LIBERTY — The chief of police in Liberty is asking township trustees to grant him a three-year contract and hourly rate increases, according to a letter he sent to them.

Chief Toby Meloro was first appointed to the position in 2018. He is paid $50.11 per hour.

Meloro is asking trustees for a 5 percent rate increase each year of the contract, which he requests to begin retroactively to the onset of 2021.

That would amount to a $2.50 raise for 2021, a $2.63 raise in 2022 and a $2.76 raise in 2023, bringing his rate to $58 per hour, nearly $8 per hour higher than it is now.

Trustees did not discuss the request at their meeting Monday.

The department has been efficient, financially responsible and has high morale under his leadership, Meloro states in the letter.

“Although we have accomplished so much in the past three years together, I believe there is still some work that needs to be done. That is why I am requesting you give me a three-year contract,” the letter states.

Trustee Greg Cizmar, board president, said he doesn’t expect to take up the matter and is happy with the way things are.

Trustee Devon Stanley said he agrees with Meloro’s statements about his performance, and he isn’t opposed to considering the request.

Trustee Arnie Clebone said if the board decides to consider the raise request, then it will be more than likely discussed in an executive session.

PROFANE SIGN

While trustees did not discuss the contract request at their meeting, Stanley used some of his time to discuss a sign hanging at a residence near Katie’s Korner Homemade Ice Cream.

The sign states “F— Biden,” Stanley said, and is making customers at the ice cream shop uncomfortable.

Stanley said the township is powerless to compel the person with the sign to take it down because of free-speech provisions, and implored anyone who might know the household to talk to them personally and convince them not to leave it hanging.

Political views aside, Stanley said, children out for ice cream shouldn’t be subjected to that type of language. Government officials cannot ask the household to take down the sign, but private citizens can, he said.

Meloro said it could be seen as “intimidation” if he went and said something about the sign.

rfox@tribtoday.com