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Council pauses on hiring full‑time police officer, cites stormwater repair costs
Summary
Councilors discussed but did not approve hiring a full‑time police officer July 23. Mayor Robert Wolf said the candidate was qualified and deserves an explanation; several councilors said concerns about unplanned stormwater repair costs influenced the decision.
Councilors in Union City said July 23 that recent stormwater repair costs influenced their reluctance to hire an additional full‑time police officer, and the council recorded no hiring action during the meeting.
Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough owes the candidate an explanation after he completed testing and evaluations and described the candidate as "a good candidate" who prefers a smaller department. Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was not aware the council was pursuing another officer and expressed concern about the costs tied to recent stormwater problems. Councilor James Kerns said the decision reflected anxiety over unexpected stormwater expenses rather than the candidate’s qualifications.
The exchange began during the hearing of visitors, when resident Jeremy Sterling asked the council about its decision not to hire another officer and what the outcome would be. Councilors said the topic would be discussed later; when it was discussed the mayor and several councilors reiterated both the candidate’s strengths and the budgetary concerns that stalled hiring.
No formal motion to hire or reject the candidate is recorded in the minutes; the meeting proceeded to other agenda items and later adjourned at 6:38 p.m. An executive session on personnel and contracts followed with no action taken.
The record indicates the council plans further discussion; minutes do not specify a timeline for reconsideration or a formal vote on hiring.
