Politics & Government

D.A.R.E. Program May be Cut

Hatboro officials asked department heads to eliminate 'non-essential' programs to help close a 2012 budget deficit.

As Hatboro officials work to close a more than , the council on Monday night heard proposed cuts from department heads totaling $42,000.

Among the potential cuts was Hatboro’s D.A.R.E. program, which provides drug prevention and awareness to school-aged kids. Chief James Gardner said the police department has taught D.A.R.E. for 20 years, along with and he Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department to offer educational programs to children.

“Right now it’s just conceptual,” Gardner said of the possible cut, adding that he hopes the borough's involvement in the program can continue. “DARE was previously at least partially funded by a state grant to cover salary.”

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With the state funding no longer in the picture, Gardner said the borough would need to cover the roughly $4,000 cost of police overtime.

Council President Marianne Reymer said DARE was deemed a “non-essential service,” which is why Gardner listed it as a potential budget cut.

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The governing body expressed “mixed feelings” about cutting the program, Reymer said, adding that more work needs to be done on the budget and another workshop will be held soon.

 

 


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