Union City Council hires part-time officer as call volume rises

Union City Borough Council voted unanimously Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part-time police officer.

Mayor Robert Wolf said maintaining a police department is important for the Borough and recommended bringing on a part-time officer to help with coverage. The vote followed a council discussion in which members said a part-time hire would reduce costs while providing more coverage than the current staffing level.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed recent call volumes and operational strains. He told the council the department handled 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, averaging about 3.63 calls per day, and that some incidents (including a domestic call and recent mental-health and suicide-related calls) can occupy an entire shift. Chief Pernice also reported that he and another officer attended an active-shooter training July 24–25 and that the UC Community Foundation awarded grants for four tasers and for additional security cameras covering a section of North Main Street.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits; the cost for the part-time hire will be lower than the budgeted amount depending on hours worked. Councilor Joyce moved to approve the hire; Councilor Osborn seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The council’s action is effective immediately; the council did not specify an exact start date for the new officer in the meeting record. The council reconvened later for an executive session on personnel and contracts and adjourned at 7:06 p.m.