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Since the campaign stop of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin was announced earlier this week, West Chester Twp. officials have been down right giddy about their chance to shine in the national spotlight.

But they also realize such rallies like the one being held Friday at The Square @ Union Centre featuring the Alaska Governor can be costly.

So it's a good thing the McCain/Palin camp is picking up the tab. Just how much, though, remains in question, township officials said Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The final numbers will be submitted to the McCain/Palin campaign for a full reimbursement, said Judi Boyko, township administrator.

Earlier this month, West Chester residents were forced to foot the bill when Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama drove through the area en route to a rally in Cincinnati.

On Oct. 9, 11 police officers — all working on overtime — and two on-duty officers helped to close off entrance and exit ramps in West Chester along Interstate 75.

The total cost was $1,817.46, including overtime rates and benefits, according to Barbara Wilson, the township's public information officer.

Township coffers — and therefore taxpayer dollars — took a nearly $35,000 hit in 2004 when then-Presidential incumbent George Bush stumped at Voice of America Park drew more than 50,000 supporters.

Township police officers, who provided security support to the United States Secret Service, logged hours resulting in $18,752 spent in overtime pay, including benefits.

The township's fire department spent $5,788 on overtime pay for 14 full-time firefighters and paid-on-call and part-time workers.

The township's services department spent nearly $11,112 in overtime for roads, maintenance and park employees from Sept. 25 to 29, 2004, during the preparation and cleanup of the Bush rally.

The Bush/Cheney campaign reimbursed the township for trash removal at the VOA Park and paid to rent portable toilets.