MARS — Borough police officers have voted in favor of a new five-year contract with the borough.

Borough police officer and bargaining representative Andra Schmid presented findings to council Monday night.

Schmid told council she has been relaying the discussions she has had with the borough back to the department. The contract met with majority approval.

“We feel that it's great,” Schmid said. “We feel everything's been met.”

Schmid said the contract includes wage changes, but also provides for such items as new ballistic vests.

Officers also asked for access to additional training beyond regulation training stipulated by Pennsylvania's Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission.

Schmid said something new to the contract was a stipulation that the department be involved in any discussion of disbandment. Schmid explained this is a precaution; the borough has not discussed dissolving its police force.

Overall, Schmid said the bargaining process went well.

“(Council) was very, very easy to work with,” Schmid said.

Council told Schmid it voted in favor of the contract at its Nov. 18 meeting.

The only caveat is that contract references to “chief of police” be changed to “officer in-charge.” Officer in charge is a part-time position, while chief of police is full time.

Borough secretary Bonnie Forsythe said the adjustment has been made.

“We'll get it formalized,” said Michael Fleming, council president.