NORWAY — Selectmen decided last week to delay signing an agreement to merge its Police Department with the town of Paris’ until Paris voters act on the measure Monday night.

Paris voters are set to meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, in the Paris Fire Station on Western Avenue to decide whether they will support a one-year trial merger of the two departments.

Norway voters overwhelmingly approved the plan at their annual town election June 12, but Paris officials decided to hold off on a townwide vote after residents expressed some uncertainties about the plan.

The five-page plan for combining police services was developed as a one-year pilot program. If both towns decide to continue toward the merger, a transition board would be formed during the next year.

That transition team would put together a permanent plan for the consolidation that includes a single contract with the bargaining unit, a fair share of costs for each town and recommendations on what authority and responsibility will be given to the chief law enforcement officer, among other items.

Officials say the move is intended to provide a more efficient use of police resources. Towns such as Norway and Paris are authorized to contract mutual police services through the Maine Interlocal Cooperation Act.

Under the agreement, all patrol functions would operate out of the existing Paris police facility. All investigative operations would be housed in the existing Norway facility.

Administrative duties currently being performed at each town would continue through June 30, 2013.

The plan also allows the chief law enforcement officer to divide responsibilities as deemed necessary by workload and as directed by both town managers.

Each town would fund its staff and equip its own department. Each town would be responsible for the salary, benefits insurances and other financial issues. Each town will maintain adequate liability insurance to cover both towns.

Paris and Norway would appoint the same person as police chief. Norway Police Chief Rob Federico said under the most recent one-year agreement, there will be no assistant police chief but Paris Police Chief David Verrier would take on a the position of investigator, drawing on his previous detective experience. Federico would serve as police chief of both towns.

If the one-year program works, voters in both towns would be asked to approve a permanent merger.

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