A Mahoning Township resident has reiterated his stance that the township needs more police coverage.

Jeffrey Miller, who lives at Mahoning Drive West, asked supervisors last week if there was any progress made concerning numerous problems with his next door neighbor.

Supervisor Ronald Reeser told Miller he had given him his number, and he was supposed to call him but didn’t.

Reeser said he spoke with township police Chief Audie Mertz about the situation after last month’s meeting.

“Unfortunately, we have nothing,” Reeser said. “We couldn’t do anything.”

Reeser said police closed the case because the person was not on Miller’s property when officers arrived.

Miller then reiterated his stance from last month that the township should have 24/7 police coverage.

“Where were you five years ago?” Reeser asked Miller.

Reeser then alluded to a raid that took place the day of the meeting.

“It looks like there was quite a bit of action today,” he said.

Township police Chief Audie Mertz confirmed that there was “police activity” but details were not available.

Reeser told Miller that as far as 24/7 police coverage, it will not be implemented immediately.

He said the township has five full-time officers, including Mertz, who work four 10-hour shifts a week.

Board Chairman Robert Slaw added, “We would all like 24/7 (police coverage).”

But, Reeser said he doesn’t foresee that.

“I don’t see us in the future hiring any full-time (officers),” he said. “We cannot promise you 24/7 (police coverage).”

Resident Andrew Yenser said that for 20 years, his family has lived in the area in question.

“You got to start somewhere,” Yenser said.

Township roadmaster Nevin Frey assured the Yensers there are other residents who are monitoring the situation.

“You do have people that are watching for you,” Frey said. “It’s not just you; you’re not alone.”

Last month, Miller asked the board for more police coverage after he told them he has had numerous problems with his next door neighbor, and that there was an incident several months ago in which he had to use a tactical strobe light to defend himself against his next door neighbor because no township police officers being on duty.

Miller said his insurance company has deemed that it was a reportable incident because he used a threat level which was a tactical strobe light to defend himself.

Miller told the board that during the incident, he called 911, but no township police officers were on duty, so he called state police and it took three hours for officers to arrive, he said.

Miller said it made him “very uncomfortable” having to defend himself against his neighbor.

Reeser added that the township hasn’t had that type of police coverage for the past several years.

Regardless, Miller said more coverage is necessary.

Reeser said that when he looks at the salaries township police officers are making, he is not in favor of adding another full-time officer.

This year’s police salary is $83,346 per year, which does not include overtime.

The township has an officer that will earn $122,000 this year with overtime.

Slaw said an increase in the force would require the township to raise taxes.