SEVEN FIELDS — While Evans City continues to consider a proposal to extend its contract with the Evans City/Seven Fields Police Department, the department's commission at its Monday meeting heard from Evans City council member Matt Otto about a request he had for the agreement.

The contract extension would add five years to the existing 10-year contract, which is set to expire in 2025, and each community could opt out of the contract at the eight-year mark, giving the boroughs two years to negotiate the split.

Otto requested the commission consider adding another opt out clause in the five-year extension time.

“Just being that seven years, from year eight to year 15, that's a long time without any kind of opt out,” he said. “Hopefully it never comes up. But a lot things can change in seven years.”

Otto extolled the department for all it does and said he is happy with the way things are.

“I think the police force is doing a great job,” he said. “I think it's a fantastic thing.”

Police administrator Thomas Smith said adding an additional opt out in the event of a contract extension could reduce job security for potential hires.

Otto acknowledged that but said he is concerned with making sure the borough has options if things change in the future.

At their council meeting earlier this year, Evans City residents raised questions and concerns about the proposed agreement and spending under the regionalized department.

Borough officials urged those with questions or complaints to address the commission, as that body would be best equipped to answer or address them.

At Monday's commission meeting, only Otto came from Evans City to address the board.

The commission also approved carrying over paid time off days that some officers, primarily part-time officers, had left over this year, as the department relied heavily on them when full-time staff members were on medical leave.

These days would have to be used by the end of June, and the days would be approved by Chief Joseph McCombs to prevent any issues with scheduling shifts.

“I think it's a good thing, too,” said commissioner Kim Armstrong. “Shows good faith on our part and with the officers.