PSATS warns proposed state police fees would shift costs to municipalities

Charlie Greenewalt and Mara Donnelly asked whether a perennial unfunded mandate—the state police fee—is being addressed. Dave Sanko said that if state government begins charging localities for state police coverage, the result could be inequitable and politically difficult to allocate.

"If they're gonna start charging for state police services, then the largest bill should go to the community that has the largest municipal police department in the in the Commonwealth," Sanko said, arguing the distribution of costs would be contentious. He noted that Pennsylvania currently provides state police coverage to all municipalities and said changing that arrangement would raise fairness questions.

Sanko referenced Representative Justin Fleming as sponsoring a bill related to the issue; he said PSATS is watching potential shifts in cost allocation and will press for arrangements that recognize differences in local budgets and choices about maintaining municipal police forces.