Leechburg Council approves new police contract

Leechburg’s two full-time police officers are getting a raise.

Leechburg Council approved a new, four-year contract for the borough’s two full-timers, Chief Jason Schaeffer and officer Mark Pollick, during its April meeting.

Councilman D.J. Zelczak served as lead negotiator with Allegheny Valley Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 39.

“Both sides wanted to get it done. It was a smooth negotiation, and attorney Christopher Gabriel assisted with the negotiations,” Zelczak said. “Both sides were willing to make concessions.”

Council voted 5-1 to approve the contract. Council President Tom Foster voted no.

“I don’t like a lot of the contract language that was in there,” Foster said. “It was unclear, and it leaves too much interpretation. I have no problem with the wages and benefits, but some of the contract language needed to be cleaned up before it passed.”

Doreen Smeal was absent from the meeting and did not vote.

Schaeffer said contract negotions began in mid-year 2022, when the department had three full-time officers.

“We had no issues, and we worked well with council,” Schaeffer said of the negotiations. “I think it was positive for both sides.”

The agreement will start retroactive to Jan. 1 and last through 2026.

Under the agreement, Schaeffer and Pollick will receive wage increases of 4% the first two years and 3.75% the third and fourth years.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Leechburg police Chief Jason Schaeffer poses with Councilman Alan Tarr stand outside the Leechburg Police Department in February.

Leechburg Mayor Tony Roppolo said the contract is fair.

“It’s a good contract, and I believe our contract is very competitive with everything that’s out there on the market,” Roppolo said.

Councilmen Alan Tarr and John Mrvan, along with Roppolo, rounded out the contract negotiation team.

The borough also employs one part-time officer and is hoping to hire more part-timers, Zelczak said.