Ellwood City Police Department to Get K9

Ellwood City Borough Council voted Monday night to purchase a police K9.

Officials moved to approve a quote from Shallow Creek Kennels for $15,000. In addition to the dog, the price includes a six-week handler course, manuals, and handouts. The new K9 will be paid from the K9 fund.

This is a victory for the police department and Mayor Anthony Court, who have been pushing council for the move. The decision to implement the K9 was unanimous. Court has said in past meetings that the K9 is a vital tool in fighting area crime, especially drug related.

In other council news, motions passed include:

• A motion to establish salaries and wages for the employees as shown in the graphics at right.
• A motion to establish the real property tax rate at 8.75 mils for the year 2022, which is no raise in taxes.
• A motion to adopt a 2022 budget
• A motion to establish a stabilized Purchase Power Adjustment (PPA) for 2022 electric usage at $0.016/kwh, which is a half cent decrease from last year’s.
• A motion to make the following appointments:
  • Tim O’Brien-Zoning Hearing Board
  • Brad Ovial-Planning Commission
  • Ralph Chiapetta-Economic Development Authority
  • Jack D’Addio-Recreation Board
  • Becky Chestnut-Ellwood City Library Board
  • Barbara Wilson-Ellwood City Library Board
  • Anthony Celli-Civil Service Commission
  • Brad Ovial-Civil Service Commission
• The following employees were hired:
• • Sharon Smith, administrative assistant, rate of $18.992/hour
  • Peri Malcolm-McKim, crossing guard, rate of $9.40/hour
• Council will hold its Reorganizational Meeting on Monday, January 3 at 6 p.m.