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Union City council pauses hiring of full‑time officer amid stormwater cost concerns
Summary
Councilors said recent and projected stormwater repair costs influenced a decision not to move forward immediately with hiring a full‑time police officer; the council authorized a separate $5,000 repair for a sinkhole and pipe work in Municipal Lot #1.
Union City Borough Council delayed adding a full‑time police officer at its July 23 meeting, citing recent and expected stormwater repair costs that members said would affect the borough’s budget.
Mayor Robert Wolf pressed councilors for clarity on why a motion to hire failed, saying the borough “owes the candidate an explanation for having him go through all this testing and evaluations” and noting the candidate’s preference for a smaller department. Councilors Melissa Winkler and James Kerns said they were unaware of the hiring effort or were concerned that the unexpected stormwater expenses made committing to a new full‑time salary premature. Council members agreed the hesitation was fiscal and timing‑related rather than a reflection on the candidate’s qualifications.
The hiring discussion followed public questions from Jeremy Sterling about council’s decision on hiring and from Anthony Hickey seeking a property update. The council also reviewed technical issues raised by Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips: crews placed approximately 400 gallons of dye into a storm drain near Hogan’s Alley and found the dye entering sanitary lines that run to Municipal Lot #1. Phillips said the borough will run camera inspections up to the line near the Salvation Army to determine the problem’s location.
To address an immediate sinkhole and damaged pipe in Municipal Lot #1, council accepted a $5,000 quote from Mansfield to repair, replace and reconnect pipe, with the borough supplying pipe and fittings at an estimated additional $5,000. The motion to accept Mansfield’s quote was made by Councilor James Kerns and seconded by Councilor Steadman; it carried unanimously. The repair vote was raised and decided during the same meeting in which hiring was discussed.
The meeting record shows the borough withdrew a USDA grant application earlier in July for lack of funding, and borough staff will continue to present budgetary details as they consider personnel changes. After the regular meeting the council convened an executive session on personnel and contracts from 6:42 to 7:37 p.m.; no action was reported from the session.
