Some Tarentum employees are getting pay raises in 2019 after having their pay frozen last year.

The salaries hikes are included in the borough’s $3.58 million 2019 general fund budget. There was no increase in property taxes, which remain at 5.48 mills.

The borough’s public works, water plant and office staff received 4 percent pay increases, after taking a pay freeze in 2018, borough Manager Michael Nestico said. Their hourly pay increased from $23.27 in 2017 and 2018 to $24.20 this year.

Police also received a 4 percent raise after a freeze last year, increasing the base wage from $32.52 per hour to $33.82.

Police Chief William Vakulick is getting a 3.28 percent salary increase, from $82,482 to $85,187.

Finance Director Alice Drisko is getting a 3.5 percent raise, from $23.74 per hour to $24.56. Water plant Supervisor Jeff Adam’s annual salary is going up 2 percent, from $60,000 to $61,200.

Nestico’s pay was not increased. Last year, council increased his salary by 26 percent, from $65,000 to $82,000. Council said they approved the increase because they had been happy with his performance to-date and want to keep him.

Nestico’s two-year contract runs through Dec. 31.

The borough recently hired a new code enforcement officer. Anthony Bruni’s salary was set at $53,000.

Brian Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BCRittmeyer.

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