Irwin Police Chief Dan Wensel
Joe Napsha | Tribune-Review
Irwin Mayor William Hawley (left) swears into office Thomas E. Carnahan of Hempfield, who was hired as a part-time police officer on Wednesday, May 12.
TribLIVE s Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.
Irwin police have been taking steps to get out of their patrol cars and mingle with residents and will continue to emphasize community policing, the chief said Wednesday.
“The community is noticing” those efforts, Chief Dan Wensel told Mayor William Hawley and borough council on Wednesday.
When Wensel was promoted to chief in October, he said he would emphasize community policing. That entails officers getting out of their patrol car and walking in the downtown business district and meeting store owners. Wensel took over as the leader of the police department after being named acting chief when former chief Roger Pivirotto resigned last August.
Irwin Borough property owners will pay about 15% more in real estate taxes next year.
The 2021 budget of $4.79 million raises taxes three mills.
Irwin Council approved the budget Wednesday, which raises the tax rate from 20 mills to 23 mills.
Two of the three additional mills will be devoted to the general fund, while one mill will be designated as a fire tax, with the revenue allocated to the Irwin Volunteer Fire Department for capital expenditures.
Justin Mochar, Irwin fire chief, has said the fire department wants to build a new fire hall within the next two years.
Councilwoman Gail Macioce was the only member who voted against the spending plan. Following the meeting, Macioce said she did not believe the residents should have to pay additional property taxes “in light of everything that was the is going on.”