As of the date the County Commissioners have left some funding in the Ingham County Sheriff's Department budget for coverage of the rural Townships. This funding is anticipated to cease by the next budget year which will begin January 2011.
For two years we have fought to convince the County Commissioners that funding police protection for all is a basic level of service we believe our County Taxes should be used for. Although we will continue this fight, back-up measures must be prepared.
The thirteen rural townships continue to work together on a plan that will ensure police protection for all of the residents. We are researching a variety of options from individual contracts to the formation of a Police Authority with the other thirteen townships. While signing a contract just for Williamstown Township would provide exclusive coverage, it may prove to costly. Forming an authority would allow all of us to work together with a larger pot of funds for services.
Please contact me with any thoughts, concerns or questions you may have. Mickey Martin, Supervisor
