BUXTON – A local businessman has launched an effort to cut the Police Department budget to zero, and officials worry that low voter-turnout at the annual town meeting Saturday could make his dream come true.

Robert Shepard, co-owner of the Buxton Tavern, said he believes the York County Sheriff’s Department could provide police coverage for the town of 7,400 people for less money.

“There’s a movement in town, and they’re not happy with the police chief,” he said. “I joined the cause after I saw the police budget.”

Only 56 voters participated in last year’s town meeting, so a group of 30 people rallying behind one issue could determine the outcome of a vote, said Town Clerk John Myers Jr.

“Each year, somebody talks about zero-funding the police budget but nobody has made the motion on the floor,” he said. “If they try and bring it up every year, eventually it will happen.”

Police Chief Jody Thomas said Shepard’s efforts might be related to a recent meeting with bar owners regarding numerous arrests and complaints linked to Shepard’s tavern on Route 22.

“I don’t know how they think getting rid of the police will change anything,” she said. “If the [York County Sheriff’s Department] or state police were here, they’d be enforcing the same laws.”

Police have responded to at least 25 calls related to the Buxton Tavern this year, Thomas said. Twelve were about people driving under the influence after leaving the tavern, she said.

She met with tavern workers late last year and again last month about the number of incidents and ways to avoid them.

Shepard, however, maintains that his budget amendment has nothing to do with his business.

Police are requesting a budget of $299,520 for the next fiscal year. That represents a 6 percent increase over this year’s budget, Thomas said.

Shepard said the numbers don’t reflect the actual costs of having a police department. He said 15 other budget articles include police costs.

His amendment would eliminate department funding but keep dispatch operations and animal control services.