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Union City council delays hiring decision for full-time police officer amid stormwater cost concerns
Summary
Councilors discussed but did not approve hiring an additional full-time police officer July 23, citing recent stormwater problems and unanticipated repair costs; the mayor said the candidate is "a good candidate" and is testing in the consortium.
Union City Borough council discussed the prospect of adding a full-time police officer at its July 23 meeting but deferred action after members raised concerns about recent stormwater problems and related costs.
Mayor Robert Wolf said the candidate had completed testing and evaluations and "is a good candidate and will be testing in the consortium," and that the candidate preferred a smaller department setting. Wolf also said the borough owes the candidate an explanation for putting him through testing given the outcome.
Councilor Melissa Winkler said she "wasn’t aware that we were looking to hire another officer" and voiced concern about the costs associated with recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns also raised stormwater-related cost concerns; council indicated the decision not to proceed immediately was influenced by those unanticipated repair needs, not by the candidate himself.
Public commenter Jeremy Sterling had earlier asked council about the decision not to hire another police officer; council noted the topic would be discussed later in the meeting. The police chief provided the June 2024 report; no substantive questions were recorded in the minutes.
After the public meeting adjourned at 6:38 P.M., council held an executive session from 6:42 to 7:37 P.M. to discuss personnel and contracts; the minutes state there was no action taken after the session.
