Mahoning Township has agreed to pay $13,690 to a full-time police officer as terms of his retirement approved earlier this week.

The payment is to be made to former full-time officer Jeffrey Frace within 30 days following the general release and separation agreement between the township and Frace that was approved at Wednesday’s board of supervisors meeting.

In the separation agreement obtained through a right-to-know request, the payment, minus deductions, represents: Longevity pay of $2,000; 30 hours of accrued and unused vacation days multiplied by Frace’s hourly rate of $42.51 per hour, which equals $1,275.30; plus 6.75 hours of accrued and unused sick time leave, $286.95; and three hours of accrued comp time, totaling $127.

In addition, the township must comply with the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act and agrees to continue payment of Frace’s health insurance in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Mahoning Township Bargaining Unit and the township through Oct. 31.

Additionally, Frace’s separation from the township is to be characterized as an irrevocable voluntary retirement, effective Oct. 14.

Supervisors on a 3-0 vote, with two abstentions, on Wednesday approved the general release and separation agreement between the township and Frace, and formally accepted his tender of retirement.

Supervisors Mark Schwalm and Matthew Wentz abstained from the vote.

Settlement to police officers

The township had until the end of last month to pay a $32,000 settlement to be split evenly among four police officers.

The payment was to be made in equal amounts of $8,000 to officers James Danner, Cory Frey, Tyler Meek and Frace, according to a memorandum of understanding obtained through a right-to-know request.

The payments were to be made through issuance of payroll checks, minus taxes and other deductions, by Sept. 30.

The township and the Mahoning Township Police Department, through its bargaining agent, the Fraternal Order of Police, Schuylkill-Carbon Lodge No. 13, are parties to a collective bargaining agreement that governs the wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment for all full-time properly certified employees of the township’s police department.

The township police department filed a grievance alleging that the township violated the agreement by directing that open shifts created by officers’ leave not be filled.

The township denied that any violation of the CBA occurred in connection with the circumstances that gave rise to the grievance.

On a 4-0 vote, with one abstention, supervisors last month approved the memorandum of understanding between the township and the police association. Schwalm abstained.

Board Chair Deb McGowan noted at that time the matter pertained to a grievance settlement.

Supervisors then on a 3-0 vote, with two abstentions, changed paid administrative leave for Frace to unpaid administrative leave, effective immediately. Schwalm and Supervisor Matthew Wentz abstained.

In August 2024, supervisors accepted the retirement of Frace with the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, meaning his pension froze on Oct. 31, but he would 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 was full time since October 1999.