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

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 at 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 an hour, nearly $8 an 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.

Read MORE in Wednesday’s VINDICATOR