Mahoning Township supervisors have ratified several directives in relation to its police department.

Supervisors last week on a 4-0 vote ratified a directive dated July 30 concerning scheduling of additional shifts; Aug. 22 for a scheduling change; and Aug. 28 regarding filling open shifts within budgetary constraints.

Board Chairman Robert Slaw was absent.

Township police Chief Audie Mertz declined to comment on the situation.

“That’s administrative, and I won’t comment on that,” Mertz said. “You’ll have to take that up with (the board).”

Slaw said the board wanted to be sure to put the actions into the minutes.

Last month, supervisors accepted the retirement of full-time police officer Jeffrey Frace from regular employment on Oct. 31, and intent to completely retire on Oct. 31, 2027.

According to township secretary Natalie Haggerty, the action chosen provides Frace with the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, meaning his pension will freeze on Oct. 31, but he will continue to work full-time for at least one year, but not more than three; and he will not have to contribute to his pension.

Frace was hired as a part-time officer in December 1997, and has been full-time since October 1999.

The township has five full-time officers, counting township police Chief Audie Mertz.

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

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

Earlier, the township hired Law Enforcement Operations Consulting LLC to do a study on the police department.

Supervisors have not released the report.

In May, supervisors abolished its detective position after an executive session.

After that meeting, supervisors said the police department would still have the same number of officers.

Frace, who was serving as detective, now serves as an officer.

Residents have questioned supervisors about police coverage on a regular basis. The township has brought on a consultant to help its police department run more efficiently.