Mercer County District James Epstein said he has not reported to Southwest Mercer County Regional police how much money he has to boost staffing because he doesn't have any, yet.

Epstein said state Weed and Seed grant money has been delayed in coming to Mercer County.

He has been paying Assistant District Attorney Robert Kochems' salary out of drug forfeiture funds, and is replenishing the drug forfeiture account when Weed and Seed money comes in.

Sharon and Farrell received a Weed and Seed grant that targets crime and funds community revitalization activities.

Part of the program's crime-fighting effort is hiring a prosecutor to focus on cases from the cities.

"We're working to get that straightened out in the near future," Epstein said of the delay. "Bob is talking with Harrisburg."

Once the Weed and Seed money is coming in regularly, Epstein said, he will be able to answer to the Southwest police commission.

Epstein told the Southwest police commission in December that he could supply some funding to boost personnel.

Epstein's primary concern was bolstering investigations of crimes in Farrell.

The department reduced the status of two full-time policemen to part-time at the beginning of the year. Tuesday, Police Chief Joseph Timko asked the commission to promote one of the men back to a full-time position.

The commission did not act and Chairman James DeCapua said he wants to wait until the commission hears from Epstein.