Saturday
September 7, 2024 
As 2023 inches toward a close, Solebury is preparing for 2024 by listening to department heads and their needs for the coming year.
On Tuesday, the board of supervisors heard from its police and parks and recreation departments.
Police Chief Dominick Bellizzie, 72, let it be known that he was giving his final budget request to the board, seeing as how he plans to retire in June after 17 years of service as Solebury’s chief.
Among the chief’s requests was $61,000 for an all-electric police vehicle. Currently the department uses electric-gas hybrid vehicles.
He also requested guns with beam-target capability for the police force, noting there is a possibility for a $35,000 grant for the purchase.
Other than those items, the police budget is “not changing a whole lot,” the chief said.
Chair Mark Baum Baicker noted that a search for a new police chief would begin in the next couple months.
According to the Police Department website, Bellizzie holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and trained at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He was selected by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to travel to Ukraine to provide training in police methods.
He was previously police chief for Coatesville in Chester County and has acted as commanding officer for the Narcotics Intelligence and Investigative Unit for Philadelphia, responsible for coordination of all federal, state and local task forces.
The chief also had direct command for the Forfeiture Unit, Narcotics Computer Information Unit, Technical Services Unit and Intensive Drug Investigative Squad in Philadelphia.
Also, presenting its 2024 financial requests was the Park and Recreation Department, with Manager Chris Garges speaking for the absent Parks and Recreation Director Dudley Rice.
Garges said the department’s budget has “only minor changes” with the exception of $12,000 needed for a new roof on the recreation pavilion.
In other monetary business, the board authorized its annual block grant to the township’s three fire departments — New Hope Eagle, Midway and Point Pleasant.
It allows a $500 contribution to Solebury’s active firefighter or fire police and volunteers at those three companies.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.