NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - Those living in Newton Falls will have a decision to make in November on a proposed tax levy to help even out the police department budget.

The Newton Falls Police Department is over budget by about $200,000.

Mayor Ken Kline said the department has made as many cuts as possible, leading to the decision to add a levy to the ballot in November.

"As much as the police have cut their budget, they're still over budget by about $200,000. What happens then is the general fund has to strain to cover that deficit," Mayor Kline told 21 News.

The proposed levy is a four mill tax levy that would continue for five years.

"The levy would go to the police department and cover their expenses. We wouldn't have to pull from the general fund's additional funds," Kline said.

$250,000 in American Rescue Plan funding went towards the police department's wages but that money won't be coming back every year.

If the levy does not pass, the entire police department could be eliminated. The area would then be patrolled by the Trumbull County Sheriff's Department which means all Newton Falls officers would be out of a job.

The department currently has three full-time officers and eight part-timers. They previously had five full-time officers before cuts were made.

Police levies haven't had much success in the village. If this police levy passes, it would be the first in the town's 150-year history.

If approved, the levy would begin in January 2023 and continue until 2028.