In November, Hellertown Borough Council adopted a 2025 preliminary general fund budget which included the addition of one new full-time officer to its police staff. But at Monday’s meeting, the preliminary budget was amended to increase that number to two full-time officers, with no tax increase in 2025.
The 4-3 vote to add another officer followed input from the police chief about understaffing and a council discussion that provided insight into the reasons why there was a split among members.
“We’re currently operating below our authorized strength without two officers,” Chief James Baitinger said. “While our current officers work tirelessly, the need for additional personnel has become clear. The request is not about overextending resources; it’s about ensuring that we maintain and improve the level of service and protection of our residents that they expect and deserve.”
“I also want to emphasize that this request falls within the current police department’s budget allocation,” he added. “Through prudent financial management and operational efficiency, we have created room for this necessary expansion while remaining fiscally responsible… I was hired to do a job, and I believe this is the right step forward for our borough and our police department.”
Many residents told council they supported hiring more officers. Ofc. John Donato, president of the Hellertown Police Association, was also in attendance and spoke about the request to add staff.
“We, the sworn officers, believe in Chief Baitinger, and judging by the number of attendees here tonight to support him along with the ones online it is quite clear that our citizens believe in him as well,” he said. “We only ask that the Hellertown Borough Council, on behalf of the constituents of whom they were elected, provide him with the necessary tools to accomplish our collective vision and mission.”
Councilman Andrew Hughes has opposed expanding the current police department. He voted against the expansion on Monday, along with council members Liz Thompson and Matt Marcincin.
“The information currently in the public forum is incomplete,” Hughes said. “This council and myself, specifically, have the burden of knowing much more about the actual state of our Hellertown Police Department. … I believe once this information is known to all, the narrative will be different.”
Hughes also called a council-commissioned study of the police department completed earlier this year “woefully incomplete,” and said more information should be gathered before making “long-term decisions.”
Thompson echoed some of Hughes’ concerns.
“I think that it’s unfortunate that the public doesn’t have all of the information that this body has,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have a department that has not yet fully recovered from a prolonged lack of leadership and a…deficiency of appropriate professional oversight that has not only resulted in complete lack of adherence in understanding chain of command, but also several felon(y) (charges).” Thompson’s statement was in reference to charges filed last year against the borough’s former police chief, who is accused of stealing thousands of dollars over a period of several years.
“I have full faith in our new chief, and he believes in doing the right thing for the right reason,” she added. “He came into a very tough situation, and if there is anyone that can grow the Hellertown Police Department into a healthy department, it’s him.”
With the police budget accounting for 40 percent of the entire borough budget, a $40,000 price tag per officer for health insurance coverage, contract negotiations on the horizon and costs expected to increase, Thompson said the financial side of the equation should not be overlooked.
Council President Tom Rieger said the financial issues the department is facing aren’t new or unique to Hellertown.
“Like many communities, we face budgeting decisions every year. We set goals, adjust as necessary and continue to provide service to our residents that they expect,” he said. “This financial (situation) is not necessarily a crisis, but it’s something that the borough of Hellertown and the hundreds of other boroughs throughout this commonwealth face every year.”
“Unfortunately, taking it down to a contract or a balance sheet ignores the fact that our borough is more than just a set of numbers,” he continued. “It’s a community built on shared values. Residents rely on those essential services they support. Yes, it’s year-to-year, but that is what makes Hellertown a great place to live.”
Part-Time Police Rate Increased
Hughes made a motion to increase the part-time police rate to $34 per hour, which he noted would be a 13 percent increase from the current rate. The motion was approved after a roll-call vote, with Rieger and council member Lynley Solt voting against it.
Council Vice President Resigns, Fadem steps in
Hellertown Borough Council Vice President Matt Marcincin stepped down from that council position Monday. He noted that his full-time job schedule is in conflict with the borough meetings.
“This is not a decision I took lightly and have consulted many people to make the best decision I could as I represent the people of Hellertown,” he said.
Marcincin suggested that Hughes should take his place.
“He not only discovered the fraud (allegedly) perpetrated by our ex-police chief through the work performed by his finance committee, but also has educated us all on our budget and just how fragile it is,” he said.
Hughes and councilwoman Terri Fadem were both nominated to fill the vice president’s seat. After a roll-call vote, Fadem was named the new council vice president.
“I’m honored to accept the nomination and position, and continue working hard for Hellertown,” she said. “I love my hometown so much, thank you.”
The final council meeting of 2024 is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall.