LEWISBURG -- The move to form a regional police force took a step forward Wednesday when an eight-member committee was formed to investigate financial and operational aspects of the proposal.

Officials of East Buffalo and Kelly townships and Lewisburg and New Berlin boroughs are considering starting the regional force.

"The meeting was a good start to the process of determining whether all the numbers add up. It's important that we get all our facts together before we take this to the public for their approval," said Thomas E. Sauers, the group's spokesman and executive director of Central Keystone-Council of Governments.

Two representatives from each municipality were named to the study committee. They are Lawson D. Fetterman and Henry M. Baylor Jr., of East Buffalo; Mayor Judith T. Wagner and Susan P. Mahon, of Lewisburg; David Hassenplug and Elvin Stoltzfus, of Kelly; and Julianne Finkbiner and Craig Egli, of New Berlin.

Baylor was named committee chairman. Wagner was named vice chairwoman.

"This is a major step forward and a great opportunity to enhance the lives of the people who live in the Valley," Sauers said. "The eventual goal is to give our residents the kind of protective services they deserve and are demanding."

Sauers said he anticipated at least two public meetings would be held before a decision is made.

The next public meeting of the committee is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 4 in the Central Keystone-COG headquarters, 1610 Industrial Blvd.