LEETONIA, Ohio - Communities all over the Valley have been finding ways to stretch their money in order to attract and keep police and fire employees.

In Leetonia, one solution was to eliminate their dispatch center and partner with Columbiana, which allowed them to put the savings towards emergency services.

But now, as Columbiana considers eliminating their dispatch center, Leetonia is left having to make a decision and there are only a few options on the table to balance the cost of keeping people safe.

Mayor of Leetonia Kevin Siembida,  said one option would be reestablishing a dispatch center in the village, but he is not confident with how efficient that option would be. He said their biggest potential challenge would be recruiting personnel.  

"It is very expensive to run a 24-hour dispatch and we were having a hard time filling slots with personnel. We had a hard time having police officers, so we just made the decision to consolidate our resources," Siembida told 21 News reporter, Leslie Huff.

Another option would be to follow Columbiana's lead and join them at the sheriff's office.

"We are also looking to move to the sheriff's office and go along with them," Siembida said. 

Eight months ago the village contracted their dispatch services through Columbiana, which was a result of staffing shortages. That decision allowed the village to save over $100,000, which made room Leetonia's police officers to acquire healthcare benefits.

Leetonia's dispatching contract with Columbiana is set to end March 2024. Sembieda is hoping to have a better idea of their next steps within the next few months.

Columbiana's dispatch center is currently located at the Columbiana Police Department.