Discussion over hiring a full‑time police officer stalls amid stormwater cost concerns

Discussion about hiring an additional full‑time police officer surfaced during the July 23 Union City Borough Council meeting but resulted in no hiring action. Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough "owes the candidate an explanation" after the prospective officer completed testing and evaluations, and described the applicant as a solid candidate who prefers a smaller department.

Councilors indicated their hesitation stemmed from budgetary concerns tied to recent and pending stormwater issues rather than the candidate's qualifications. Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was not aware a hire was being pursued and expressed concern about the costs associated with stormwater repairs; Councilor James Kerns also cited stormwater costs as a factor. The minutes record that the council agreed the decision was driven by unexpectedly high stormwater expenses rather than anything specific about the candidate.

Resident Jeremy Sterling pressed the council about the decision and its outcome, and Anthony Hickey asked separately for an update on a property matter; there was no PennDOT update available on Hickey’s inquiry in the meeting minutes. The police chief provided the June 2024 report to council with no follow‑up questions recorded.

The meeting proceeded to other agenda items, including motions to award stormwater repair work and a park/trail construction contract. Council did not adopt any motion to hire additional police staff at this meeting; an executive session followed later to discuss personnel and contracts with no action taken, per the minutes.