MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The signs are all there…what has been called the 'arctic blast' doesn't look to be letting up anytime soon. But times have been tougher.

"This sort of occurred when the economy was still down,” said Dave Hall, Chief of the Meridian Police Department.

Neighboring Williamstown Township found along Sherwood Road, voted for assistance from the Meridian police department in 2011 and contracted an agreement for police services- an agreement that has been extended through 2014.

"Whatever they're needed for they respond because they are the police of Williamstown Township,” said Ernie Gaffner, Township clerk for Williamstown Township.

The contract calls for two officers to spend a combined total of 80 hours a week patrolling Williamstown Township. Now if officers are called to help when not on duty, Williamstown Township will pay the difference.

"Total cost for calendar year 2012 over and above the regular hours that they were in the township was only $12,847 and for 2013 its less $10,897" said Gaffner

The nearly $2,000 decrease in payments for off duty assitance is not the only drop in numbers. 9-1-1 calls in Williamstown Township are down as well.

"I think it's a great idea mainly because we’re border townships and I think we’ve enjoyed the relationship there’s no doubt about it," said Hall.

The two townships hope to extend the contract that is up for renewal at the end of this year.

In Williamstown Township taxpayers are actually paying less this year before despite an increase in pay for veteran officers.