The City of Meadville will provide police coverage for Vernon Township starting next year.

Vernon Township supervisors approved the 20-year agreement during a meeting Thursday. Meadville City Council approved the contract during a meeting in early September.

The township is working to reach a settlement with the two remaining officers on its force.

Under the new agreement, City of Meadville Police will be able to provide police services to Vernon Township residents 24 hours per day, all year round. Residents will also see an increased presence of officers in the township and quicker response times, according to a news release.

Police services for Meadville residents will not be affected, the announcement said.

In the meantime, Pennsylvania State Police will be answering calls for service in the township, and City of Meadville Police will assist as needed, until the agreement goes into effect Jan. 1.

City of Meadville Police will hold an informational meeting Oct. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. to detail the new agreement. The location was not disclosed. The department said it will also roll out its new crime watch program to help residents in both the city and township.