Austintown Trustees discuss next steps after police levy fails

Austintown Trustees are working to figure out the township's next steps after voters voted against the passage of a police levy for the township in the November election.

Voters turned down a 2.4 mill levy that would have generated more money for equipment like new cruisers for the department, as well as pay for new technology, building costs and salaries.

Trustee Robert Santos said he respects the voters' decision and that the township will work hard to maintain the quality of service residents are used to, but because the levy failed, changes will need to be made to the department.

These changes include reducing personnel, possibly through early retirement, as well as no replacements to vehicles or upgrades to the department's technology.

Santos went on to say the department will need to use money from the general fund to maintain services and that other departments that rely on the general fund will see cuts as well.

"We remain committed to serving and protecting the Austintown community with the resources we have currently," Santos said.

Trustees say while the levy may not return to the ballot in 2025, it could possibly appear on the ballot again in 2026.