COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – After Branch County Commissioners approved the addition of six deputies in the 2024 County General Fund budget, the next challenge for the Sheriff’s Department is to fill those positions.
Sheriff John Pollack says they have been fortunate four Corrections Officers want to move up to the road patrol.
Pollack says they are competing with neighboring counties when it comes to attracting candidates.
Once the positions are filled, the Department will be able to offer 24 hour road patrols for the first time since 2012.
To fund the new deputies, the county will use ARPA funds for the next three years and Opioid settlement funds for the next 10 years.
The balance will come from a cost allocation plan which affects 911, the Commission on Aging, the Department of Public Works, the Public Defenders Office, Building Inspection and the Branch County Road Commission.
The county will also increase charges for services, look at efficiencies and make reductions with the Sheriff’s Department on overtime.
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