CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Social media campaigns and door-to-door outreach efforts mark Clinton Township’s push to clarify misconceptions about the August 5 police millage renewal vote.
Township leaders are working across multiple platforms to explain the 2.37 mill police millage renewal, which has sparked questions due to specific language requirements on the ballot.
“Since these millages have expiration dates into the future, we have to refer to them as an increase over zero,” Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem explained, addressing why the ballot includes the word “increased” despite being a renewal of existing rates.
The decision facing voters in Michigan’s largest township is a choice between maintaining current police funding levels or implementing reductions.
Township officials indicate a “no” vote would result in a $9.6 million reduction to the police department’s budget.
Captain Anthony Coppola of the Clinton Township Police Department outlined the potential consequences of failing to renew the millage.
“At the baseline level of reduction of that magnitude would most likely impact staffing, equipment, and call for service time,” he said.
Local residents have noticed increased outreach efforts by law enforcement.
“The police are talking. They’re putting pamphlets in doors,” Clinton Township resident Pat Dewandeler said.
The police millage renewal stands as the sole item on the August 5 ballot in Clinton Township.
Similar millage renewals appear on ballots across other Metro Detroit communities.