Village council met Tuesday night to try to fix their flagging finances and to answer the questions of villagers who worry they won't be protected.

"We have to do something, but we don't know what to do," said a frustrated Mayor Domenic Chappano.

With more and more property crimes being reported across the village, residents begged council members to reconsider laying off the entire police department except for the chief.

"Police protection is not a luxury," said one woman. "We need to protect our citizens."

Council members argued that they would not be left completely unprotected.

"The people need to realize that we are still going to have police coverage," said Councilwoman Vicky Peckens. "We have mutual aid with various communities. It isn't that we're not going to have police coverage."

But union members of the police force pointed out a potential snag in the mutual aid agreement.

"A 911 dispatcher does not have the right nor the authority to request that assistance, and in most cases, the 911 dispatcher is not even a police officer," said Ron Cicone, quoting from the agreement.

A copy of the agreement obtained by NEWS9 reads, "The request for backup must be made by the highest ranking officer of that agency on duty at the time of the incident."

Union officers argued that without an officer on duty, a request for backup cannot be made.

Council members went through line items and funds, trying to find cash they could transfer to the police department.

Several citizens suggested dipping in to the community complex fund, which contains $621,000.

Chappano said it isn't that simple.

"As far as using these funds," said Chappano, "you've got to go to the citizens and tell them you want to take their money and use it for wages."

Council members also heard from Wade Steen, a member of the Upper Arlington City Council, and a financial expert who spoke on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police.

"Since 2005, you've been cited for significant deficiencies in internal control and financial reporting," said Steen, quoting from a report from State Auditor Mary Taylor.

The report said in 2008, village council approved appropriations and amendments totaling $7.5 million.

However, appropriations totaling $8.3 million were posted to the accounting records.

NEWS9 asked Chappano about the difference of nearly $800,000.

"My reaction is no reaction because there's an explanation to that," said Chappano.

Council took no official action at the meeting, but did agree to further talks with the police union.

They plan to look into transferring money from other line items before their next scheduled meeting on Sept. 14.

The layoffs take effect Sept. 9.