Montoursville council appoints Robert Tobias as borough chief of police in 4–2 vote

Montoursville Borough Council voted 4–2 on March 9 to appoint Robert Tobias as the borough's chief of police following a competitive, multi‑stage hiring process.

Council President Dr. Tina Marie Kline told the meeting that the borough publicly posted the position Jan. 5 and received 14 applications, seven of which were complete. "Over the past several weeks, the Borough has conducted a thorough, transparent, and competitive hiring process to ensure a fair and well‑informed decision to fill the Chief of Police role," Kline said, describing a screening round, virtual interviews and a final in‑person interview on Feb. 24. Kline said retired Chief Gyurina met with staff to help shape the final questions and that three finalists were interviewed in person.

The motion to appoint Tobias was made by Council Member Marshall Winters and seconded by Council Member Misty Emick. The roll call vote was recorded as: Mark Tillson—Yes; Marshall Winters—Yes; Misty Emick—Yes; Tina Kline—Yes; Donald Boyles—No; Donald Konkle—No. Council minutes note the nays were recorded "with no reflection on the candidate." The motion carried and Tobias was appointed.

Kline said she and Mayor Swank spoke with Tobias by phone on Feb. 27 to convey the committee's recommendation and to confirm his intent to accept the position pending council approval. Kline also said Tobias has declined borough‑provided medical, dental and vision benefits and requested that the budgeted amount be reallocated to the police department's training budget, a change she presented as an emphasis on departmental development.

Next procedural steps the council discussed include confirming Tobias's acceptance and completing any reactivation of his MPOETC certification prior to assuming full duties. The council also scheduled an executive session for personnel and legal matters immediately after the meeting; the public meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.