VERSAILLES, Pa. -- The Versailles Borough Council took another step toward disbanding its police department Monday night.

The council voted 4-3 to publicize its 2009 budget proposal, which does not include payroll for the borough's five-member police force.

Council members said if they kept police services, as is, the borough would face a $253,000 deficit next year. That would require a 5-6 mil property tax hike.

Council members claimed the borough would face only a $25,000 deficit by contracting police services from a neighboring community such as McKeesport or White Oak. Property taxes would only have to increase by 1 mil or less.

Council Member Amy Barnes feels the neighboring police departments would be able to provide adequate protection.

"They have drug task force units. They have missing children units. They have things that are not provided by our bureau," said Barnes.

A final vote is scheduled for December 22.