A Virginia town has reversed a decision to dissolve its police department after citizen backlash. Purcellville residents protested, forcing officials to reconsider the controversial proposal.
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Amidbacklashfromresidents,leadersinaVirginiatownvotedTuesdaytokeepPurcellville’spoliceforceaweekaftertheytriedtoeliminateittosavemorethan$3million,accordingtoreports.
ThetownofPurcellville,locatedinLoudounCounty,Virginia,hasfounditselfaround$50millionintheredfollowingtheconstructionofamajorwastewatertreatmentfacility,andthecouncilsoughttotightenthetown’sbudgetbydisbandingthelocalpolicedepartmentandrelyingontheLoudounCountySheriff’sOfficeforlawenforcement.
TheinitialdecisiontodismantlethepolicedepartmentledtorecallpetitionstoremoveseveralcouncilmembersandViceMayorBenNettfromoffice.Councilmemberswhoproposederadicatingtheforcesaidtheywantedtodosotoreducewaterbillsforthetown’s9,000residents.
Butthecouncilreversedcourseandvotedtofundthepoliceforceat$3.2millionfor2026atajam-packedtowncouncilmeetingTuesd
