BRIDGEPORT, Neb. (AP) — Bridgeport has but one police officer and one trainee to protect its residents and property, so city officials are considering paying Morrill County for law enforcement.

The Nebraska Panhandle community of about 1,500 residents budgets $365,000 for its police. Under a draft agreement, the city would pay Morrill County $308,000 a year to handle Bridgeport law enforcement.

Bridgeport’s police chief, David Hunt, recently quit to take a position with the Dawes County Sheriff’s Office, leaving behind the depleted force.

Bridgeport Mayor Jack Berg says the city is advertising for more officers, but he also says the option of contracting with the county remains an option. The City Council is scheduled to discuss the issue at its meeting Tuesday night.