Middlesex supervisors have voted to disband the township's police department because of financial constraints.

The move had been under consideration for months because the $550,000 annual cost of the department had forced officials to budget $125,000 for road repairs that are expected to cost closer to $300,000.

Scheduled payment on a $1 million bond, amounting to $80,000 for 2006, worsened the problem.

But a report from the township's pension fund actuary was the crucial cost consideration causing the disbandment. The report brought to light a shortfall in the township's investment schedule up to January 2005, amounting to more than $160,000.

Supervisors approved the move Thursday night.

Police calls will be answered by the state police or referred to neighboring districts' police departments in southern Butler County.