HUGOTON ? Residents of this southwest Kansas town will be asked whether it should disband the Police Department — but their wishes might not count.

Last month, the City Council discussed eliminating the department and transferring its duties to the Stevens County Sheriff’s Department.

Officials estimated that the move, spurred by a loss of expected state revenue, would trim about $500,000 from the city’s 2004 budget. But after a town hall meeting, council members decided to hold an advisory election sometime this year.

“I think the only way to get the true picture of what people think is to allow everyone the opportunity to vote,” Mayor Neal Gillespie said. “Before we take a step this large, I think it’s justified.”

City Clerk Tom Hicks said a primary election cost the city about $700, and costs would be similar for an advisory election.

The state has specific rules about holding advisory elections, which are classified as “nonbinding.”

“Binding elections are based in law,” said Jesse Borjon, communications director for the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office. “However the electorate votes, the end result is binding by law. In an advisory vote, the end result is not binding. No law comes from the election.”

According to Kansas election standards, advisory elections can take place on regular election days. However, the polling places must be at least 250 feet apart, and separate ballots must be used.

Because the issue could have countywide repercussions, Hicks said the county could hold an election and pay for it. He estimated that a countywide election would cost about $1,000.