The topic was initially addressed at the council's earlier June 9 meeting. However, the members felt that they had a sufficient number of questions, and decided that they voted to adjourn that meeting and, in a not-so-commonly employed tact, to reconvene on June 16 to devote that reconvened meeting solely to issues relating to hiring a new officer.

The council approved by the hiring of recruit Erik Peiffer, who is presently still attending the police academy and will graduate in August. Peiffer's starting salary was approved of $51,345. Police Chief Richard Hileman said Peiffer is "the only candidate on the current civil service list for appointment."

Much of the council's discussion revolved around Hileman's proposed starting salary for the newly-hired recruit.

Councilman Bruce Carr said, "My biggest concern is that we just spent an awful lot of money on the police department. Every time we turn around, it's something new."

Councilman John Schubring said that most of the council agrees that an extra officer would be "extremely helpful." However, no one yet knows what the pandemic's impact will be on the municipal budget, and therefore suggested the hiring be postponed.

Council President Richard Mathews asked, "How do we minimize cost to the point where we're getting maximum efficiency at minimum cost to the taxpayers? We have to look at a way to be more effective on less dollars." Mathews questioned what he felt was a disproportionate amount of time spent on traffic patrols and suggested the state police be given office space at the borough hall, to assist the municipal police.

Regarding the recommended salary, the chief said that, out of ten neighboring police departments, two had starting salaries higher than that proposed for Peiffer. However, the workload demand on officers between the departments differ. For example, Carroll Valley has one officer on duty at night, whereas other departments have two. Cumberland Township has one police officer per about 600 residents. Carroll Valley has one officer per more than 1,000 residents.

Regarding the impact of the police operational costs on the municipal budget, Hileman said, "Quality police service is not cheap."

The chief had previously expressed concerns that the Carroll Valley Police need to remain competitive with other police forces to attract and retain officers.

The municipal police department, which provides police services to Fairfield Borough, has been struggling with a diminished police force since losing two officers earlier this year. The police thus far have been addressing the shortage in officers through assistance by state police and the county constable, as available, and with the aid of two former Carroll Valley Police officers who are now with other police departments.