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Councilors cite stormwater costs as factor in decision not to hire another officer
Summary
Councilors discussed a recent decision not to hire an additional full-time police officer; Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough "owes the candidate an explanation" while some councilors said stormwater repair costs and related unexpected expenses influenced their vote to delay hiring.
Councilors at the July 23 Union City Borough Council meeting revisited a recent vote not to hire an additional full-time police officer, with several members saying municipal stormwater repair costs influenced their reluctance to add personnel.
Visitor Jeremy Sterling asked council about the decision and what its outcome would be. Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough "owes the candidate an explanation for having him go through all this testing and evaluations," noting the candidate had completed testing and evaluations and that both he and the chief had expressed a need for another full-time officer. Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was not aware the borough was actively seeking another officer and that she was concerned about the costs tied to recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns also said the stormwater issues and unexpected costs, not the candidate's qualifications, drove concern among councilors.
The minutes show the topic was discussed but no new hiring motion was recorded. Councilors agreed the matter would be discussed later in the meeting or at a subsequent session; no hiring action or vote was taken on July 23.
The discussion highlights competing budget pressures for small municipalities: staffing needs cited by the mayor and police leadership versus immediate capital and repair expenses documented by streets staff.
