NEW CASTLE —
A staff restructuring of the New Castle police department will save the city money, according to police chief Bobby Salem.
The chief unveiled his proposal to city council at a budget workshop last night.
Councilman William Panella initially questioned the plan, saying he objected to the creation of a third lieutenant position.
Expressing concern that the plan will increase costs for the city, Panella said, “I just don’t believe we have the money for more promotions.”
The plan also increases the number of corporals, for example, from two to five.
Panella said the biggest complaint he receives from people is that they don’t see police on the street.
Council president MaryAnne Gavrile added that people don’t see them because more officers work daylight.
Salem responded, “You’ll have more visibility with this restructuring.”
He said there would be seven officers on each shift. Salem said the plan will save the city $166 next year.
In question is the possibility that a patrolman could be promoted to corporal, costing an additional $14,000. Business administrator Stephanie Dean said the proposed budget “reflects the worse case scenario.”
After Salem’s explanation, all council members indicated support.
Panella said after the meeting, “As long as it doesn’t cost any money, I’m satisfied.”
Under the plan, one lieutenant will head the patrol division, another criminal investigation and the third administrative operations, which will include central booking, public relations and training.
Panella also expressed opposition to having two employees in the department of community and economic development.
Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo’s proposed budget calls for the hiring of an economic development director as required in the city’s Act 47 recovery plan. The director would head a restructured department that would include code enforcement and zoning and planning as well as community and economic development.
The plan basically proposes a more structured, ambitious effort to promote economic development
The salary for the director’s position is budgeted at $70,000. A second position of community development coordinator would pay $50,000. The mayor warned that if the coordinator’s position is eliminated, “I’ll close the department.”
“I just don’t want to spend $70,000 and another $50,000,” Panella said.
Mastrangelo said, “I need more than one person.”
Gavrile said to Panella that she agrees in part with him.
“But we’re reducing a salary by $20,000.”
The reference was to Tammi Gibson, who is currently the director, but would ostensibly be the coordinator if someone else is selected to head the department. She is the only employee in the department. “You have to have worker bees under the director,” she said.
Councilman Thomas Smith recommended that since the city outsourced some work in the treasurer’s office that those employees could help with paperwork. He said he believes the current employee could do the job “with the proper support staff.”
Councilman Richard Beshero said if the salary would be lowered any more, “we may lose that person.”
(Email: jmanna @ncnewsonline.com)
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
City Council looking at police staffing proposal
- Local News
-
-
Movie Memories, Part 4: Penn Theater remembered for opulence, Leo Mickey’s weekend kiddie shows
When today’s New Castle residents recall the city’s former movie theaters, the Penn may be the most fondly remembered. Built in the 1920s, the Penn “was the first one (downtown) to be built as a full-fledged, deluxe theater,” said Jack Oberleitner, a New Castle native and owner of a cinema consulting firm that bears his name.
-
Movie Memories, Part 3: The Hi-Lander and Cinema theaters were the last two New Castle movie houses to go dark
Although the downtown once was dotted with movie theaters, one of the last to close was well up the North Hill. The 750-seat Hi-Lander opened in 1952, the result of a joint effort by two pairs of area drive-in owners: Al Tate and John Wincek (Highway 51 near Darlington, and John Favorite and Joe Glorioso (Blue Sky near Zelienople).
-
No tax hike in Union school budget
The Union Area School Board has introduced a $10.6 budget with no tax increase. If the $10,585,494 spending plan is approved, it will be the third year without a tax increase in the district. The property tax is at 14.42 mills.
-
Movie Memories, Part 2: Monsters, cowboys and ultimately, sex, were staples at State Theater
Second in a series: Daily through Memorial Day, the New Castle News will be looking back at some of the city’s now-defunct movie theaters. These movie houses will be seen primarily through the eyes of New Castle natives with ties to them — including “Mister Movie” himself, Leo Mickey. Today: The State Theater
-
Movie Memories, Part 1: Victor one of many long-gone local theaters
First in a series: Today through Memorial Day, the New Castle News will be looking back at some of the city’s now-defunct movie theaters. These movie houses will be seen primarily through the eyes of New Castle natives with ties to them — including “Mister Movie” himself, Leo Mickey. Today: The Victor
-
Our Opinion: Make the most of your power to vote by casting ballot tomorrow
So what kind of turnout will there be for tomorrow’s primary? Recent history suggests somewhere between low and lousy. This year’s elections are devoted to local races, and there are few major ones being contested in the primary.
-
Relay for Life set for next week
New Castle’s Relay for Life will kick off at 7 p.m. May 31 on the track at Shenango High School’s Glen “Pop” Johnston Stadium. Relay for Life is an organized, overnight fundraising walk for the American Cancer Society.
-
New Castle News names new publisher
Sharon A. Sorg is no stranger to hometown newspapers. It’s no surprise, then, that she’s been selected to lead the newspaper in her hometown. Sorg has been named publisher of the New Castle News, which is just a few miles from her residence in Pulaski Township.
-
Rockin’ Recess: Laurel youngsters earn a morning of music, health education
Hands clapping. Arms waving. Crowd chanting. That was the scene at Laurel Elementary School yesterday morning. Laurel beat out four other school districts in the UPMC For Kids and Radio Disney-sponsored “Attendance Counts” competition.
-
Memorial service scheduled
The annual Croton Memorial Service will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Croton Honor Roll. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly will be the guest speaker.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Today in History May 23
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Today in History May 22
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Today in History for May 21st
Bank Shooting Rampage in Israel Kills 4
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
Today in History for May 20th
