NEW CARLISLE -- First they cut their police force and now the Sheriff says crime is up. We learn how any hope of beefing up their force could be months away. Currently about 5,500 folks call New Carlisle home. Back in January City Council voted to reduce the number of deputies who patrol the town from four to two to save money. Now the sheriff says reported crime is up 28.6% from last year at this time. "The Pastor at this church, his car was broken into twice in one week and a couple blocks from where I live, 11 batteries have been stolen," New Carlisle Councilman John Krabacher who voted for the reduction explained Tuesday (April 7, 2015). Clark Co. Sergeant Ralph Underwood says the two deputies are reactive at best - forced to put non-emergency calls on the back-burner. "It's just not enough. We do the best we can. You cannot be proactive and have two people in a city of this size," Sgt. Underwood explained. "Most of the time when he's signing in, he's already backed up on reports that have been waiting from the evening before." Now the council wants voters to undo what was done just months ago. "We want the levy to pass because we want the two deputies back," Krabacher added. Now it is up to the folks in New Carlisle to pass a 1/2 percent increase on income tax. The $500,000 earned would cover four deputies salaries and benefits and new equipment. "Were going to have to suffer through this year and if this lady doesn't pass I'm not sure we have a backup plan at this point," Sgt. Underwood added. "We Just need to get this levy pass we can get some protection out here." If passed the levy wouldn't go into effect until January 1, 2016.