COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Sheriff John Pollack told the Board of Commissioners during their work session on Monday that the number of overtime hours for his department went up sharply in November due to the departure of a pair of deputies.
He said two future deputies will be coming out of the academy next Monday and then go into a field training program. One of the two vacancies that opened last month has been filled. Pollack said that future deputy is also going through what he called a hybrid field program.
Pollack said once the new hires settle in, then the overtime will drop down considerably.
Pollack told Commission Chair Tim Stoll retention has been a problem.
It’s been anticipated for almost a year the Sheriff’s Department will go to around the clock coverage once six additional deputy positions that were put into the 2024 budget were filled.
The Commissioners eventually decided to bring forward a request to transfer $242,000 in the Sheriff’s budget to cover the overtime expenses. Formal action is expected during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
I agree with the Sheriff. We need to have good coverage in Branch County by our Sheriff’s Department. They risk their lives out there and should be paid appropriately. Make cuts elsewhere if needed.