Negotiations are continuing between officials in O’Hara and Blawnox to merge their police departments. The municipalities’ managers have confirmed that they have examined the pension plans, and weekly talks are now scheduled.
The plan is for Blawnox officers to become township police and serve under Superintendent Jay Davis. The first step in the process, according to O’Hara Township Manager Julie Jakubec, was to conduct an actuarial study of each municipality’s police pension plan to determine if combining them was feasible.
The police pension plans appear to be compatible and fully funded, according to Jakubec. The next step is to draft agreements between the municipalities on how to combine the departments.
O’Hara and Blawnox police currently provide mutual aid to each other, responding to calls in both towns. Blawnox has four full-time officers, while O’Hara has 15.
Both communities have previously approved a conflict of interest waiver for the law firm Campbell Durrant regarding police services. The firm’s attorneys represent both communities.
No other official actions have been taken by the respective councils. Both managers have praised the negotiation process thus far.
The next voting session for Blawnox Council is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on May 8, while O’Hara’s is scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 14.