"It makes no sense to have Mahoning Township withdraw from an agreement involving shared police services.

In Lawrence County and elsewhere, consolidation of police and other local municipal services is the trend. For example, West Pittsburg has contracted with the city of New Castle for police services, while Bessemer is considering some sort of arrangement with North Beaver Township.

The reason, by and large, is money. A local police department is an expensive proposition, when you add up the costs of personnel, equipment and other requirements. And because New Castle is the only municipality in Lawrence County required by law to have a local police department, other municipalities face tough decisions."  For the complete New Castle News article, please click here.