EVANS CITY — Borough council members at a meeting on Monday, April 7, approved the hiring of another part-time police officer as the reorganization of their department forges on.

Justin Hewitt became the fifth part-time officer who has joined the restructured force within the past year. The plan, according to council members, is to have six part-time officers by the middle of summer.

Following the disbandment of the Evans City-Seven Fields joint police department at the end of 2023, Evans City officials have been methodically rebuilding their own department.

Since that time, the two boroughs have been involved in a dispute over the remaining assets of the department, which most notably include three vehicles and all of the interior equipment.

While the two sides have yet to come to terms on a price agreement, there is a mediation set up for April 29, according to Seven Fields manager Tom Smith.

In the meantime, Evans City has taken steps to secure its own vehicles.

Council President Cheri Deener said the new 2025 Dodge Durango police vehicle the borough ordered is ready to be used. She said the plan is to put an Evans City logo on it and outfit the interior with all of the necessary equipment.

Officials approved a $500 payment to tint the windows of that vehicle on Monday.