2025 West Pikeland Township Referendum
West Pikeland Township residents will decide on a key referendum this fall. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Ballot Question
“Do you favor increasing real property taxes not to exceed 1.5 mill in order to fund and maintain the West Pikeland Township Police Department, so that the Department may secure sufficient funds to
continue its service to the residents of the Township?”
Ballot Summary
The ballot question asks the registered voters of West Pikeland Township to vote whether they favor increasing real property taxes not to exceed 1.5 mill in order to fund and maintain the West Pikeland
Township Police Department, so that the Department may secure sufficient funds to continue its service to the residents of the Township. The purpose of increasing real property taxes is to secure sufficient funding to continue the service of the local police force. Without such tax increase annually, the Township may institute the service of the State Police Department.
A vote of “YES” to the ballot question approves the increase in taxes annually to fund and maintain the West Pikeland Township Police Department.
A vote of “NO” to the ballot question disapproves increasing real property taxes annually to fund and maintain the West Pikeland Township Police Department.
Questions and Answers
Q: Explain the Millage Rate Increase
The proposed 1.5 mills would be in addition to the existing 1.55 mills, creating a potential total of 3.05 mills in 2026 if the full amount is levied. We recognize this represents a significant potential increase, especially given other recent tax changes at the County, Downingtown School District, and Township
levels.
There are no plans to reduce the current 1.55 mills, as those funds are essential for maintaining our department's current operations. The additional 1.5 mills would provide long-term financial stability to
meet growing needs around staffing, infrastructure, and services—not to duplicate funding.
That said, we understand how the optics of a potential doubling in millage might feel overwhelming. It’s important to note that the referendum sets a maximum cap—not a guaranteed or immediate increase.
This structure offers the Township flexibility to phase in funding as needed, guided by actual needs and responsible planning, rather than levying the full amount upfront.
Q: While I support maintaining a local police force, a potential increase of this size seems excessive. How is this justified, especially since the current millage already funds the department?
This concern is completely valid. The proposed increase stems from a third-party evaluation conducted by the Pennsylvania Police Chiefs Association in collaboration with the Department of Community and
Economic Development. Their review, based on best practices in 21st-century policing, recommends expanding our force to address current supervisory gaps and enhance community coverage.
Specifically, the plan would increase sworn officers from five to seven and transition to a 12-hour, 2080-hour annual schedule. This would ensure full 24/7/365 coverage, improve officer wellness, reduce overtime burdens, and enable better training and professional development. This staffing level aligns with benchmarks in similar Pennsylvania communities—about 1.2 officers per 1,000 residents.
Q: Is the proposed increase designed to discourage support for the referendum?
Not at all. Our intention is transparency. The referendum presents the true, long-term cost of building a police department that meets our community’s evolving needs. The proposed rate provides flexibility to
grow responsibly over time—it is not meant to be discouraging, but honest.
Q: How will we ensure the funds are used for police services and not diverted to other projects?
This is an important question. While the funds would enter the Township’s general fund—which supports multiple services—they are being requested to support the police department’s expansion and sustainability through 2030. The Township is committed to accountability, and budget allocations will continue to be made transparently through public meetings and documentation.
Q: Will the police department provide 24/7 coverage under the proposed structure?
Yes. The department would include a Chief and six full-time sworn officers. This structure allows for round-the-clock coverage every day of the year, with proper staffing to ensure adequate supervision, reduce burnout, and maintain service reliability.
Q: Will detailed financial and operational information be available to the public before the referendum?
Absolutely. The Township website currently hosts a detailed report from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Police Chiefs Association. These
documents offer insight into the current state of the department and the rationale behind the proposed expansion. We also encourage all residents to attend upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings and budget
work sessions for deeper engagement.
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Q: Are the funds secured via this referendum, if passed, will be kept separately and securely for the sole use towards the West Pikeland Police Department. For example, West Pikeland has specific separate taxes for the Library, as well as Open Space. Both of these were passed via referendum and the funds are restricted in their use. Will the Police tax operate in the same manner?
Unlike the dedicated taxes in place for Open Space and the Library, the proposed millage increase would not be earmarked for a specific purpose. Instead, the revenue will flow into the General Fund, where it will be managed by leadership to support a professional, adequate, and sustainable police service.
Q: Will the Police budget be confined to the funds raised via the referendum? If not, how will this be handled?
If the referendum passes and the tax increase is approved by leadership, the resulting revenue will be allocated to the Township’s General Fund. These funds will support and maintain police services.