KEMP -- A budget crisis led to the City Council disbanding the city's police force on May 9 at 7 a.m., and the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department will now be providing protection for city residents. The announcement was made in a press release on the city's website. Kaufman County Sheriff David Byrnes said in the press release, "We will continue to serve the citizens of Kemp just like we always have." The dissolution of the five-officer police force affects 1,200 residents living within the city limits. Other Kaufman County residents with Kemp postal addresses already relied on the sheriff's department for law enforcement services. The position of the city's municipal judge reportedly will also be eliminated in one month,allowing time to clear the court docket. Kemp Chief of Police Richard Clemmo, who headed up the small police before his firing this week, is running for sheriff against Byrnes. The action follows a year of hard times for Kemp. The city made national news last summer when its municipal water system failed, leaving residents without water. The council also voted to ask the West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District to take over operation of the city's water system. The collapse of the outdated water system apparently bankrupted the city. City officials had already asked the utility district to loan the city $250,000 to help update its water system. City officials had obtained a federal grant to restore the water system, but it was unable to its portion of the funding. Citizens with non-emergency concerns can call the sheriff's department at 972-932-4337. Emergency calls should continue to be placed to 911.