MINGO JUNCTION, Ohio -- The vote to repeal an ordinance that requires two police officers on each shift in Mingo Junction didn't just bring fuel to an already hot fire -- it also brought confusion among council members.

During the vote, Councilman Jim Morrocco claimed he didn't know how it even got on the agenda.

“We were all here. I was here. Anybody else have anything to say about it? Lets not act clueless here," said Councilwoman Vicky Peckens.

Confusion quickly turned to anger when a member of the police department asked village leaders why an agreement, that was signed five months ago and states only one police officer would be laid off, was now void.

Mayor Domenic Chappano cited the lack of money from Severstal as the reason they could no longer uphold the agreement.

Council members remained at odds over the village's financial situation.

Morrocco suggested council dip into funds from an account set up by the village auditor in 1970 to keep people working. Peckens disagreed with Morrocco, saying it wouldn’t benefit the future of the village.

The ordinance was put into effect in 1986 after two officers were killed in the village while responding to calls alone. Members of the Mingo Safety Forces Association Union said council repealing the ordinance was in direct violation of their contract.

"None of us want to do this. The facts are right here in black and white as to how much money we have," said Peckens.

"I've told this council time and time again that this is going to be an unsafe situation and I don't endorse their actions whatsoever," said Police Chief Steve Maguschak.

Union members told NEWS9 they will be contacting their union attorney about what the alleged violation of contract.

Maguschak said when the layoffs hit on March 20, he's not certain how he will staff his shifts.