COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A committee appointed by Branch County Commissioners which will determine how to implement the addition of six Sheriff’s Department Road Patrol deputies presented its initial proposal to the Board of Commissioners during their Thursday work session.
County Administrator Bud Norman said the first proposal was for information only as the process towards finding a solution is expected to take several months.
Norman used a power point to show preliminary costs to the county between 2024 and 2027 for the additional deputies.
It was estimated it would cost the county over $3-point-2 million between ’24 and ’27.
Commission Chair Tim Stoll pointed out this was only a recommendation which included using ARPA funds as long as they are available until 2026.
The recommendation also suggested using $200,000 each year in opioid settlement funds. The funding gap would also be filled in by less overtime being budgeted at the Sheriff’s Department due to the additional deputies.
Norman said other ideas discussed by the committee included a millage being placed on the ballot in either 2026 or 2028 and restoring a policy for department heads to come before Commissioners to fill a vacated position.
Stoll said the committee hoped Commissioners had additional ideas on how the issue can be further addressed.
The matter is expected to discussed further during the Commissioners work session on July 13.
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