Bloomfield Township Public Safety Millage Passes Overwhelmingly

More than 81 percent of Bloomfield Township voters approved a Tuesday that will maintain the current level of public safety services.

Unofficial election results from the Clerk's Office show the measure passed in all precincts Tuesday. At stake was the potential to lose roughly one-third of the budget allocated to police and fire-related services to township residents and businesses. A scenario that certainly would have meant layoffs in both the police and fire departments, said Township Supervisor Leo Savoie. 

"It's really good to see," said Savoie while greeting poll workers at Bloomfield Township Hall Tuesday Night. "It's good to see the community stand behind the departments and it's a strong affirmation for what they're doing."

The unanimously approved the ballot language for the 10-year levy in May. The move followed a survey by Mitchell Research and Communications, Inc., indicated they would either vote "yes" or probably vote "yes" on the measure.

The township will begin collecting the tax on Dec. 13, and expects to generate $7.41 million in the first year to help supplement the $24 million public safety budget. Residents approved additional funding in 2010 that is used to defray the remaining cost.