LANSING, (Mich.) WLNS — Eaton County officers are questioning what’s subsequent after Tuesday’s public security millage failed, leaving funds skinny.
Eaton County officers worry legislation enforcement and prosecution within the county could take a serious hit after yesterday’s public security millage failed, leaving them with out what they are saying is critical funding.
57% of voters in Eaton County voted no on the millage yesterday, which might have raised taxes by about $12 a month on common — and raised an estimated $10 million {dollars} in it is first yr. Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd stated he is undecided what his division will do with out this funding.
“I think the reaction is one of just—the people spoke. The decision that the people made was that they wanted to see a smaller government,” stated Lloyd.
He stated he is already short-staffed with eight attorneys and is anxious he could lose extra within the close to future.
“The commissioners have made it clear that if these millages weren’t to pass, then their only options were cuts. The prosecutor’s office budget, 97% of it is employees,” stated Lloyd. “If 97% of my budget is employees and I’m told to cut, what am I left to cut?”
He says he’ll be chatting with county commissioners within the coming months, petitioning them to maintain his workers.
Delta Township is frightened, too, as a result of it would possible lose its present cope with the Eaton County sheriff to provide street patrols in September.
Delta Township Supervisor Fonda Brewer stated the long run may very well be difficult.
“I am concerned that we have a hard road ahead with that. Can we figure something out? We’d have to. So it’d be collectively working with our board and figuring out what are our alternatives at that point,” stated Brewer.
However Supervisor Brewer is not giving up. She’s hopeful one thing could be labored out.
“We understand that there was conversation that the contract wouldn’t be renewed, but we just wanna explore, is there an open door?” stated Brewer. “The place we might perhaps choose up and go from right here, versus ending this 40-year relationship that we have all loved.’
It is price noting that none of those attainable modifications will occur till September, and the prosecutor’s workplace is a mandated division, that means the county can by no means fully put off it.
However, to what extent will it’s diminished? That will likely be determined within the coming months.
