HOSCHTON — Two Hoschton police officers have announced their resignations in the middle of the city’s budget problems.

Officer Corey Allen resigned on Nov. 14 and officer Devin Grogan on Friday.

Mayor Bill Copenhaver announced the resignations Friday during Hoschton’s millage rate public hearing. It leaves five remaining officers on the force.

At Friday’s hearing, someone asked Copenhaver whether the city was imposing a hiring freeze, and he replied that it was not.

Councilwoman Theresa Kenerly said the resignations just had occurred and the council had not yet discussed what actions to take.

"To me, the worst thing is that I believe our police officers lost faith in us big time," she said.

However, councilman Richard Shepherd, chairman of the public safety committee, said officials had considered not replacing both officers. In addition, he said the city had considered replacing just one of the two patrol vehicles the police force is budgeted to receive.

"We are looking at options with a reduced police force, and that would affect the expense side of the budget," he said.

The council still has not come to a conclusion about which budget it favors. Council members said they may have a bigger problem in balancing the budget than first was anticipated.

Allen left to join Mount Airy’s police department as its police chief and Grogan left to pursue a job outside of law enforcement, Hoschton Police Chief David Hill said in an e-mail.

Hoschton now is left with five officers on staff, and while Hill said he is not sure what the future holds for the department, it will continue to serve Hoschton’s residents.

"The police department has not raised the white flag of surrender," he said. "We will continue to work hard for all citizens that are for or against the police department."