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Council discusses police hiring as stormwater repair costs give members pause
Summary
Councilors and the mayor discussed why a motion to hire another full-time police officer failed, saying the borough owes the candidate an explanation; several councilors said concerns about recent stormwater problems and related costs influenced the hiring decision.
Councilors and borough officials discussed a halted effort to hire an additional full-time police officer during the July 23 meeting, tying the personnel decision to unexpected stormwater repair costs.
Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough "owes the candidate an explanation for having him go through all this testing and evaluations," and noted the candidate prefers a smaller department. Wolf also questioned plans for adding a full-time officer in light of budget and operational considerations.
Councilor Melissa Winkler said she "wasn’t aware that we were looking to hire another officer" and expressed concern about costs related to recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns similarly emphasized that stormwater repair needs and the associated unexpected costs were a significant factor in the decision not to proceed with hiring at this time.
The Police Chief provided the June 2024 police report; no formal motion to hire was recorded at the meeting and no personnel action was taken. The minutes record a later executive session to discuss personnel and contracts (6:42–7:37 P.M.) with no action taken.
The discussion leaves the candidate's status unresolved; council asked that an explanation be provided to the candidate and indicated the hiring question will be revisited once fiscal impacts from stormwater and other unplanned expenses are clearer. Council did not take a vote on hiring during the public meeting.
