CALLAWAY, Neb. (AP) — Callaway residents have formed a public safety task force to examine policing alternatives after their only officer was laid off.

Officer Ivan Phelps was released in the summer after two years on the job. He says the village board members said they couldn’t pay his salary.

Village Board President Dwight Osterhoudt says if another officer is hired, it would be a part-time position.

Task force participants plan to next meet in January. Custer County Sheriff Daniel Osmond says he hopes the task force will help find law enforcement solutions.

Phelps has taken a job with the county sheriff’s department.