Residents in the village of Wappingers Falls have been waiting months to cast their ballots on a contentious issue: to keep their local police department or turn over policing to the Dutchess County Sherriff's Department.

The majority said 'no.'

"Whether it's 'yes' or 'no,' at least the people of Wappingers had a chance to vote the way they wanted to," said Virginia Cardenia.

The move comes after the village board originally voted to disband the police force twice, and the county Supreme Court ruled the first decision void because a lack of environmental review. The village board then decided on a mandatory referendum, and voters are on both sides of the issue.

I think it's very important to support our local police department. They're always there for us," said Deborah Ludwig, whose son is on the force. "They do a lot and sacrifice a lot for us, and I think we should show our appreciation."

Voter Anthony Stracquadanio voted to disband. 

A lot of us feel that they aren't doing as much as they could be doing, and we feel that our taxpayer dollars would be better spent or better saved by consolidating with the Dutchess County Sherriff's Department," Stracquadanio said.

Village Mayor Matt Alexander says the move will allow for a cost savings, resulting in a nearly 16 percent tax levy reduction, and will qualify the village for a nearly $1 million state grant. He also says officers will be full time instead of part time and will have more opportunities for training and advancement, but they will have fewer officers overall. 

"This has far-reaching implications, but we're not just looking at it in terms of the fiscal impact; we're looking at it in terms also the sustainability of keeping police service in our community on a full time basis," Alexander said.

Officer Martin Novick, head of the village's PBA, says town leadership hasn't proven those cost savings.

"We've asked to see the budget; he shows PowerPoint presentations that he makes up that don't add up," said Novick.

"What most law enforcement officers would think is silly we are there for them. The residents have shown that they really want us here. I think the personal connection with the residents will be the biggest thing."

The mayor says he believes the village board will follow the voters' directive.