By David Fleet
Editor
Atlas Twp.-Police protection for the township is costing more each year prompting officials to consider some additional funding.
‘One mill is just not enough to cover the cost of the contract,? said Paul Amman, Atlas township supervisor.
‘We must decide whether to opt for a special assessment, drastically cut police protection or seek a millage increase.?
Amman says the township will use money from the general fund to cover the costs but at the current costs that will only last about five years.
The township established a contract with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department about 10 years ago funded by one mill from area property owners. A property owner with a $200,000 home currently pays about $100 per year for police service. The contract includes four deputies assigned to the township area with a population of about 7,200. According to the township officials the sheriff’s department has increased the cost of the contract by about 20 percent since 2001.
‘Population is the number one factor that determines the cost of police protection,? said Jim Gage, Genesee Sheriff’s department undersheriff.
‘But other factors also drive the cost of police protection up including schools, shopping centers, trailer parks, and freeways–none of which are a real factor in Atlas Township. We try to keep our patrol services cost down but health coverage for deputies has doubled, retirement plans have increased to about 20 percent more over the last few years. The deputies wages go up about 2 percent each year also in addition to gasoline costs more as does patrol cars.?
Two other communities in Genesee County also contract with the sheriff’s department. Vienna Township located in northern Genesee County with a population of 13,600 supports seven deputies, one detective and costs taxpayers about $700,000 each year. In addition Fenton Township located just southwest of Holly with a population of about 13,000 includes five deputies and costs about $476,350 per year. Both township draw funding for the contract from the general fund.
Cost of police coverage for Atlas Township
Year Cost to township
2001-02 $312, 000
2002-04 332,000
2003-04 359,000
2004-05 374,000
2005-06 394,000