Ohio Township Disbands Police Department After Third Levy Defeat

Mifflin Township is dissolving its police department after voters narrowly rejected a third levy, ending 65 years of local law enforcement service.

Joe Vince

Nov. 11, 2026

2 min read

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Mifflin Township is shutting down its police department after voters narrowly rejected a third levy intended to keep the agency operating.
The department, which has served the community for more than 65 years, laid off its two full-time and two part-time police officers, while the interim chief will remain to help close the department.
Police services for the township will now be handled by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office as local officials discuss long-term coverage options.

An Ohio township is disbanding its police department following a third failed levy.

Mifflin Township trustees voted to shutter the police department, which has been in service for over a half century, effective immediately, WSYX-TV reports. The department's officers—two full-time and two part-time—have been laid off, but interim Chief Tammy Phillips will stay on to help with the closing.

In order to provide 24-hour police coverage, roughly $500,000 to $600,000 was required to fund the department. The township's third levy attempt for the department failed by 80 votes.

Law enforcement coverage for the township will fall to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Although no long-term solution has been determined, the township and the sheriff's office plan to discuss a patrol contracts or full service for the area.

"You can disband a police department, but you cannot erase 65 years of sacrifice and service," Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City Lodge 9, said in a statement. "The FOP will stand firmly with our members, support those being laid off, and help them find their next opportunity in law enforcement. We will not abandon the men and women who stood on the front lines for their community. Their service desrves better."

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.