Plum Police Contract Approved

For the first time in years, Plum Council and borough police have OK'd a contract before the current agreement is up.

Earlier this week, council approved a three-year contract with the borough's 25 full-time police officers—the agreement does not include the chief. The contract is effective from 2014 to 2017.

Councilman Keith Nowalk said this is the "first early contract" officials have approved in 20 years.

"Everyone negotiated in good faith," he said. "It's a proud day for Plum."

Under the contract, officers each exchanged five sick days for a salary continuance plan (short-term disability benefits).

Officer Eric Zdobinski, a member of the police bargaining unit, said negotiations were ongoing for a few months, and everyone is happy with the contract.

"Arbitration is very distracting and difficult," he said. "This is a very good deal for everyone involved."

Officials thanked everyone involved.