Delmont Police awarded federal hiring grant
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The Delmont Police Department got a holiday gift in the form of a $125,000 federal hiring grant. Now borough officials just need to decide if they want to put it to use.
“We’re not in need of hiring another officer, but I also didn’t think we would get this grant,” Chief T.J. Klobucar said. “The way it works is, we’d be required to keep the officer for at least one year after the grant expires.”
The grant can be used anytime before September 2025, Klobucar said.
“It’s not going to hurt my feelings if council doesn’t want to accept this,” he said. “I just think it would be something good to be able to sit on.”
If council opts not to put the grant to use, it can be rescinded with a letter.
“It we have the option to reject it later on, I don’t see the harm in it,” Councilman Dave Weber said.
Council voted unanimously to accept the COPS Hiring Program grant. Councilwoman Pam Simpson was not present.
Budget
Council unanimously approved a $1.67 million budget for 2024. This year’s budget includes a 2-mill property tax increase, the first tax hike in more than a decade.
It would bring the borough’s tax rate to 20 mills.
Matesevac retires
After a dozen years on council, Becky Matesevac took part in her final council meeting on Dec. 11.
“I think everyone on council has worked over the years to make things better for everyone: the employees, the citizens, everyone,” she said.
Matesevac was elected to council in 2011 and served on its insurance committee, negotiating and securing insurance for borough employees.
“I liked working with such a great group of people,” she said.
Reorganization
Council will hold a reorganizational meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 2 at the borough building, 77 Greensburg Street.
Returning council members Christopher Bigley and David Weber will be sworn in alongside newcomer Krista Krautbauer. Council will also choose officers for the new year.