Atlas Twp- An escalating cost for police protection announced last fall by township officials could result in a new special assessment for property owners.
A police administrative board ‘comprised of two representatives from the township, two from the village and a township resident? is being created to address the issue. A similar police board was dissolved April 12, 2001.
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.
‘One mill is just not enough to cover the cost of the contract,? said Atlas Township Paul Amman.
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.
While a final decision is yet to be determined Amman has suggested a $50 per house along with a $25 per unimproved parcel special assessments.
‘We must decide whether to opt for a special assessment, drastically cut police protection or seek a millage increase,? he said. The assessment seems to be the most fair.?
Under that plan, everyone pays the same amount regardless of the value of the home.
One concern, says Amman, is more expensive homes are in greater need of police protection because they often contain more valuables, and should therefore have to pay more.
Amman disagrees.
He said it is often homes in more densely populated areas that experience higher crime rates, because it is easier to target several homes in close proximity to one another. Similarly it’s more difficult for residents to recognize trespassers because they have more neighbors and are often less familiar with visitors.
‘I’m a resident of Atlas Township,? said Jim Gage, Genesee Sheriff’s department undersheriff. ‘As a resident of Atlas township, I think local governments are going to have to have millage sponsored fees for police protection.?
However, before any decision on funding the shortfall is considered the police administrative board must be selected.
Village administrator Jakkie Sidge said she had not yet received information regarding the board in writing to review as of the afternoon of Jan. 18 and the issue could not be addressed until the next Goodrich village council meeting on Feb. 13.