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Union City council delays hiring of full-time police officer amid stormwater cost concerns
Summary
Councilors postponed a decision to add a full-time police officer after members raised concerns that recent and pending stormwater repairs could strain the borough budget. Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough owes a candidate an explanation after the candidate completed testing; an executive session on personnel later produced no action.
Councilors in Union City on July 23 discussed but did not approve hiring a full-time police officer, citing concerns about unanticipated stormwater repair costs.
Mayor Robert Robert Wolf said the Borough 'owes the candidate an explanation' after the person completed testing and evaluations, and noted the candidate prefers smaller departments and 'will be testing in the consortium.' Councilor Melissa Winkler said she had not been aware the council was pursuing another officer and raised concerns about the financial impact of recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns said the pending stormwater repairs and associated costs were a factor in the decision to delay a hire.
The topic was first raised during the visitors portion when resident Jeremy Sterling asked council about the choice not to hire another officer; councilors said the matter would be discussed later in the meeting. The council held an executive session from 6:42 to 7:37 p.m. to discuss personnel and contracts; the record notes no action was taken in that session.
Why it matters: adding a full-time officer would increase recurring personnel and benefits costs. Councilors signaled they want to account for known and potential capital or repair expenses — specifically stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot #1 — before committing to a new full-time hire.
What’s next: councilors did not set a hiring date; the packet indicates the subject will be revisited in future meetings and was discussed in executive session with no decision recorded.
