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Mayor, chief describe need for another officer; council cites stormwater costs as reason for pausing hire
Summary
Council discussed a paused hiring decision for an additional full‑time police officer. Mayor Robert Wolf and the police chief described the candidate and testing status; several councilors said fiscal pressure from recent stormwater issues influenced the decision.
Council discussion on July 23 recorded concern about a previously failed motion to hire an additional full‑time police officer and described competing priorities.
Mayor Robert Wolf asked why a prior motion to hire had failed and said the borough owes the candidate an explanation after he had undergone testing and evaluations. According to the minutes, the mayor stated the applicant 'is a good candidate and will be testing in the consortium.' The Police Chief is recorded as having provided the June 2024 report earlier in the meeting.
Councilor Melissa Winkler told the council she was not aware the borough was seeking to hire another officer and said she was 'concerned with the costs regarding the recent storm water issues.' Councilor James Kerns also cited the stormwater problems and unexpected costs when explaining why the hiring decision was deferred; council minutes indicate the decision not to proceed with hiring was influenced by those fiscal concerns rather than the candidate's qualifications.
The minutes do not record a new motion or vote to hire or to reject a candidate during this session. Council indicated the topic would be discussed later; no hiring action is recorded.
