Opinion | The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board
Transparency only works when the public has access to information.
Over the past several months, The Columbia Chronicle submitted numerous Right-to-Know requests seeking information about Borough operations, Police Department administration, employment agreements, payroll records, leave balances, timesheets, departmental finances, and other matters involving local government. Those records were obtained legally under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and provided by the Borough through official channels.
Today, we are taking a step that many news organizations rarely take. We are releasing the complete collection of responsive records we received in a single downloadable file so residents can review the same documents we reviewed and reach their own conclusions.
We are doing so because these records contain information that raises questions deserving of public discussion.
Importantly, the documents do not prove criminal wrongdoing, theft, fraud, or embezzlement. We want to make that clear from the start. However, they do reveal inconsistencies, unanswered questions, and governance concerns that deserve further explanation from Borough leadership.
The Comp Time Question
The most glaring issue involves former Police Chief and current Borough Manager Jack R. Brommer, Jr..
A 2011 employment agreement provided through Right-to-Know requests states that the Chief of Police is an exempt employee who is not entitled to overtime compensation or compensatory time.
Yet years later, Borough records show compensatory-time balances being tracked on timesheets. Several records reference comp-time balances exceeding 100 hours. Payroll records also appear to show compensation tied to comp time.
The obvious question is simple:
If the Chief of Police was not entitled to compensatory time under his employment agreement, what policy, contract amendment, council resolution, or legal authority later authorized compensatory-time accumulation and payout?
The records released to The Columbia Chronicle did not include a document directly answering that question.
Perhaps such a document exists. If so, releasing it could quickly resolve concerns.
The Leave Payout
The records also document the transition of Jack Brommer from Police Chief to Borough Manager. Employment agreements show he first served as Interim Borough Manager before assuming the position permanently in 2026.
Those agreements reference accrued leave balances valued at approximately $22,549.90, to be paid through scheduled installments.
Supporting records show substantial accumulated leave balances, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and PTO accrued over many years.
The existence of those balances suggests there was a basis for compensation. Nevertheless, taxpayers have every right to ask how the figures were calculated, how they were approved, and whether every payout complied with Borough policy.
Asking those questions is not an accusation. It is accountability.
Missing Records
One Right-to-Know response acknowledged that multiple requested timesheets could not be located.
Later requests produced numerous timesheets, but the fact remains that records requested by the public were reportedly unavailable.
Payroll documentation is among the most important records a municipality maintains. When records cannot be located, public confidence naturally suffers.
The public deserves to know:
- Why were the records missing?
- Were retention policies followed?
- Were the records later found?
- Are other payroll records unavailable?
These are reasonable questions.
Chief Arndt’s Public Statements
Perhaps the most significant development came not from an RTK response but from Chief Holly Arndt’s public remarks before Borough Council.
During her presentation, Arndt stated that when she became Chief, the department required “foundational rebuilding.” She described policy deficiencies, staffing concerns, technology issues, training needs, records management problems, and equipment challenges.
Among the statements that stood out:
- Police radios reportedly not working.
- License-plate-reader subscriptions had lapsed.
- Body-camera storage nearing capacity.
- Training deficiencies involving newly acquired equipment.
These claims deserve careful examination because many relate to administrative decisions made before her appointment as Chief.
The questions are not merely historical. They affect public safety today.
The Coin Bags
One statement from Chief Arndt was particularly striking.
She stated that nineteen bags of coins collected through parking enforcement were being stored within the evidence room and described them as unprocessed Borough revenue.
That statement should concern every taxpayer.
How much money was involved?
How long was it stored there?
Why wasn’t it processed through normal financial channels?
Was it properly accounted for?
The public deserves answers.
The Police Bank Account
Chief Arndt also stated she inherited control of a police bank account but was not provided documentation explaining the account’s purpose, origin, or prior use. She stated she would not utilize the account until it had been reviewed.
Again, this is not proof of wrongdoing.
It is, however, exactly the type of issue that calls for transparency.
Government accounts should have clear documentation, clear authority, and clear records.
Anything less invites questions.
Why We Are Releasing The Documents
The Columbia Chronicle does not believe important public discussions should occur behind closed doors.
We also do not believe residents should be forced to trust our interpretation of these records.
Read them yourself.
Examine them yourself.
Ask your own questions.
Reach your own conclusions.
The documents being released were obtained legally through Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know process and belong to the public record.
We encourage Borough officials, current administrators, former administrators, council members, employees, and residents to review the materials and provide explanations where questions remain.
Transparency should never be feared.
If the records support the actions that were taken, public review will confirm it.
If mistakes were made, public review may help correct them.
Either way, sunlight remains the best disinfectant.
The complete RTK document package is being released as a public courtesy so every resident can review the same information for themselves and participate in an informed discussion about the future of our Borough.
After hearing Chief Arndt’s presentation, reading the RTK article, I am shaking my head wondering what is going on at 3rd and Locust,
Is an independent study needed to get to the bottom of the issues. If these items are true,what will be the plan of correction and what safe guards will be established so. it won’t happen again.