Nazareth police 'personnel issues' delay contract negotiations with Colonial Regional

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Nazareth's negotiations with the Colonial Regional Police Department are on hold until borough council works out "personnel issues" with its own police department, Mayor Fred Daugherty told the public Monday.

Daugherty did not elaborate on the issues during the public meeting since they are "personnel" concerns and did not provide a time frame when he believes the issues would be ironed out. Borough council in June unanimously agreed to negotiate a contract for police coverage with Colonial Regional.

Police Chief Thomas Trachta has provided borough officials with a list of concerns he would like addressed before negotiations. The concerns include what would happen to the seniority of officers, vacations, salaries and other benefits if officers move to Colonial Regional.

With the police department down to two full-time officers from its usual six, Trachta also has requested the hiring of three full-time officers.

Colonial Regional covers about 20,000 people over about 22 square miles and operates on a $3 million annual budget. The department provides 24-hour service to Bath, Hanover Township and Lower Nazareth Township.

The council did unanimously approve Trachta's request for a police membership to the Stockertown Rod & Gun Club for firearms training. The membership costs $35 per officer, council Vice President Larry Stoudt said.

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