After nearly a decade without a permanent police chief, Macungie officials took another step toward filling the borough’s top law enforcement position Sept. 21, reviewing recruitment plans and discussing the department’s future leadership.

The future of the Macungie Police Department dominated discussion during the borough council meeting, where officials reviewed recruitment efforts for a new chief and addressed upcoming labor negotiations with officers who have been working without a contract since December 2025.

Jerry Simpson, representing the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, updated council on several matters involving the police department. Simpson said scheduling remains a topic of interest and noted the association will participate in upcoming budget discussions.

Council also discussed recruitment of the borough’s next police chief. Members reviewed a proposed chief recruitment profile, with Councilman Stan Landis suggesting a wider salary range to attract more candidates. Landis recommended adjusting the proposed salary range from $125,000 to $130,000 to $115,000 to $130,000.

Additional discussion centered on the recruitment process and whether the consulting firm conducting the search would consider promoting a current officer. Officials noted the borough has not had a permanent police chief since 2016.

Police labor issues also drew attention. Borough officers have been working without a contract since December 2025, and council appointed three members to participate in upcoming negotiations. Megan Sell, who had previously been appointed, was joined by Tom Ashelman and Stan Landis.

Sgt. Travis Kocher and Cpl. Michael Mullen voiced concerns regarding the borough’s use of a consulting firm during the chief recruitment process.

In other public safety-related business, council approved forwarding the borough’s 2026 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Volunteer Fire Relief allocation of $21,981 to the Lower Macungie Volunteer Fire Department.

Council also learned a Lea Street fire hydrant malfunctioned during a recent minor fire. The hydrant proved difficult to open, and a subsequent investigation found it was not included on municipal system maps.

Council members also discussed budget matters, including questions about why some departments are operating under budget. Officials suggested vacant borough positions may be contributing to the savings. Council also reviewed procedures for addressing budget line items that exceed appropriated amounts, with further investigation planned.

Council received a monthly report from the Emmaus Public Library, which reported it ranks first in the Lehigh County Library Consortium. Library officials highlighted services available to patrons, including passes to attractions such as the Da Vinci Science Center, America on Wheels and the National Constitution Center.

Members also revisited concerns surrounding the proposed Lumber Street development, including questions regarding the so-called paper alley. Officials said additional documentation has been located and will be reviewed. A special meeting on the matter is scheduled for Sept. 28.