UNION TOWNSHIP Improved finances allow officer's return to full time

The township wants to build a new salt storage shed.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Union Township supervisors have restored to full-time status a police officer who had his hours reduced to part time in January. The action is effective immediately.
Supervisors put Mike Mrozek back on the midnight shift because tax revenues brought in by a 0.49-mill increase in taxes approved last month have eased budgetary concerns.
Mrozek had been promoted to full time in late December but was reduced to part time by the new administration because money was tight. He has a grievance pending against the township over his reduction in hours. That grievance will not be affected by Thursday's action, said township Solicitor Gabriel Cilli.
Other actions
In a related matter, the township also has a request pending in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court for a declaratory judgment to void a police contract extension passed by the last administration late in the year. Cilli said he hopes that case will be scheduled for an April hearing.
Also, supervisors called back full-time road worker Dan Kegarise, who had been laid off in January. They also recalled Ann Richards to do grass cutting, park work and some road work. Richards will work part time.
In other business, supervisors agreed to advertise for bids for a 60-by-80-foot road salt storage shed.
Salt has been stored in the township garage for the last two years, but the salt is rusting the steel ceiling, Supervisor Clair Damon said. The county commissioners are giving the township $25,000 for the project, and supervisors are applying for a $7,500 state grant.
Supervisors also handled these matters:
UApproved a contract with Union Area Schools that requires the schools to pay a percentage of Social Security, workers' compensation and other costs for township police officers working at athletic games and other events. The school district also must approve the agreement.
UGave $10,000 from the township's Community Development Block Grant funds to the fire department to be used toward paying off a $280,000 firetruck. This is the fourth such payment the township has made to the fire department.