Washingtonville police Sgt. Paul Smith stands next to his cruiser in front of the village administration building, which also houses the police station. Washingtonville is seeking an additional 2.5-mill, five-year police levy during the November general election. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

WASHINGTONVILLE — The village of Washingtonville has been hit hard by the current shortage of police officers even more than most communities.

Officials are hoping that voters can help their situation by passing a 2.5-mill, five-year operational police levy in November.

Washingtonville fiscal officer Dale Davis said that if passed, the levy would generate $26,100 annually that primarily would go to recruiting and retaining police officers.

Currently the department has four part-time officers, including the chief. This is half of the officers that the village of 712 had in the past.

Washingtonville is split over Columbiana and Mahoning counties, so typically Leetonia and Columbiana County sheriff provide backup south of state Route 14, while Goshen Police District and Mahoning County provide it north of SR14.

The village’s plight is not unusual, as most communities are being hit by the police shortages.

Many officers are choosing to pursue employment with better pay and flexibility in the private sector, drawing recruits away from law enforcement careers.

For example, Davis said that currently certified officers earn $18 per hour compared to other departments that struggle to not only retain but recruit officers at a higher starting wage.

Due to this being an operational levy, funds also could be used items like new cruisers and maintenance if needed.

Six years ago, when Washingtonville attempted to pass this same 2.5-mill levy, it failed to pass, tying at 60 “yes” and “no” when votes were counted in both counties.