SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - More officers could be hired for the borough police department.
The council authorized the advertisement for part-time officers at its Wednesday meeting.
"This is in response to a recent extension of a collective bargaining agreement with the current Schuylkill Haven (police department)," borough Manager Scott Graver said.
He said three or four officers could be hired. The pay rate would be $18 to start and increase to $19 after a probationary period. He did not know the length of the probationary period.
The hiring would help decrease expenses in the police budget while providing more service. Eight officers are currently on the force including Schuylkill Haven police Chief Jeffrey Walcott. Graver did not say what the current police budget is.
In other news, the council voted to set the police pension fund contribution for 2013 at zero.
Council meetings will continue to be held at 6:30 p.m. at 340 Haven St. during the first and third Wednesday of the month. Committee meetings will continue to be held at 6 p.m. during the first Wednesday each month, and finance committee meetings will remain at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday.
A Holly Rose Trail will be held Saturday, sponsored by the Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. and starts at the Church of the Nazarene and ends at the First United Church of Christ along Route 61 in the borough. Three homes are included on the trail. Tickets purchased in advance will be $10 and $15 the day of the event. Tickets are available at Lewis News Agency at 570-385-2460 or Hess Catering at 570-385-3578.
Mayor Mike Devlin said the mayor's advisory meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 17.
"If you can make it, please attend," he said.
