May 14, 2015 By Erin Hayes for The 3 min read

MASONTOWN — Two new part-time police officers who already serve as municipal departments in Greene County will be joining the ranks of the borough police department effective May 31.

Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to hire Nicholas Rennie and Kurtiss Benco to work part time, on call and as needed.

The men will be paid at a rate of $19.40 hourly.

Both currently are employed as part-time police officers with Cumberland Township, with Rennie working part time also with the Waynesburg police department, officials said.

Mayor Toni Petrus said the two officers were hired on the recommendation of their current employer based on their schooling and credentials.

“We were down to just one part-time person,” said Petrus, adding that the police department continues to maintain five full-time officers, with one of those currently out on workman’s comp.

“We lost our part-time pool and are trying to put people back into it,” said President Frank McLaughlin.

Also at the meeting, council announced that the borough would be taking orders from residents wishing to purchase signs thanking veterans and benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project.

The signs are available in two designs and are $15 each. Of that amount, $2.50 will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project. The price includes the cost of shipping and handling, Petrus said.

Anyone interested in purchasing a sign may call the borough secretary 724-583-7731 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Orders will be accepted through June 15 and must prepaid, officials said.

In other business, council:

n Reminded that residents and business proprietors may not nails signs and notices to trees on borough property.

n Announced that the borough will be holding its Large Item Pickup Day on June 11. The borough’s waste disposal provider will be picking up large household items, not including appliances, McLaughlin said. For more information, call the borough at 724-583-7731.

n Announced that residents may drop off hard-to-recycle items at the county’s Hard to Recycle Drop-off Event at the Fayette County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

n Approved a waiver for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation upgrades of a curb at 1 E. Church Ave. to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

n Discussed the need to develop a road program addressing currently needed road work, improvements and repairs.

n Agreed to apply for a public services discount from the borough’s cellphone service provider.

n Agreed to participate in this year’s Private Industry Council’s Summer Youth Program.