Morrison wants to disband the local police force and the Colorado city will rely on Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies

Morrison officials announced plans Wednesday to close their city’s police department. Starting next month, the city of Colorado plans to utilize the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office’s law enforcement services full-time.

A news release from the city of Morrison said the board of trustees made the decision due to “various financial concerns.” A spokesman for the city said that the contract details were being worked out with the district.

The press release said city leaders are “working quickly to ensure a smooth transition.”

Jefferson County deputies are currently providing policing duties in the city during some overnight hours.

A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to CBS Colorado that they are moving police duties full time, but did not have a date for when that would happen.

“I don’t think the city will suffer. I think there is plenty of police support in Jefferson County with its substations,” said Dave Killingsworth, owner of Morrison Holiday Bar on Bear Creek Avenue.

The city named its police chief last month on administrative leave. City leaders said Morrison Police Chief Bill Vinelli is under investigation for a matter that has not been publicly disclosed.

Two years ago, Netherlands police dissolved and the city now utilizes the law enforcement services of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.