ELBERTA, AL - Tough times could cause one Baldwin County town to lose twenty four hour police protection..

Right now, seven police officers report to the Elberta Police Station throughout the day.

As Channel Three's Jake Peterson explains, that number could be cut in half if Elberta's Mayor Elect has his way.

This town of sixteen hundred people is facing some tough economic times.

"No one has watched our budget close enough to see where we are, coming out at the end of the year."

Mayor elect Marvin Williams says costs are going up and the money coming in is going down.

He needs to cut about *200 thousand dollars from the budget.

"This whole town is driven by money, if you don't have money you cant forget it, you gotta cut somewhere."

Williams says a cut at the police department could help the town's problems.

He's proposed cutting the police force from seven officers to four.

"I feel like that is what this town can survive on."

He's had a few phone calls from displeased residents, but he says most are understanding.

"Times are tight so I don't think it's a bad idea to live within your means."

Resident Micahel Land says he'll feel safe with a limited police force..

"I'm ok with that I haven't seen a big crime problem since I've been here."

Elberta Chief Gary Peaden says the proposal could eliminate twenty four hour police protection for town residents.

They may have to rely on the county sheriff during certain hours.

"There will be some hours in the off-peak times that there will be not be coverage but again we have to try figure out a schedule."

"This is an effort for only one thing, save money so we can stay in business."

The department is also eliminating their coverage area, by not patrolling the mile and a half police jurisdiction around the town.

Mayor Elect Williams will submit his proposal once he takes office next month.Elberta Police Cuts