More Deep Cuts Expected if Police and Fire Ballot Measures Fail in Nov. 5 Election

Clinton Township voters will be asked to consider two millage increases for the Police Department (1 mill) and Fire/Rescue (1.25 mill) in Tuesday’s election.

Over the past five years, tax revenues for both departments have declined by about 25 percent due to an unprecedented decline in property assessments and t the same time, continued cuts in state revenue sharing have compounded the problem,

Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon said in a YouTube video.

If the measures fail, both departments may have to enact further layoffs in departments that already have lean staffing.

The police department’s staffing is already well below state standards – one officer per 1,075 citizens, compared with one officer per 557 citizens. Nationally, the average is one officer per 420 citizens.

Without the increased funding, another eight police officers may have to go, Cannon warned.

In response to the financial crunch, the police budget decreased to less than $16 million in the current fiscal year, compared with $20 million in 2008 – a cumulative loss of more than $15 million.

The number of sworn officers has also decreased to 84 this fiscal year, compared with 110 sworn officers in 2008, Cannon said.

A federal grant that allowed the fire department to call back a dozen firefighters  laid off in 2011 is expiring, making hard choices necessary if the millage increase isn’t approved, Cannon said.

From 2008 to the current fiscal year, revenue have declined from about $15 million to $12 million, he said. Accordingly, staffing has decreased to from 99 to 63 during the same period.

Cannon said the department typically responds to 11,000 emergency calls annually. Without the funding, the department may have to further reduce services, including the closure of two fire halls.

Emergency responders accepted wage and benefit concessions in their most recent contract, Cannon said.

If both proposals are approved, the cost to the owner of a home valued at $120,000 would be approximately $135 a year – $60 for police and $75 a year for fire/rescue operations, according to a story on the township’s web site.

If approved, the mileage increase for the police department would expire in seven years, while the increase for the fire/rescue department lasts nine years.

Both departments rely primarily on taxes for funding.

For additional information, call (586) 286-9422.