Sharpsburg officials have inked a new three-year police contract.
The collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 249 was approved by a 6-0 vote.
Both parties gave their approval to the deal on March 28.
Council Vice President Kayla Portis was not present.
The contract will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2026 and will affect six full-time officers, with no part-time officers being impacted.
There will be a 4% wage increase this year, followed by 4.25% in the second year, and 4.5% in the third year.
There will be no changes to benefits or health care contributions.
Councilman and public safety committee member Jonathan Jaso said that it was a fair contract.
He stated, "We have attained the best contract for the police officers, the borough, and the residents. I don’t think there were any issues."
Councilwoman Sarah Ishman was part of the borough’s negotiating team.
She commented, "I’m pleased that we completed it quickly and with good negotiation on both sides. I think everyone is really happy with the deal."
This marks the first Sharpsburg police contract negotiated through Teamsters. The previous three-year contract was handled by the department’s wage and policy committee.
Ishman added, "The agreement is with a new bargaining unit, so there are language changes and some new aspects that come with that. It went well. It was just different people. We all want the same thing, which is to reach a good agreement for both parties. We value our police force and are glad to have a good deal with them."
Keith Frank, Vice President of Local 249, expressed his contentment with bringing a new police department on board.
He stated, "We’re extremely happy to have them as members. We’re pleased that the council came together to get a fair contract with the police officers and recognize the work that they do. Our main goal is to ensure they’re protected and receive the wages and benefits for the jobs they do."
Regarding other police matters
Council appointed Officer Zachary Smith of Lawrenceville as a permanent police officer.
He was hired on a probationary basis February 2023. His salary is about $55,700.
Smith grew up in Indiana Township and graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 2015.
Chief Thomas Stelitano mentioned, “He’s demonstrated improvement in all aspects of employment and has become a valuable asset to the department.”
In other emergency services matters
Council voted 5-1 to change the 0.5-mill fire tax to the emergency services tax. Jaso dissented.
Ishman explained council was changing the language of the ordinance so money generated from the tax could be used for police and EMS after the volunteer fire department’s needs were met. The tax generates about $58,000.
Jaso expressed, “If you open it up to emergency services, you have more hands in the bucket. That’s not what the tax was originally meant for. It was meant specifically for the fire department. I understand nothing is going to be taken away from the fire department, but there is that potential (for funds to be used for other departments).”
