COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Even though he is supportive of more road patrol deputies, Branch County Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady told county commissioners Thursday it should not come at the expense of the court system.
In speaking at the Board of Commissioners Work Session, he was critical of the process used by a committee putting together recommendations on how to fund six new deputies for the Sheriff’s Department. O’Grady said if a department’s budget is being affected, they should be included in the process, and he said the County’s three judge have not been consulted.
One of 16 proposals to help fund the deputies is to reduce funding for all departments by 1% in the first year, 2% in the second, and 3% in the third year. Commissioners Thursday said they are not in favor of that option.
O’Grady said functions of the county courts are constitutionally mandated by the State of Michigan, and expenses for those are rising every year.
Other proposals being considered for funding are a countywide millage, asking for support from township governments, and using American Rescue Plan Act money the county has received from the federal government.
A milage is NOT an option!