Rumors that West Penn Township’s police department, along with its highly touted programs, were in danger of remaining in operation came to the fore throughout much of 2023.

Earlier this month, township officials once again reemphasized that its police department and its programs will continue to carry on.

Over the past few months, township supervisors reassured residents that the department will remain in operation.

That includes its D.A.R.E. program and CSI camp, which are a big hit with students in the Tamaqua Area School District.

In October, the township added a part-time police officer, but abolished an administrative position from the department.

The administrative position’s hours had been previously cut from 40 to 20.

After that meeting, board Chairman Tony Prudenti said the position was eliminated due to “budgetary matters.”

Prudenti said another position could be added to help the police department down the road.

In August when supervisors discussed cost cutting measures they asked township police Chief James Bonner to put in place to turn around a then-lagging department budget.

Supervisors said the department, which has a budget of just over $400,000, was about $25,000 over projected figures in July.

In order to turn the deficit around by year’s end, they asked Bonner to reduce his staff’s hours, get some coverage from Pennsylvania State Police, and cut the administrative secretary’s hours from 40 to 20.