More part-time police help is coming to the city of Jeannette.
City council approved the hiring of two more-part time officers on Wednesday — Brian DeFelice and Kurtiss DeFoor — at a rate of $12.50 per hour. DeFelice also works for the Irwin and Southwest Regional police departments, and DeFoor works for the Cumberland Police Department in Greene County.
The hirings give the city a pool of four part-time officers. James Phillips worked two shifts last week, with Pat Cantolo soon to follow. When they are used, the part-time officers will primarily work the 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. shift.
"The concept (of the part-time police officers) has been well-received by the officers," said Mayor Robert Carter. "The first officer started. He's been pretty excited about helping. I think he's going to work out real well, because he's already an officer. The only thing we have to do is get them acclimated to the streets."
City officials considered hiring part-time officers late in 2009 and early in 2010, but financial woes took precedence.
The move is not only viewed as a safety measure, but one to cut costs. Instead of paying overtime to full-time officers, hours can be given to part-time officers at a much lower cost.
Council also approved hiring Christopher Smith, Brian Dunmire and Jordan Ault for part-time seasonal employment in the public works department at a rate of $8 per hour.
"Their main jobs are going to be to help us with the grass-cutting and the manual maintenance that we can't do," Carter said, adding the department has two members on workers' compensation. "We're kind of short-handed."
The part-time seasonal workers will be used for 10 weeks.
City officials said funds are available to bring in the part-time help.
In the police department, the funding is coming primarily from the overtime budget. For public works, the money is available because of the savings realized because two employees are receiving workers' compensation.
Council approved a motion to advertise for the hiring of a seasonal property maintenance person at a rate of $10 an hour.
"I know we don't have the money, but this is something the town definitely needs," said Councilman Jeffrey DePalma. "The grass is through the roof. It's throwing down the property values of the homes next door. I'd like everyone to consider this, and I'd like the public to stay after this. It affects all of us in some way, shape or form."
The city had a person handling the job, but his duties were suspended in March 2010 as a cost-saving measure.
