A Mahoning Township official has questioned why he had to obtain a permit for a cattle fence on his property.

Supervisor Mark Schwalm brought the matter up at Wednesday’s board of supervisors meeting and pointed the finger at Supervisor Carol Etheridge.

Schwalm said he wanted to know, “Why I’m the only farmer in Mahoning Township who’s had to get a permit for a cattle fence.”

Township zoning officer Ryan Wessner told Schwalm that under the township’s zoning ordinance, a permit is required for the fence due to animal husbandry regulations.

Etheridge told Schwalm that in doing her job, she discovered that.

Schwalm told Etheridge that it’s just convenient that she took a picture of his fence.

Wessner confirmed that Schwalm did in fact, receive a permit for his fence.

Schwalm told Etheridge “it’s harassment” and warned her to stop signaling him out because he’s getting tired of it.

Board Chair Deb McGowan told Schwalm, “You seem to think we’re picking on you, and we’re not.”

After being told he wasn’t the only person, Schwalm shot back at Etheridge, “We’re talking about you harassing a farmer.”