By Laurel Droz
Staff Writer
Atlas Twp.- Board members are exploring their options regarding a special assessment to cover police costs.
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. Since than the cost has continued to go up at a rate of about 6 percent per year. Currently the township pays $394,000 per year for four deputies in the township.
‘The cost of the contract will exceed the one mill funded,? said Paul Amman township supervisor.
Funds set aside to cover those costs have been depleted, leaving the township to draw from the general fund to pay the bill which at current costs, will only last about five years, Amman said.
‘We’re going to have to make a change’we’re going to have to address the issue, one way or the other,? said Amman.
Options Amman gave the board to make up for the shortfall were: reduce police service; generate revenue; reduce the number of officers services the township or look at establishing an independent police department for the township.
‘The bottom line is something has got to be done,? said Amman. ‘Our only option is to increase revenue.?
Amman has suggested a special assessment of $50 per house along with a $25 per unimproved parcel.
‘I have not yet had anybody tell me that this is not a fair way’I have yet to have anybody tell me they want to cut (police) services.? said Amman.
The other method for increasing revenue would be a request of half a mil.
Amman’s argument against the mill is it disproportionately taxes the homeowners. ‘Police service is uniform throughout the township. Everybody gets the same, ? said Amman.
While a mill would need to be approved by voters, the decision for a special assessment can be made unilaterally by the board.
Amman warned board members there are possible repercussions for implementation of the assessment. Citizens could petition for referendum, said Amman, or overturn the board and repeal the assessment.
Before the board can proceed with plans for the assessment they must have two public hearings at least 30 days apart to hear constituents.