WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. - West Middlesex Borough Council gave no updates Tuesday on the future of its police contract with Shenango Township, leaving residents worried about what happens when the current deal expires at the end of the year.

The contract, which pays Shenango Township Police to provide coverage in the borough, is set to run out on December 31. Borough leaders said they cannot comment while private negotiations are ongoing, and any potential vote on a new contract won’t happen until the next council meeting on October 14.

During public comment, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Dave Moyer said losing Shenango Township’s coverage would jeopardize safety in the borough and in schools.

“If we don’t have a local police service here, I think we lose that safety,” Moyer said. “I don’t think it’s fair to residents to wait for someone to respond from the other side of the county.”

Moyer added that Shenango’s location and resources give the borough immediate access to multiple officers when needed. He said the department’s role as a school resource officer also provides critical communication inside West Middlesex schools.

Residents who spoke said they feel safe seeing Shenango officers patrol their streets and fear that would change without a renewed agreement.

If a new deal isn’t reached, Pennsylvania State Police would take over coverage in West Middlesex. Shenango Township Police Chief Jason Newton previously told 21 News that could mean slower response times, since troopers would be dispatched from farther away. Newton also said State Police would not provide the school district with a resource officer.

West Middlesex Borough has contracted with Shenango Township Police for the past decade, paying more than $193,000 for services this year. Council members have not confirmed whether they are considering proposals from other police departments.

The borough’s next work session is scheduled for October 8, but officials said no vote can be taken until the October 14 meeting.