LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A brand new public security millage will probably be voted on Tuesday in Eaton County, and whereas officers say it is necessary, others suppose the federal government must do a greater job of budgeting.
Nevertheless, some Eaton County officers are hoping this millage, which might solely increase taxes by $12 a month on common, may have higher luck on the polls, like Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich, who warns a failure to move the millage will lead to much less public security.
“If they want road patrol, gotta vote yes. If they don’t, then the other people will not have any law enforcement in their communities,” stated Reich. “That’s the bottom line.”
Reich and different elected officers are hoping Tuesday’s public security millage will move, as a result of they are saying their departments badly want it. Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd stated his workplace is already short-staffed, and it might worsen.
Group debates public security millage proposal
“For me, it’s important as an elected official to know what citizens are thinking. I’m down two attorneys right now, I’m down two secretaries,” stated Lloyd. “If this millage does not pass, I expect I could lose more.”
The millage would supply funding for the sheriff’s division, the prosecutor’s workplace, and animal management—however some individuals are nonetheless opposed.
Some residents really feel native leaders aren’t being accountable with their cash, they usually do not suppose taxpayers ought to pay the value. One resident of Grand Ledge who spoke to six Information on the situation of anonymity stated she’s voting “no” on Tuesday.
Eaton County residents vote no on millage property tax improve
“I think that we need to look at how we can tighten our belt in other areas, before we start asking for more money. I will be voting no,” she stated.
The county estimates the millage, which might be in place by 2034, would increase taxes by about $12 a month on common.
It will quantity to roughly $10 million raised within the first 12 months, but when that cash is not raised, Sheriff Reich thinks extra cuts will come.
“If not, I’m gonna be laying off 49 deputies on the road,” stated Reich. “I’m pretty confident that the people will vote this in.”
If you happen to’re curious how a lot the general public security millage would increase your taxes, here’s a hyperlink to the Eaton County tax price calculator.