Whether Palmerton opts to add on to its existing police station or build a new one could be determined by a professional walk-through of its current facility.

On a unanimous measure, borough council last week agreed to have Keystone Consulting Engineers complete the list of police building priority projects at a cost of around $500.

Before the vote, Councilman Cory Kepner said he would like to see a feasibility study for either an addition, or a stand-alone separate building.

“We do need to look at all our options,” Kepner said.

However, Councilman Andrew Hollywood said, “We’ve already done this work.”

“We determined we need to speak with the Office on Aging,” Hollywood said. “Until we have an answer from them, I don’t see any reason to move forward.”

The borough has been looking at the possibility of reclaiming space rented by Carbon County’s Area Agency on Aging for use for its police department.

The Carbon County Area Agency on Aging is located on the third floor at 401 Delaware Ave. Councilwoman Holly Hausman-Sell said she believes the matter of discussion is about two different things, and that the lack of space is a separate issue.

Hausman-Sell said that includes what needs to be done to the current police station, and what the feasibility would be for an addition or stand-alone building.

Council has discussed long-term plans for the police department, and whether it can remain at its site inside the Municipal Services Building at 401 Delaware Ave, where the station is located.

Kepner previously said the key is trying to find adequate space, and added he believes a new facility would be the easiest and most streamlined approach to take.

In October, council on a 6-0 vote agreed to purchase a holding cell in the amount of $17,149 from Josh Reichard’s Home Improvements.

The project is funded in part from the borough’s Rescue Funds, with the rest from the general budget.

Councilman Kris Hoffner said the holding cell was a top priority for the police department.

At that time, Kromer talked about a previous incident in which a man in custody, who has since died, became difficult to get under control and spit on one of the borough police officers and caused damage to a police vehicle.

In September, council discussed the possibility of relocating its police department to the site of the former Palmerton Hospital, which is being demolished.

Kepner said at that time they’ve been looking at long-term plans for the police department, and whether it can remain at its current site inside the Municipal Services Building.

He then suggested perhaps council should approach St. Luke’s about the former Palmerton Hospital to see if they’d be willing to sell the property to the borough.

Former Donna McGarry said the borough has been looking for contractors to give some estimates for work to the current police station.

Last January Mayor Don Herrmann and Kepner toured the department and described the building code violations that required immediate action.

Cleanup work was started inside the police department shortly after that.

In April 2022, Kepner said that the police department was undergoing safety improvements, with plans for a new holding cell area and lighting upgrades.