The police department told council on Sept. 11 that its civil service eligibility list for hiring officers is exhausted and it will request permission from council next week to advertise and hold testing to create a new list. The chief also said the department will request a resolution to apply for a local share grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for approximately $250,000 to buy and equip vehicles for the department.

Why this matters: Maintaining a certified list of eligible police officer candidates is necessary for lawful hiring under civil service rules. Obtaining grant funding can provide capital for vehicles without immediately drawing on the borough’s general fund.

Details and next steps: The police chief reported 1,004 calls for service in August, 14 criminal arrests, 29 moving violations, and 1,047 parking tickets issued. The chief said the current eligibility list is exhausted and the department has one open officer position. The chief will ask council next week to seek civil service commission approval to advertise testing and will ask for a council resolution to apply for the roughly $250,000 local share grant. No vote on either item occurred at the Sept. 11 caucus.

Limitations: The department provided an approximate grant amount and operational statistics but did not provide a grant application, vendor list, or a detailed vehicle budget at the caucus.