COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Following a recent request from Board of Commissioners Chair Tim Stoll, County Administrator Bud Norman told the Commissioners during their Thursday work session how much it would cost to get the Sheriff’s Department back to 24 hour road patrols.
There have been loud complaints from township supervisors and others about the lack of around-the-clock road patrols from the Branch County Sheriff’s Department and Stoll said near the end of a meeting on April 28 it’s time the board looks at the problem.
Norman said after meeting with Sheriff John Pollack, it was determined six additional deputies would be needed in order for the department to operate around the clock.
Stoll felt this matter needs to be addressed soon.
Commissioner Jon Houtz wanted to see some kind of multi-year plan put together.
Matteson Township Supervisor Kevin Barnes presented a resolution signed by 16 township supervisors and asked Commissioners to make this a top priority.
Following a suggestion from Commissioner Tom Mathew, the Board agreed to set up a committee that would include Sheriff Pollack.
Half of the Sheriff’s Department road patrols were dropped in 2012 due to budget cuts caused by a drop in local and state revenues following the Great Recession of 2008-2009. The Sheriff’s Department presently provides coverage 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
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