Mahoning Township has decided to create a performance appraisal and policy for its police officers.

On a 3-1 vote, the township’s board of supervisors on Wednesday approved the measure for the police department. Supervisor Deb McGowan was opposed.

Board Chairman Robert Slaw explained after the meeting that the appraisal and policy was created so that township police Chief Audie Mertz can evaluate officers on their work ethics/abilities.

McGowan, who cast the sole vote against the policy, expressed after the meeting why she voted against the action.

“Discipline has never been Audie’s strong area,” McGowan said.

Supervisor Myron “Zeke” Blahy was absent from the meeting.

In September, supervisors ratified several directives in relation to the police department.

At that time, supervisors 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.

Mertz declined to comment on that situation.

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

In August, supervisors accepted the retirement of full-time police officer Jeffrey Frace with the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, meaning his pension froze 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 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.