If you call the police in Newton Falls, don't expect the Newton Falls Police to respond.

The city's police department officially disbanded on New Year's Day.

A police levy failed in November, and according to the mayor, that forced the city council to outsource policing to the Trumbull County Sheriff's department.

"We have deputies that are scheduled to patrol here. They are here, and they are not coming from somewhere else. I believe, looking at the contract, is we have eight hours a week that are not patrolled. I can't say what they are because you don't want somebody to know consistently; it could be an hour a day," said Mayor Ken Kline.

The mayor says he hopes the city can again afford to fund its own police department. He says council is planning to put a 1% levy to support police only on the May ballot.

Meanwhile, people we spoke with today say they are concerned about not having their own police force.

"You know, with all the problems we had in town with drugs and kids causing mischief. I'd really like to see our police department back in town. The sheriff's department is already spread way too thin," said Timothy Hopkins.

"To have not the safety we had before is very concerning," said Sara Davis.

Even if voters pass that tax in May, money would not be available for police until January 2024.