Voters in Austintown said no to a police levy on Election Night.

The additional 2.4 mill levy was struck down by about 700 votes.

Austintown Township Trustee Robert Santos spoke with 21 News about the obstacles the department is dealing with without help from taxpayers.

The issues include hiring more officers.

"They kiss their loved ones goodbye every day and they're not sure if they'll come home," Santos said. "We want to make sure they have what they need so they can make it home and we want to make sure the officers are well compensated in comparison with other communities."

The department has 39 total officers, which is four less than they want to have. Two officers are also retiring soon, leaving them with a need for new recruits.

Trustees plan to discuss if any other services will need to be cut to keep safety a top priority.

Those discussions will take place at the next trustee meeting on Monday, November 18.