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Union City councilors cite stormwater costs as reason to pause hiring of full‑time police officer
Summary
At the July 23 meeting, Mayor Robert Wolf and councilors discussed a failed motion to hire a full‑time police officer; several councilors said recent, unexpected stormwater repair costs influenced the decision and the borough pledged to explain the outcome to the candidate.
At its July 23 meeting, the Union City Borough Council discussed—but did not approve—hiring a new full‑time police officer, with budgetary concerns tied to recent stormwater repairs cited as a primary reason for delaying the hire.
Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough "owes the candidate an explanation" after the applicant completed testing and evaluations and noted the candidate "would rather be in a smaller department." Wolf also questioned longer‑term plans for a full‑time officer.
Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was not aware the borough was actively looking to hire another officer and expressed concern about the costs associated with recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns likewise identified stormwater repair costs as a factor in the council's decision, and council members emphasized the motion’s failure stemmed from budgetary uncertainty rather than dissatisfaction with the candidate.
Jeremy Sterling of Centerville questioned the council about its decision not to hire an additional officer; council members responded that the topic would be discussed later in the meeting. The Police Chief provided the June 2024 report during the meeting; the minutes record no follow‑up questions.
The council did not take a new vote on hiring at the meeting, and minutes indicate the matter will be revisited; the record shows no formal approval to hire during the July 23 session.
