The hiring of additional police officers in Franklin Township will be up for debate once its budget meetings get underway next month.

Also set to be brought to the table is discussion on hiring a code enforcement officer, as announced at Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting.

Supervisor Robin Cressley said there wasn’t all that much to add on the topics until the board begins its budget talks.

Board Chairman Fred Kemmerer Jr. noted that all the township’s budget meetings are open to the public.

“I would love to see more people at those budget meetings,” Kemmerer said. “It’s tough to interject something into the budget midyear.”

However, Kemmerer said he couldn’t underscore enough how budget talks are the most important time of year for the township.

“It’s good to be part of the process from a citizen standpoint,” he said. “Having that input from the community is important.”

Kemmerer encouraged residents to attend the budget sessions, and added that it’s important to keep on the forefront what the citizens want.

In July, supervisors tabled the hiring of a code enforcement officer to allow council a chance to look closer at what the job description would entail, along with budget concerns on paying for the position.

Police coverage

In January, resident Thomas Lawler, of the Sawmill Run Development, reiterated to supervisors that the township needs 24/7, 365 days a year police coverage.

Lawler added that the township hasn’t had a tax increase in quite some time, and that he doubts anyone would object if raised taxes meant more police coverage.

Resident Ryan Bowman agreed with Lawler and told the board that the township does need 24/7 police coverage.

Cressley said at that time the township’s budget for five full-time officers is $800,000.

Kemmerer said at that time the township does the best it can to ensure the safety of its residents.

In December, Lawler told the board that residents expect the township to ensure their current quality of life.

At that meeting, resident James Bestider, also of the Sawmill Run Development, asked the board what it would cost to hire another police officer.

Cressley said that while he didn’t have an exact number, he was guessing about $125,000 a year.