Springdale Township officials are expected to decide next week if they will move forward with creating a regional police department with Cheswick.

Officials will vote on the measure at the supervisors meeting at 7 p.m. April 18 at the township building, 100 Plate Drive. Residents can view the proposed ordinance at the township office between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The decision will be the last step that moves the plan forward reality. It comes after more than a year of discussions and a study by the state Department of Community and Economic Development that recommended the merger.

Cheswick Council approved it April 4.

The two municipalities previously said they hope to have the new force up and running by July 1.

It would be named the Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department.

If Springdale Township approves it, a new board will be formed specifically for the police department consolidation. It would be responsible for working on personnel specifics and coordinating with the state on the consolidation requirements, among other things.

Plans call for the new department’s name to be painted on the patrol cars. New uniform patches and logos would be developed.

Officials from both municipalities said the merger will save money. This year, Springdale Township budgeted $356,000 for police services and Cheswick expects to spend $316,000.

Officials estimate the new department would have a $500,000 budget split between the municipalities.