Tarentum considering 16% increase in part-time police pay

Tarentum is considering a 16% increase in the hourly rate it pays part-time police officers.

It would increase the pay from $15.50 per hour to $18, according to borough manager Michael Nestico.

Nestico said the borough needs to increase what it pays part-time officers because other municipalities are paying more, and the borough is having a difficult time hiring them.

It’s more than the borough wanted to spend, he said, but, “we’re being priced out of the market.”

A check of Alle-Kiski Valley police departments found hourly rates for part-time officers ranging from $14.50 in Brackenridge to $19 in Harmar.

Harmar police Chief Jason Domaratz said the township increased its pay from $14 to $19 — a 36% increase — to make the job more appealing.

“It’s definitely helping,” he said, but there still aren’t many pursuing part-time positions.

Some departments — including Fawn, Harrison and New Kensington — do not use part-time officers.

Nestico brought the subject to council’s attention Tuesday. A part-time officer was intended to be hired at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, but it was canceled.

Tarentum has nine full-time officers and one part-time officer.

If the increase is approved, it would apply to the existing part-timer, Nestico said. However, that officer is applying for a full-time position.

Even with an increase to $18 per hour, part-time officers still save the borough money because they do not receive benefits, Nestico said.

Departments across the region are increasingly relying on part-time officers as tightening budgets limit how many full-timers can be hired.