ADDYSTON, Ohio (WKRC) – The Addyston Village Council said they can no longer afford to have a police department and they are turning over public safety to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Money was already scarce when the people found out about the INEOS was going to close. Although it was a difficult decision, council members were frank: It’s cheaper for the county to take over policing.

It will also provide coverage that the town does not have at this time. There is only one full-time officer and one part-time officer every other weekend. Mayor Lisa Mear said funding the police department has been an issue all year, as has retaining officers.

The closure of the INEOS plant was the last straw. Mear said Hamilton County agreed to take over for $87,000 a year. The town will give them all their equipment as part of the decision.

“We’ve been trying since last November. So, it’s been a year of trying to keep a police department together. It’s been a tremendously difficult road even trying to find officers to work and the cost associated with that,” Mear said. .

“Addyston has been around for a long time and they’ve had difficulties, but we need to consider giving someone else a chance to come in so they can patrol us properly,” said resident Aletha Nortila.

Addyston’s police chief was not at Tuesday’s vote, much to the dismay of residents. Additionally, the sheriff’s office said it will have no problem taking on the additional responsibility. Mear said if the paperwork goes as planned, he expects Hamilton County to take over on Friday.