The La Villa Police Department has been operating with only its chief and assistant police chief on staff for the past two weeks.

The city says they are working to hire more officers to patrol their city of about 1,800 people after five officers left the police department over the last six months.

Channel 5 News was told each officer left “for a better paying job."

“Now with only two officers, how safe can the community be,” La Villa resident Sylvia Hernandez said. “I know it's a small community, but I think they can do something to attract more qualified people to police up our area."

Antonio Barco, La Villa's city administrator, he plans to ask the city commission for a two dollar pay increase for officers during a budget workshop set for Thursday, May 2.

Barco says the hourly rate would be raised from $15 to $17 an hour. He also hopes to make room in the budget for a $2,000 signing bonus in hopes of attracting applicants.

Barco said he hopes the pay increase will help combat the police department's struggle in finding and keeping officers.

“We as small communities have never been able to compete with larger communities within Hidalgo County or the area,” Barco said. “We don't see many applicants at all."

Barco wants those who call La Villa home to know the city is committed to getting more police on the ground.

“We are doing the best to ensure their safety, and we will not stop doing that until we hire more officers, and even then we will continue to prioritize the safety of our residents,” Barco said.

According to Barco, the city is receiving help from the Edcouch Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety in patrolling the streets.

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