A request for Tasers for its police department appears to have gained traction in Mahoning Township.

Supervisors on Wednesday revisited discussion on the purchase of Tasers with township police Chief Audie Mertz.

Mertz said the Tasers would be an upgrade over the current batch the police department has in its possession.

“It works better than what we have right now,” Mertz said.

Mertz said there would be a $2,174 cost in this year’s budget.

“We do have funds available in the (police department) budget for this year,” he said.

From that point, Mertz said it would cost the township $4,891 each year in years two through five.

The total cost comes out to $21,737, which board solicitor Tom Nanovic said means price quotes will have to be obtained.

Nanovic noted that the total price eclipses the $21,300 threshold set forth by the state Department of Labor & Industry.

Supervisor Robert Slaw asked Mertz if he could guarantee that officers would utilize the Tasers.

Mertz said they would, and added he’s looking for a total of seven units; six for full-timers and one for part-timers.

He said the department’s current batch of Tasers is from 2016.

Mertz said the proposal comes with a 10% discount if the items are purchased by the end of this month.

The board said it would likely take action on the matter when it meets at 6 p.m. Oct. 27.

Last month, the board tabled the request for Tasers, though it did approve the purchase of a 2022 Ford F150 truck at a cost of about $50,000.

Township secretary Natalie Haggerty said the purchase of the truck would take place next year, and would need to be budgeted within the township’s general fund.