Thursday, March 14, 2013

Gratiot County Herald - Page 7A

MILLAGE (Continued from page 1A)

Commissioners also voted to reimplement it for both the 201112 and 2012-13 fiscal years. But four of the five present board members were not on the county commission at the time. During the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, the millage is set at 0.4247 mills and generates nearly $461,000 annually. The money is used exclusively to help fund Greater Gratiot Development Inc. ($309,000) and the local Michigan State University Extension office ($152,000). PA 88 allows the board to levy up to 0.5 mills to use for economic development and the promotion of agriculture and tourism. At this point it isnt clear where that money will come from without the millage in place. Before making such a decision commissioners should have given both agencies that rely on the

funding proper notice that the issue was going to be discussed at the meeting, County Administrator Nicole Frost said. I think it would be a mistake (to vote on it now), she explained. However, Bunting disagreed. Weve been talking about this for four years, she said. It shouldnt be a surprise. The resolution stated in part: The current Board of County Commissioners of Gratiot County unanimously questions the legality of ACT 88 of 1913 based on the Michigan Constitution of 1963, as amended in 1978 where by the intent is evidently to limit the authority of County Commissioners to impose taxes on property above the authority granted under the amended Constitution It went on to say: No tax shall be imposed under the auspices of ACT 88 of 1913 during the term of this board and be it resolved that the Gratiot County Board time detective, sheriff, undersheriff and K-9 unit to help investigate complaints. Deputies would continue to provide other services citizens have become accustomed to such as assisting residents who have locked their keys in their vehicle, have a bat in their house, and check local businesses after hours for unlocked doors and the homes of people who are on vacation. The sheriffs department would cover all personnel costs while the city would pay for replacing police vehicles and any maintenance expenses of those used in the city. From the city council point of view we are doing something unique but it makes a lot of sense, Mayor George Bailey told county commissioners. Why have duplication of all these services? Im excited about it. I truly believe its a great thing for all of us. During the citys public hearing only three people spoke. One man congratulated the council for taking the step to consolidate police services because it would make local law enforcement more efficient and effective. Another man told the council he had an issue with an off-duty deputy and was not pleased with how the sheriff handled his complaint because he wouldnt make the officer apologize. Also, a woman spoke up and said she was concerned about terms of the contract because it gave too much control to the sheriffs department.

of Commissioners appeals to the (state) Legislature to revoke ACT 88 of 1913 as repugnant to the current Constitution of the state of Michigan Making the decision now will give other local units of government a chance to start down the path to (finding) other funding mechanisms while going through their own budget process, Showers said. I made my position very clear early on not to support PA 88, he added. If a millage was placed on the ballot it would have to be approved by county commissioners. We need to find out where the board stands if we have a special election this year, Bunting said. The current millage will expire at the end of September. There was no further discussion regarding the possibility of putting the issue on the ballot or how the two agencies would be funded without the millage in place. It takes too much away from the city, she added. Council members L.D. Hollenbeck and Brain Henderson cast the dissenting votes. Hollenbeck wasnt sure the city will save as much money as stated because the cost comparison was based on having a full-time police chief and part-time clerk, neither of which the city has any longer. He was also concerned about the city officers taking a pay cut and the uncertainty of who would be assigned to patrol the city. Henderson noted that if a new sheriff or county commissioners were elected who didnt like the deal they would have us over a barrel and the price could jump significantly. The proposed contract is for four years but has an out clause where either side could void the deal with a certain amount of notice, Foster said. The city also wont be relinquishing its (police) cars or equipment so it wouldnt be a major problem if Ithaca had to reestablish its own police department in the future, Bailey noted. During the county commission meeting no concerns were voiced by the board. Im happy for both sides, Commissioner Jan Bunting said. I think its a wonderful opportunity. If both the county and city approve the final contract version next week the agreement would become effective April 1.

SECURITY (Continued from page 1A)

There are many, many conflicting issues at play here, Benitez said. I think we need to proceed carefully. It affects everyone in this building. Showers has had an issue with the countys current courthouse security policy since taking office in January. At that time he claimed it violated state law and changes were needed. A committee was established to look at the policy and recommend possible revisions. It included Showers, Sheriff Doug Wright, and Prosecutor Keith Kushion, among others. The resolution proposed by Showers was developed on his own and not endorsed by the committee. Wright, who was also in attendance at the meeting, was asked by Benitez for his opinion on the current security policy. I believe changes need to be made, he said. I dont like the system the way it is right now. I dont think its working. However, Wright also noted that he was not in favor of Showers proposed resolution. We have qualified people who should be able to put something together, he said about the security committee. The security policy was implemented last year. The courthouse now has a single point entry system with security guards and a metal detector stationed at the door. Everyone entering the building must pass through the screening area and are subject to being searched. No weapons are permitted. Showers has stated that he doesnt believe that people coming into the courthouse on routine matters should have to go through the same type of security procedures as those on court-related business. The policy is flawed, he said. Its not being followed. We need to start from ground zero. The resolution includes a provision to give the countys security firm, STT Inc., a 30-day notice that its contract with the county will be terminated. Because the resolution was approved that notice was given last Friday. The resolution states in part: The current Board of Commissioners has attempted to remedy the security policy concerns without satisfactory resultThe current security policy is creating a burden on the general public seeking to conduct non-court business with the Gratiot County Courthouse offices. It went on to state: The current Board of Commissioners values freedom over security in a civilized society in which law abiding citizens have a Fourth Amendment right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures The current security policy has essentially created a gun free zone which disarms lawfully licensed concealed pistol license holders from exercising their natural right of self protectionEvery person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state The resolution rescinds the former policy but it does acknowledge a local administrative order that states firearms or other weapons are not permitted in any courtroom. In addition, it provides $5,000 from the security fund to be transferred to the sheriffs department budget to pay personnel to provide enhanced courtroom security.

CONTRACT (Continued from page 3A)

However, when it comes to who would be assigned to the city of Ithaca, that decision would be left up to the sheriff with input from city officials. The Police Officers Association of Michigan, the union that represents the deputies, has agreed those jobs would be considered as a special assignment and not part of the normal bid process, which will allow the sheriff to assign any deputy to the city regardless of seniority. The intent is to have most of the same faces seen now on the streets, Foster said during the citys public hearing. It appears that at least two of Ithacas three officers will remain in the city, he added. One officer will be on duty in the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the same coverage thats now provided. The city would close the police departments office and all operations would be run out of the sheriffs department, which is less than three blocks away. Police cars would have the sheriffs department logo with the designation Ithaca Unit on the side. A lieutenant would be hired to oversee the unit and serve as a liaison to the city council. The city would have access to the sheriffs departments full-

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