Simple answer here.  In this regard the government sector is really no different than the private sector.  People get what they are willing to pay for.  Taxes are not just an incumberance on the citizenry.  They are how people pay for services like law enforcement.  The only answer to why this happened, presuming no misuse of the funds is that the citizens of that county didn't want a level of service beyond what is now being provided.  Hope noone in one of the unincorporated areas is in need of a cop at midnight on a cold dark country lane.