Masontown, Pa. – For the second time this year, the Masontown Borough Council moved to eliminate its police department. In a raucous meeting on Tuesday night, council members voted 6‑0 to advertise an ordinance that would dissolve the force. The ordinance is set to be considered at the council’s regular meeting on Nov. 24.
Potential replacement by state police
If the ordinance passes, police coverage for the borough would shift to the Pennsylvania State Police stationed in Uniontown. The council has previously voted to end the department in January, a decision that sparked vocal pushback from residents and a complaint from Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele, who said the council had violated the Sunshine Act by not posting the vote on the agenda.
Community response
Approximately 50 residents gathered before Monday’s meeting to protest the move and urge the council to keep the department. Organizer Dave Howard warned, “If you don’t have police, you’re in trouble,” citing neighboring Point Marion’s experience without a local police presence.
Police Chief Thomas O’Barto, speaking at the rally, noted that the six‑officer department is operating within its budget and would need only an $8,000 tax increase over two years to remain funded. He criticized the independent counsel hired by the borough, GTN Law, saying the firm never consulted him and suggesting the process was “rigged.”
Council’s fiscal rationale
Council President John Stoffa explained that eliminating the department would allow the borough to cut property taxes by 2.5 mills, keeping Masontown among the higher‑taxed jurisdictions in the Albert Gallatin School District but providing a modest relief. He said the borough faces a 40‑year lag in infrastructure spending, with a list of projects totaling about $60 million, including a new sewer‑treatment plant and sidewalk repairs.
Stoffa outlined two alternative paths if the ordinance fails: maintain the police force while raising property taxes by 3 mills for other projects, or adopt a 5‑mill increase—3 mills for infrastructure and 2 mills for police funding.
Legal and political tension
District Attorney Aubele called GTN Law’s involvement “disingenuous,” noting the firm offered options but no recommendation. He also accused Council President Stoffa of lying in their communications and said the council had taken no steps to verify whether disbanding the force serves the community.
Former council member Nanette Cochrane, who resigned earlier this year, urged council to consider a slower pace for infrastructure projects so the police department could be retained. She appealed for broader regional input before making a final decision.
Next steps
Mayor Mike Washko, who votes only to break a tie, did not cast a vote at the meeting but announced an informational session for residents on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Masontown Fire Hall. He said the session will explain the ordinance and its implications.
Should the council approve the ordinance on Nov. 24, Washko would have the power to veto, requiring a super‑majority to override. Chief O’Barto indicated his officers are already preparing for new employment, stating, “There’s nothing more you can do. They were going to do it no matter who showed up.”
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
