One of the biggest questions regarding the new Upper Macungie Police Department was answered at the July 30 supervisors meeting.

Chief Edgardo Colon reported his management team has concluded interviews with officers currently part of the Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department.

He also sought authorization to set the size of the department at 30 officers, including three, himself and the two lieutenants, already hired.

Supervisor Sam Ashmar said the original recommendation was for a force of 28 to 32 officers.

That compares to the approximately 75 percent of the Berks-Lehigh Police Department, now assigned to Upper Macungie, about 21 officers.

Ashmar said the larger number for the new force was arrived by "taking into account the growth of the township."

"Even at 32, that would seem to be pretty tight," Ashmar said.

Ashmar introduced a motion to budget for 27 additional officers, bringing the total to 30, but to only fill 25 additional positions at this time.

"Chief Colon did extensive research [as to similar departments in similar municipalities]," Supervisor Ed Earley noted. "That [size of new department] certainly seems reasonable."

At the suggestion of Solicitor Andrew Schantz, the motion was amended to provide officers who are currently part of the Berks-Lehigh Police Department, who receive an offer letter, must remain in good standing with that department.

Officers to be hired are expected to formally join the Upper Macungie force on Jan. 1, 2013.

The dissolution of the Berks-Lehigh department remained a hot topic.

Ashmar reported the township forwarded documentation to the Berks County municipalities that are part of the joint police department documenting vehicles purchased and equipped by Upper Macungie.

There was no response from the other municipalities, as of the meeting date.

"I am not certain where things stand," Schantz said.

Supervisors directed Schantz to set up a meeting with the other municipalities and the Berks-Lehigh Police Commission to discuss assets and how they will be distributed when the department disbands at the beginning of 2013.

"We need to get to the table and stress the urgency," Ashmar said. "We can't wait for their timeline."

He also made it clear the township does not intend to pay the legal fees of the other municipalities associated with the dissolution of the joint police department.

Supervisors also renewed their request the police commission meet twice a month until the issues are resolved.

Colon unveiled the new police uniform patch, which highlights the commerce and agricultural roots of the township.

"The residents of Upper Macungie Township and all citizens traversing throughout can rest assured their police department will be well-trained, professional and will respond to their needs," Colon said. "A founding principle will mandate all officers to fully and continuously demonstrate the department mission to be committed to service."

In other business, supervisors approved a revised agreement with the Parkland School District reducing the fee for collecting the Local Services Tax from $7 per person to $6 per person.

Schantz said the new agreement will "keep the terms of the original agreement in place except change the fee.