GIRARDVILLE - The borough wants two more part-time police officers available when needed.
"I would recommend that we advertise for a couple of new officers," said Mayor Edward Burns at a council meeting Thursday night.
He expressed frustration with having police officers on the call list who do not respond when asked to provide coverage. The council approved the advertising and the applications will be reviewed before the next council meeting Aug. 9.
After the meeting, Burns said the borough has three part-time officers who regularly cover the 64 hours available per week. Patrolman John Borchick works up to 32 hours per week, with Patrolmen Anthony Houser and Daniel Weikel working the remaining 32 hours. Burns is pleased with the officers who are working, but wants to have two more available as needed.
"The other two would be brought in every once in a while," Burns said. "Having five officers available is nice. I wish we could have more hours, but it's just not in the budget right now."
Burns said new officers start at $13 an hour, with the rate going to $15 an hour after 90 days.
In other business, the council decided not to seek a contract buying heating oil at a locked-in rate.
"It might not be a good year for oil prices," Councilman Joseph Chiaretti said.
The council also adopted a resolution to retain Berkheimer Associates to collect the Earned Income Tax and another for the company to collect delinquent taxes and impose the applicable costs.
Council President Charles Marquardt said he spoke with Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Lee Raring of the Schuylkill County Office of Solid Waste and Resource Management and was told concrete pads will soon be placed in front of the recycling bins.