For years, lawmakers have considered imposing fees on municipalities, particularly those with populations over 10,000 that rely solely on the State Police for protection. However, a controversial new twist emerged in 2009 that hat townships in every corner of the state crying foul.

House Bill 1500 would remove the usual population thresholds, affect an estimated 1,700 municipalities, and mandate them to either pay for State Police patrols, start their own or a regional force, or contract for police services with a neighboring municipality.

"If this measure passes, the state would be asking residents in my municipality and many others to pay twice for the same service -- with their tax dollars and with this fee. That's not right," PSATS Second Vice President Les Houck says, "On top of that, the legislation would force township supervisors to do things they would rather not do, such as raise taxes or start a police force. And who will end up footing the bill? Our residents. How fair is that?

As word of the proposal spread, PSATS and its members rallied against the bill with letters, phone calls, and personal visits to lawmakers. The hard work has paid off. House Bill 1500 has made very little progress, and has stalled before the House Appropriations Committee.

Still lawmakers are expected to consider any and all revenue-raising schemes during the 2010-2011 state budget talks, which means one thing: PSATS and its members cannot give up the fight against HB 1500.

It is not clear what financial impact HB 1500 will have on Wayne Township residents if it is approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Currently Wayne Township contracts with the Pine Creek Township Police Department for police services who provides approximately 15 hours per week at the rate of $50 per hour.