The Reading Police Department has about 170 officers but union officials say that number could dwindle dangerously low by the end of the year when the current contract expires.
Sgt. Bruce Monteiro, the union's treasurer, says as many as 100 officers are eligible for retirement. He says many could opt to retire if they are asked to pay for health coverage once the contact expires.
Mayor Tom McMahon says he's spoken with department leadership about contingency plans in the event of mass retirements.
Reading entered the state program for distressed cities last year. Act 47 provides municipalities state oversight and access to low-interest loans to help them recover.
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Information from: Reading Eagle, http://www.readingeagle.com/
