UNION TOWNSHIP, PA. Budget prevents hiring of new officer

It would cost the township $30,000 plus benefits to hire another full-time officer.
BY MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Rising expenses have eliminated, at least for now, the possibility of hiring an additional full-time police officer for Union Township.
Union Township Supervisors acknowledged Thursday that the hoped-for addition to the force, which had been discussed in recent months, is out of reach in the 2003 budget.
The township will continue to provide near round-the-clock coverage with only two hours of the day left without a police officer on duty. There are two full-timers and three part-timers on the township police force. It would cost the township $30,000 plus benefits to hire another full-time officer.
Budget adoption
The budget, which is available for inspection at the township building, is set for final adoption at a special meeting at 9 a.m. Dec. 31.
The $1 million expense budget shows major increases in workers' compensation, which is up more than $20,000 from what was budgeted this year.
Prescription drug coverage will cost $12,000 more and Blue Cross/Blue Shield is up $52,000.
Secretary-Treasurer Sally Byler said that while expenses are up, township revenue increased only slightly, about $12,000 to $15,000 due to the re-assessment.
Other business
In other business Thursday, supervisors approved spending $3,215 as the local match for a police laptop computer to be purchased through the Lawrence County Council of Governments. The computer will allow Union police to communicate with other townships' police.
They passed a motion allowing Supervisor Kevin Guinaugh to take off from his duties as roadmaster attend COG meetings as the township's representative.
They also approved renewal of the township's membership in COG and payment of $510 in dues. That price is calculated at 10 cents per township resident.
Supervisors also approved a one-year contract with Bruce & amp; Merrilees Electric Co. for traffic signal maintenance for $2,808.
They announced Covert's Bridge will be closed for reconstruction Jan. 6.