Lansford Borough Council approved the contract Wednesday for the borough’s new police chief, Kyle Woodward.

Following the general meeting, borough Mayor Hugh Vrablic issued the oath of office to Woodward.

Woodward’s salary will be $80,000 for the first year, $84,000 his second year.

Woodward said he hopes to start as chief on Thursday.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Woodward said. “There is a lot of work to do. Lansford does have the highest call volume in the area, the guys are working 12-hours shifts. And we are trying to work on getting the contract signed.”

According to Council President Bruce Markovich, the contract between the borough and the Lansford Police Department has not yet been signed by the police department.

“They sent it to their FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) attorney in October, and they have not responded since,” Markovich said.

The police contract with the new language following the arbitration determination is still being reviewed by the attorneys before being signed, according to union representatives.

The new contract was the result of binding arbitration between the borough and police department. The arbitration award was signed by attorneys for both sides on Nov. 3.

The contract gives officers an average 4.4% wage increase each year and runs through the end of 2026.

The new contract was renewed Jan. 1, but not signed yet by the police department. Basically, the new contract is in place, but they have not agreed to it.

“They’re getting paid under the old contract at this point,” Markovich said. “They’re not going to get paid under the new contract unless they sign it.”

Kelly Monitz Socha contributed to this report