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Council delays hiring new full-time police officer amid concerns about stormwater repair costs
Summary
Union City councilors discussed a candidate for a full-time police officer but did not approve hiring; councilors cited recent unexpected stormwater repair costs as a factor and the mayor said the Borough owes the candidate an explanation.
Councilors discussed the prospect of adding a full-time police officer during the July 23 meeting but took no formal action. Mayor Robert Wolf and the police chief said the candidate was a strong applicant who had completed testing and evaluations, but council members raised cost concerns tied to recent stormwater problems and related repairs.
Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was not aware the Borough was pursuing another officer and expressed concern about the costs associated with recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns also said stormwater costs were a concern and that the decision not to hire was related to those budget uncertainties rather than the candidate’s qualifications. The minutes note the candidate will continue in consortium testing and that the Borough owes the candidate an explanation for the process.
The Police Chief provided the June 2024 report earlier in the meeting; no vote on hiring was recorded in the minutes. The matter remains under discussion and was noted for future consideration; an executive session on personnel and contracts followed the public meeting with no action reported in the minutes.
