Masontown Council Backs Off Plans to Cut Police Officer Hours

Public outcry prompts reversal of decision to switch full-time officer to part-time role

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Masontown Borough Council in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, initially voted in early January to lay off police department staff, but later reversed the decision after public outcry. The council then considered changing one of the two full-time police officer positions to part-time, shocking residents. However, after a contentious council meeting on Tuesday, the council ultimately backed off those plans and came to a resolution on a new police contract.

Why it matters

The Masontown police department's staffing levels and budget have been a source of ongoing controversy and debate within the community. The council's initial decision to disband the police department and subsequent consideration of cutting officer hours raised concerns about public safety and transparency in local government.

The details

The Masontown police department employs two full-time officers and four part-time officers. After the initial vote to lay off staff, Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele sent a letter threatening Sunshine Act violations, stating that neither his office nor the Pennsylvania State Police were notified of the borough's intent to take such action. This public outcry prompted the council to reverse its decision, but then discussions began about cutting officer hours by changing one of the full-time positions to part-time. However, after Tuesday's council meeting, the council ultimately came to a resolution on a new police contract, backing off the plans to reduce officer hours.

  • In early January 2026, the Masontown Borough Council initially voted to lay off police department staff.
  • On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, the council held a meeting to discuss changing a full-time police officer position to part-time.

The players

Masontown Borough Council

The local governing body of Masontown, Pennsylvania that is responsible for decisions regarding the police department's staffing and budget.

Timothy O'Barto

The Masontown Borough Police Chief who expressed shock that the police department was back on the council's agenda for discussion.

Mike Aubele

The Fayette County District Attorney who sent a letter threatening Sunshine Act violations over the council's initial decision to disband the police department without proper notification.

John Stoffa

The Masontown Borough Council President who told residents that the recent discussions were due to the police contract expiring on December 31.

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What they’re saying

“Neither my office nor the Pennsylvania State Police was notified that the borough intended to take this action, and it was not on the agenda and should not have been voted on.”

— Mike Aubele, Fayette County District Attorney

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The new police contract is now being written up to be signed by the Masontown Borough Council.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and community engagement in local government decision-making, especially when it comes to public safety and the police department. The public outcry and legal threats prompted the Masontown Council to reconsider its initial plans, demonstrating the power of civic engagement in holding local officials accountable.