White Lake Resident Asks Police Chief to Explain New Millage Proposals

I would like the Chief to explain why a year and a half after the citizens of White Lake approved a millage increase to maintain police and fire services we are so broke we cannot even afford to paint our patrol cars.

Soon we will be asked to pass another millage increase and before we rubber stamp that I would like to know what happened to the money we gave you in the last election.

Another question I would like to ask is who was responsible for signing off on the school speed limit sign on Bogie Lake Road? Not only did it cost us money, but the story was picked up by a few outlets and we became a national embarrassment.

- Gerry

Chief Edward Harris: Gerry, good questions. I will try to answer them to your satisfaction.

First, the patrol car paint colors: In each year’s budget, a set amount is allotted for equipment acquisition. In the past we have purchased four patrol cars each year. This year the Ford Crown Victoria is no longer available and has been replaced by the new Ford Interceptor, and the price has increased by several thousand dollars. All three of the major manufacturer’s police package vehicles have increased in cost. The two tone scheme is a $700 option. Because of the changes in the vehicles, the shields currently in our patrol vehicles that separate the front seat from the back seat will not fit into any of the new models. New shields cost approximately $600-$700 each. With the increased costs of the vehicles and the need to purchase new shields the decision was made to move to a solid color paint scheme on the new cars.

With respect to the millage proposals that will appear on the ballot in August: One is a renewal of a combined police/fire millage that was originally passed in 1992 to hire additional personnel. It was renewed in 2002 and needs to be renewed again to maintain the current levels of service. This proposal is asking to return the millage amount from .9526 mills to the original 1.00 mill that was approved in 1992 and 2002. The second proposal is to renew the fire millage that was passed in 2010. Unlike the 2010 police millage that was passed for four years, this millage was only a two year millage. Again, passage of this millage renewal is to maintain service levels. Finally the third proposal, a 0.5 mill increase, is also for the fire department and is needed to off-set the losses that have been experienced due to the dramatic decrease in property values.

With respect to the question of what happened to the funds, I can only address this as it applies to the police department budget. When the millage proposals were drafted in 2010 they were based upon estimated projections of revenue losses for four years. The funds from this new millage were slated to compensate for the loss of revenue that all of the other police millages were expected to incur. The new millage has provided a fund balance that is slated to off-set further revenue losses for 2013 and 2014. Recent developments that were not foreseen in 2010 such as the repeal of personal property taxes on businesses, and insurance cost increases, are creating additional revenue losses. Worst case estimate for the police department is a $200,00 to $300,000 deficit for 2014. We are looking at a number of ways to off-set this possible additional deficit, so you can see why we are moving to solid color vehicles.

Finally, the township board made the decision to assist in the cost of installing a flashing sign to advise motorists of the school speed limit. This was done in the interest of public safety in response to concerns raised by residents who felt the signs with numerous time periods were difficult to read and thus created a hazard. The township had nothing to do with the original signs, they were installed by the road commission being advised of the new time periods by the school district. 

I hope this answers your question. Your support is needed and appreciated.

Thank you for the questions, 

Edward Harris

Chief of Police