Unity OKs 3% wage hike, seeks emergency coordinator

Unity Township supervisors approved a 3% wage hike for most township workers and are searching for a new emergency management coordinator.

At their reorganization meeting this week, the supervisors approved the pay increase for two non-union employees. That hike matches the raise recently approved for 23 union members who work either in the township office or on the public works crew.

The union members are set to receive annual 3% wage increases under a new five-year labor agreement, according to John Mylant, who was elected to continue as chairman of the three-member board of supervisors.

Ed Poponick was named vice chairman. Third board member Michael O’Barto was chosen by local voters in November to return as supervisor, after he resigned two years ago to accept election to the Greater Latrobe School Board. The school board will have to appoint someone to fill the seat O’Barto is vacating on that panel.

The supervisors appointed themselves as township roadmasters, each overseeing road maintenance and improvements in a third of the township’s road system. Mylant said each roadmaster is responsible for about 150 miles of township roads.

The township auditors on Tuesday approved an hourly wage of $29 for each of the supervisors in his role as a roadmaster, up from the previous $27.75 per hour. Overtime pay, for time worked beyond 40 hours per week, was set at $43.50 per hour, which is a raise from $41.63 and matches what other employees earn under the union contract.

Pete Tenerowicz’s resignation as emergency management coordinator was accepted by the supervisors, but he has agreed to continue in the role until the supervisors can name a replacement.

Tenerowicz, who has overseen the township’s emergency operations for 35 years, said he decided to retire because of family obligations. “I have five grand kids and I look after my dad,” he said.

He noted the role originally focused on civil defense but has broadened over the years. “Sept. 11 changed the landscape,” he said.

“I will still be active in a lot of things,” he said, indicated he will continue to be active with the Crabtree Volunteer Fire Department, where he has been a member for 51 years.

“We’ve managed to keep up a very strong fire bureau,” he said of the central township organization that provides coordination and some shared equipment for Unity’s volunteer fire departments. He said the township’s 2-mill fire tax has helped in that effort.