Councilors cite stormwater cost concerns as reason hiring a full-time officer stalled

Council discussion on July 23 clarified why a recent motion to hire another full-time police officer did not pass: several councilors tied hesitation to the borough’s unanticipated stormwater repair costs rather than to the candidate’s qualifications.

Mayor Robert Robert Wolf said the borough owes the candidate an explanation after the individual completed testing and evaluations and noted both he and the police chief “discussed the want and the need for another full-time officer.” The police chief provided the June 2024 report earlier in the meeting; no formal motion to reintroduce hiring was recorded.

Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was not aware the borough was actively seeking another officer and voiced concern about the costs associated with recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns also cited stormwater-related costs as a factor, and minutes indicate council agreed the decision was driven by pending stormwater expenses rather than objections to the candidate.

Public commenter Jeremy Sterling had earlier asked what would be the outcome of the decision not to hire another officer; minutes show council told him the matter would be discussed later in the meeting. The council did not take formal hiring action at the July 23 session. An executive session on personnel followed the public meeting; the minutes state no action was taken.