CRANBERRY TWP — The township supervisors will wait for more information on police protection in neighboring Seven Fields before deciding whether to allow that municipality to opt out of its police contract early.

Cranberry manager Jerry Andree said at Thursday’s supervisor meeting that Seven Fields has requested that the township end its police services contract early.

The agreement, signed in 2009, expires in 2016 with an early termination allowed in 2014.

Cranberry officials said they are willing to look at ending the contract early, but that it was critical for them know what direction Seven Fields will go for future police coverage before making that decision.

“Ultimately, Cranberry will be supporting that agency,” Andree pointed out.

Supervisor David Root pointed out that if Seven Fields chose to use the state police for its police coverage, Cranberry would probably be called in to answer those calls, in essence providing police coverage to the borough for free because of the location of the closest state police barracks.

“They don’t want to raises taxes, but they can’t afford what they have,” said Root.

Supervisor Dick Hadley said, “Their concern is cost and paying for more services. If they decide to go with someone else, it’s going to have an impact on us.”

He said there are issues to go through such as staffing levels and potential assistance before making a decision on ending the contract.

“If they find a decision, bring it here. Let’s talk about it,” said Supervisor John Skorupan. “We need to keep our control for a while. We don’t want to be held hostage by their indecision.”

Seven Fields has begun exploring options for police service because it is unhappy with the price it pays Cranberry for police.

One option is the creation of a regional police force with another municipality, while another option has the borough creating its own police force.

Seven Fields has contracted police services from Cranberry since 1993.

Under that agreement, the borough pays 7.5 percent of Cranberry’s police budget, which this year will cost Seven Fields $337,000.

That number would climb to nearly $400,000 by 2016, according to borough projections.

Seven Fields has contacted another municipality about a possible regional police force, according to borough officials.

Another option is getting service from the state police, although because of the limitations of coverage, this option might not be viable.

Seven Fields council is expected to discuss the matter at its Sept. 10 meeting.