MASONTOWN, Pa. — A Fayette County community could soon be without its own police department- again.
It’s the second time this year the Masontown Council has tried to dissolve its police force.
Dozens of residents protested before Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Council has proposed an ordinance to disband the department of two full-time officers and four to six part-timers.
If the local police department shuts down, state police would take over coverage.
During the meeting, the Fayette County District Attorney, Mike Aubele, got into a heated argument with the council, saying the council should not go through with it.
“We’re going to tell you we’re the governing body; we make these decisions,” council president of Masontown John Stoffa said.
“Basically, regardless of what I or Lieutenant Irwin would recommend to you, you’re going to do what you’re going to do. So will you at least admit to these folks that it doesn’t matter what any of us say?” Aubele said.
Council plans to vote on the ordinance on Nov. 24.
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