Central City appoints officer to lead department; won't raise taxes in 2025

CENTRAL CITY, Pa. – Central City Borough officials appointed an officer-in-charge to lead their small police force.

And a step was taken to enable negotiations to occur between borough officials and the department's new police union to try to negotiate a contract that would keep officers patrolling Central City's streets in the years ahead, borough officials said.

Jeremy Scislowicz, a part-time officer with Central City for more than a year was named officer-in-charge – "and he accepted the position," Borough Councilman Dan Bulger said.

By law, the department must have a police officer overseeing the department and certain functions, such as keys to evidence storage.

The department lost its chief Oct. 31 when Mark Kasterko stepped down from the post.

The Somerset County borough reinstated its police department in 2022, raising taxes by 2 mills to help cover the cost to hire officers, add vehicles and equipment, and pay for insurance.

In recent months, both remaining officers on the two-member department took steps to unionize as a bargaining unit under Local 110 of the Teamsters.

Bulger said three borough officials – Solicitor Ben Carroll and council members Glenn Hiner and Jeff Jarvis – will serve on the negotiating committee to work on a deal with the union, Bulger added.

It's too soon to speculate how quickly meetings could take place, he said.

Council eyes budgetA budget tentatively approved this week shows the borough is planning to spend $30,000 for the up-to 36 hours per-week department in 2025.

Police costs were just one element of a tentative $327,650 general fund budget that Central City council approve for public inspection Monday.

Borough staff said the budget holds the line on taxes and no capital projects are planned for the coming year.

Council will have to give the budget a final vote next month to make it official. The board meets next Dec. 9.

Thanksgiving Dinner plannedA free community Thanksgiving dinner will be held Nov. 28 in the Central City Borough building.

The free meal, supported by local donations, has become a tradition in the town over the past eight years.

"This a complete dinner, including pumpkin pie, all paid for by donations by various clubs, churches and individuals," Bulger said.

The event will be held at 314 Central Ave. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and carryout meals – and limited delivery – will also be available, he said.

Those interested in attending or receiving a meal musty sign up prior to Nov. 21 by calling the borough office at 814-754-8290.

Bulger said event planners are also hoping to find additional volunteer support for the dinner.

"We just need help," Bulger said, saying organizers want to ensure the event runs smoothly this year and the years ahead. No cooking is required because the meal is catered, he added.