SUMPTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Township leaders in Sumpter Township are meeting to discuss next steps after voters rejected a proposed police funding increase, with officials now working to revise ballot language ahead of a possible return to voters in the November election.
The township held a special meeting focused on getting the verbiage right before putting the millage proposal back on the ballot, according to information shared from the township.
Sumpter Township Police Chief Eric Luke said the defeat has created a budget problem for the department, and he wants residents to understand the impact of having no additional millage support.
“We serve 12,500 residents,” Luke said. “It’s your typical police department — we respond to everything from damaged mailboxes to, unfortunately, everything up to homicides.”
Luke said the department handles the community’s policing needs with as many as 18 sworn officers.
For the past 15 years, police funding has come from two main sources: royalties from the Carleton Farms Landfill and a police millage currently set at three mills.
Last week, voters were asked to approve an increase to five mills. The measure failed, with 57% voting no.
Luke said some voters may have misunderstood what was being requested.
“I think there was a confusion of what we were asking for,” Luke said. “I learned late that some people thought it was five on top of the three, and tax fatigue.”
Luke said the failed vote means a 41% cut to the police department’s operating budget.
He said the proposed increase was not aimed at adding services, but at keeping the department’s budget in line with inflation.
“That would’ve enabled us to stay status quo,” Luke said.
Luke said calls for service have nearly doubled over the past five years, while the township’s population has increased by about 25% over the past few years. Without additional revenue, he said, the department would likely have to reduce staffing.
“We have to find a way out of it,” Luke said. “We cannot budget cut our way out of this situation. The township has to find a way to fill this gap.”
Local 4 will be at Monday night’s (Aug. 10) meeting.