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 Faced with the need for budget cuts, the Elko New Market City Council voted to get rid of its police department.
The department employed two full-time and six part-time officers. It's 2009 budget was $329,806.
Earlier this year, the council heard from citizens concerned about what the move would mean for the city's safety. And, the council previously considered other options, like possibly trimming the police department's budget instead of doing away with it.
In the end, the Thursday night vote was 3-to-2 in favor of dissolving the department, effective May 13.
Deb Crosby says, "it's hit a nerve with a lot of people."
She questions the city council's decision to cut the police department citing her concern over crime. "I don't believe it was the right decision," said Crosby.
Councilman Bob Hanna says it had to be done. "Financially the city can't afford a police department."
The cruisers are parked, a police chief and a sergeant will be let go as well as six part time officers.
Council members want to contract with Scott County for deputies.
Hanna adds, "You're not eliminating the police department, you're just changing the color from blue to brown."
Many residents question the vote because numbers show it will cost an extra $15,000 this year to pay deputies instead of police.
Hanna says the savings are long term because the city won't have to pay for a new police station which has cost neighboring cities millions of dollars.
Some people see council's point to cut the police department.
"It aint that big of a town, the sheriff's come through here quite often," said Todd Kniefel.
However, without police presence right now, Crosby says she feels unsafe.
The plan needs to contract with the county still needs approval.
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