Mahoning Township Supervisors have reached a tentative agreement for the 2016 budget.

The board adopted the proposed budget totaling $2,535,755.The majority of money will be deposited into general funds which cover most of the township's expenses including the police department.The adopted budget arranges for five full-time officers plus the chief.Part time officers have been eliminated.The total increase, $116,000 for 2016, will accommodate the newly organized force.The increase does not account for vehicle maintenance or other expenses. In addition to the increase the township will also have to divvy out $47,000 towards pension contributions."These are the numbers nobody sees, but it's another cost to residents. We have the highest paid police department in county," Chairman John Wieczorek said."I'd like to maintain a line on the budget for a part time officer, just in case we need back up.""I have no problem with it, but that bottom line (of adopted budget) cannot change," said Bruce Steigerwalt, township supervisor.In addition to the new configuration, other expenses for the police department were discussed.The time clock may get a modern update. "There is confusion with the punch in and punch out. People who work the Thursday to Friday morning shift are punching in on Thursday at 9 p.m., and punching out on Thursday at 7 a.m.," Wieczorek said."Do we need to give them the ABCs on how to use the punch clock? If we don't give it to them in writing, it doesn't get done," Steigerwalt said. "Maybe we could use some police money and get a new clock like they have in Lehighton.""And it would feed right into payroll," said Natalie Haggerty, township treasurer and secretary."Why don't we look into what it costs, might solve the problem," attorney Thomas Nanovic advised the board."I can't believe we're so confused with time cards, it would seem to be so simple," Wieczorek said.The second expense is the 2009 Ford Explorer repairs. Prior to the meeting the vehicle was taken to Kovatch, assuming they would handle the repairs."Lehighton and Kovatch were the only bidders, and we went with the lower one. But axles may have to be replaced," Wieczorek reported."Why aren't we looking at local shops in the township?" Steigerwalt asked.