Forward will pay more for police, but locks in two more years of coverage.

Forward approved an increase to its existing police contract with Elizabeth Township during a contentious Feb. 9 meeting that drew a packed audience of residents. 

The contract amendment was added to the agenda during the meeting rather than appearing on the agenda posted online, prompting criticism from Supervisor Dave Levdansky and residents who said the public had insufficient time to review a $250,000 commitment.

Board Chair Thomas DeRosa opened the meeting by explaining the history of the agreement and that he had spent six months negotiating the contract change. 

Forward has contracted with Elizabeth Township to provide 24/7 police coverage for an annual fee of between $375,000 to $450,000, expiring in 2028. DeRosa described the rates as well below market value. The amendment adds approximately $250,000 in supplemental payments spread over four years and extends the contract through 2030. 

Adam Musisko, vice president of the Elizabeth Township Board of Commissioners, explained that Elizabeth has absorbed about $250,000 per year in losses under the contract and that although it was not asking to be "made whole" for the past gap, it needs Forward to contribute more in order to continue to provide coverage. Musisko said Elizabeth Township is expecting to face higher police salaries in an upcoming police contract. Elizabeth Township officials just want to know whether to retain enough officers to provide police coverage for Forward.

Levdansky voted “no” and raised concerns about transparency and oversight. He said the decision should be tabled for one month to allow legal review and suggested adding clearer accountability measures, including GPS monitoring to ensure officers remain within township boundaries while on duty.

Levdansky also said negotiations had been underway since July without knowledge of the rest of the board until December.

Supervisor Amy Cline voted “yes” and said hiring paying Elizabeth Township for police services was more cost-effective than restarting Forward’s own police department. “When you look at what it would cost us to have the cars, the building, the benefits, and the staffing,” she said, “we are there, if not saving money.”

Several residents spoke in favor of maintaining Elizabeth Township police coverage, citing fast response times and positive experiences with officers.