EATON COUNTY, Mich. (WLNS) – Officers in Eaton County say they’re feeling the impacts of the failed public security millage that appeared on ballots final November, and once more initially of Could.
The millage failed in Could with virtually 57% of voters rejecting the proposal. Sheriff Tom Reich tells 6 Information this has induced an absence of street patrol, extra workers resignations—and just one officer working for animal management.
Eaton County, Delta Township attain tentative deal on police companies
That single officer is usually answerable for sustaining the constructing, caring for animals, and finishing paperwork. With the shelter at full capability and Animal Management with out officers to ship out, Sheriff Reich says the group might want to depend on native police departments for his or her wants.
The sheriff additionally says he is unhappy to see so many nice deputies transferring to different departments as a consequence of an absence of stability and assist.
Eaton County officers talk about main funds cuts
Whereas officers perceive that group members might not need a tax enhance, they are saying they’re going to pay the value in different methods.
“Public safety is what they’re gonna give up,” stated Sheriff Reich. “Sure, Michigan State Police is going to be out there taking calls. However, you’ve got to keep in mind there’s only so many troopers out there at Post 11, and they have three different counties to worry about.”
Plans for an additional try on the Public Security Millage are up within the air in the mean time, however Sheriff Reich says there is a risk of making an attempt once more in 2026.
“Taxes, no one likes taxes. I don’t like taxes either. I think public safety would be worth it,” stated Sheriff Reich. “That is the primary time Eaton County has ever had this type of an issue of getting no street patrol, and it is a first for me.”
