Declining tax revenues could cost Independence Township five deputies and lead to a millage-increase vote next year.
“Tax revenue is down, everything is down,” said township Supervisor Dave Wagner. “When the police millage comes up in 2010, we may need to look at an increase.”
The township reports a $79.7 million drop in taxable property values, 2008-2009. Falling revenues collected through the 2.0547 police millage, along with 2.8 percent increase in the township’s contract with Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, meant its $3.3 million police budget was about $600,000 in the hole.
Budget plans, up for public hearing Dec. 1, call for cutting five deputies, each about $100,000. The remaining $100,000 would come from the $800,000 police fund balance.
“No one wants to lose deputies ? we’re keeping as many as we can,” said Trustee David Lohmeier.
Two deputies on the chopping block are assigned to neighborhood watch, two on traffic duty, and the fifth, patrol.
“Neighborhood watch has been in place about six years ? they patrol strictly neighborhoods and attend neighborhood board meetings,” Wagner said. “We had traffic detail for about 3 1/2 years. They did thngs like issue tickets, watch for illegal turns, speeding, people passing school buses.”
The cuts would be painful, but deputies won’t leave residents in the lurch, said Lt. Dale LaBair, Independence Township substation commander.
“We’ll continue to perform our core mission, protecting people,” LaBair said. “We’ll make it work.”
The substation has 30 deputies assigned to it, he said.
Wagner will monitor response-time reports and work with LaBair to keep them short.
“He’s the expert,” Wagner said. “Reducing the police force is a double edged sword ? when the economy is down, crime goes up. One of the things we can’t do is compromise safety.”
Budget problems will continue, he said.
“In lots of ways, 2011 will be rougher ? unfortunately, we’re going to take a big hit,” he said.
“It’s really brutal,” Lohmeier said. “The next round of cuts will include township employees – it’s tough.”
The township is open to new ideas, such as the “fill/no fill” contract considered by Springfield Township, as well as old ones, including collaboration with neighboring townships. One idea dead for now, at least to Lohmeier, is a new sheriff substation.
“We can’t afford it,” he said. “Why a new building when we might have fewer deputies?”
Wagner is “sending feelers” into the community to gauge support for a police millage increase.
“It’s up to residents,” he said. “The community is very supportive of police and fire.”
Budget public hearing is set for 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1, at township hall, 6483 Waldon Center Drive. Call 248-625-5111.