East Greenville Borough Council on Friday unanimously rejected Pennsburg officials' offer to contribute a larger portion of funds for the Upper Perk Police District next year.

                Last week, Pennsburg council members voted to pay an additional 2.5 percent towards the department's operating costs in 2017. The offer, made to preserve the UPPD, would have cost Pennsburg an additional $36,000. Pennsburg would have assumed 57.5 percent of the department's costs, while East Greenville's burden would have dropped from 45 percent to 42.5 percent.

                At a special meeting Friday called to discuss budget issues, some East Greenville council member expressed appreciation for the offer. But in the end, council followed the advice of its solicitor Stephen Kramer, who said that the Pennsburg offer does not comply with the ordinance that created the department.

                "My initial impression is that the offer violates the language of the ordinance," Kramer said after the meeting.

                Council also voted to reject a check from Ed Buchinski, the owner of the Grand Theater, totaling $1,675.48 – the remaining amount required to maintain municipal funding at its current rate in 2017. Council voted to return the check to Buchinski.

                "I'm not comfortable with the borough accepting an offer like that from a resident or business owner," Kramer said. "It could create a conflict-of-interest issue."

                Council member Robert McCluskie echoed those sentiments.

                However, Tracey Hunsinger, East Greenville council's acting president, and McCluskie each described Pennsburg's motion as a great offer.

                "It definitely appears Pennsburg is trying to work with East Greenville," Hunsinger said, adding that she appreciates those efforts.

                In October, officials from both boroughs agreed to mediation in an attempt to salvage their relationship, but two pre-mediation meetings were cancelled.

                According to Hunsinger, East Greenville officials hope to reschedule the meeting as soon as Kramer, hired earlier this month, develops a firm understanding of the issues and makes contact with Chuck Garner, Pennsburg's solicitor.

                "If it feels like were making process in the mediation, we can extend the withdrawal date," Hunsinger said during the meeting. Currently, the municipality is poised to withdraw from the commission at 12:01 a.m. March 6, 2017. "We look forward to the mediation. We're all disappointed that it has taken so long to happen."

                According to council member Ryan Pugh, the goal is to reach an agreement that serves the best interest of both boroughs.

                Mayor Ryan Sloyer stated that the goal of any agreement with its neighboring municipality is to help East Greenville secure financial stability for 10 to 20 years.