both municipalities’ needs, even if it meant Luzerne taking a small financial hit.

Council voted 6-1 to offer full-time coverage to Pringle at a cost of $57,500. Santayana opposed the motion made by Schell and seconded by Tony Perzia.

Several council members and solicitor Jonathan Spohrer said they hoped a successful arrangement could lead to more good will between the communities and perhaps more opportunities for cost sharing in the future.