A state corrections officer from Livingston County charged with selling prescription drugs is due back in court later this week. 30-year-old Lawrence David Tylutki of Brighton was arrested February 25th in Farmington Hills after agents with the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team witnessed him deliver 250 Roxicodone, Adderall and Xanax pills to an undercover informant near a high school at 11 Mile and Middlebelt roads. An additional 290 pills and prescription slips were later found in his car. He was charged with multiple counts of delivery and or manufacture of a controlled substance and possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony. Tylutki was hired as a corrections officer at Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson last March and was still on probationary employee status. Following his arraignment, he was immediately suspended without pay according to officials with the Michigan Department of Corrections. Police say Tylutki, who was in uniform and armed with a .40 caliber handgun at the time of his arrest, has denied smuggling any drugs into the prison where he worked. He is due back in court this Friday, March 18th. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. (JK)
Suspended Prison Guard From Brighton Due Back In Court This WeekSuspended Prison Guard From Brighton Due Back In Court This Week
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Local Homeless Programs Receive Thousands Of Dollars In GrantsLocal Homeless Programs Receive Thousands Of Dollars In Grants
Livingston County homeless service programs have been awarded almost $200,000 in grant funding as a part of a strategy plan to end homelessness. Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded more than $56 million dollars to homeless programs throughout Michigan. The Continuum of Care grants will help provide housing and support services for homeless individuals and families. The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care has been awarded nearly $7,000 for a 2015 planning project and just over $16,000 for their Homeless Management Information Services. Permanent and supportive housing sites have also received funding from the grant, bringing the fund total to $198,403 for the area. The grants stem from the Obama Administrationâs efforts to end homelessness and the HUD will award approximately $300 million dollars in grants in the spring to support local programs across the country. (DK)
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Howell School Board Extends Superintendent ContractHowell School Board Extends Superintendent Contract
In one local district the superintendent has won the approval of the Board of Education. With less than a year served on his current contract, Howell Public Schools superintendent Erin MacGregor was given an extension. Hired just last July 1st, MacGregor has had only one informal evaluation. Last night the Board of Education agreed unanimously to add another year to MacGregorâs contract. Board president Mike Yenshaw says the contract extension is not unusual for a Michigan school district. He says the extension will come up every year before March 30th. Yenshaw says MacGregor is doing a good job. He says it's standard in Michigan that the superintendent's contract is a rolling three year contract. That means that every year you have to decide whether to extend that contract for another year or not. Based on MacGregor's performance since he's been here beginning July of 2015 they saw no reason not to extend his contract another year. Yenshaw says over the last year MacGregor has hit what he calls âspeed bumpsâ but had the staff in place to support him. Yenshaw says he appreciates the decisions MacGregor has made recently regarding snow days, but says MacGregor handled a recent threat via the social media site Twitter very well. MacGregorâs contract is extended through June 30, 2019. (DS)
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Brighton Boy Scout Receives Rare HonorBrighton Boy Scout Receives Rare Honor
Spencer Zach, a Brighton High School junior, has always wanted to be an airline pilot. As the person on an airliner most responsible for his passengersâ safety, Zach might someday be able to put to good use a special skill he has. Spencer is certified in CPR, and that skill likely saved the life of Mike Davis, a neighbor and family friend. Zach, a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 350 in Brighton, received the Boy Scouts Medal of Merit during a ceremony Monday night at the Brighton Community Center. Zach tells WHMI the event stemmed from an incident last fall when he was cutting the grass in his yard and noticed that Davis had passed out. Davis was in the hospital for 20 days and credits Zach with his recovery. A Boy Scout color guard presented the colors at the ceremony, and Zachâs mother, Jackie, had the honor of pinning the Medal of Merit on her sonâs uniform. Local scout official Dennis Kallio says in his over 30 years as a Boy Scout leader, he has never had a scout from Troop 350 receive the rare award until now. He added it had been three years since a scout from the Southern Shores Field Service Council â consisting of the counties in southern Lower Michigan âreceived the honor. Spencerâs father, Ernie Zach of Genoa Township, says Zach has been re-certified in CPR every two years since about the 6th grade. He adds that the Ski Patrol of the staff at Mt. Brighton assists Troop 350 each year with training in CPR certification. Zach received a standing ovation from fellow scouts and their families at the presentation ceremony.(TT)
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Prescription Drug & Opioid Abuse Deaths Continue To Rise Prescription Drug & Opioid Abuse Deaths Continue To Rise
As the number of drug overdose deaths continues to rise, both state and local officials are working to address the growing epidemic impacting communities. New data is documented in a recently released report from the stateâs Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force detailing just how serious the situation is. It shows the number of drug overdose deaths rose by 14% in 2014 and drug poisoning deaths were the number one cause of injury related death in Michigan. The rate for heroin-related deaths was highest among young adults age 25-34 while adults age 35 to 44 had the highest rate for deaths involving opioids. Total drug poisoning deaths increased from 1,535 in 2013 to 1,745 in 2014 â continuing an upward trend from 2012. Data also showed heroin-related deaths were more than three times higher in among men than women in 2014. Officials say itâs vital to reverse the trend that hurts families and individuals from every geographic and demographic category. Livingston Countyâs Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow agrees itâs a problem affecting the state as a whole. While the issue may look a little different depending on the community, Moxlow tells WHMI theyâre taking a statewide approach but also working at the local level. Moxlow says theyâre looking at prescription pain relievers and the abuse thatâs happening with those, as well as the use of heroin and opiates. While Marijuana, amphetamines and tranquilizers are on their radar, she says the numbers are telling them itâs the prescription pain relievers that are the biggest issue right now. Moxlow says there is an action team in Livingston County specifically looking at the substance abuse issue and within that, multiple coalitions and grassroots efforts are being used to address the issue at different levels within the county. The Livingston County Department of Public Health has been disseminating the findings of a Community Health Status Assessment in different volumes to break down results for a better overall understanding of each issue. The most recent volume in the âLivingston Countyâs Road to Community Healthâ series centered on the use of illegal substances including heroin and non-medical use of prescription drugs. Both the local and state reports are attached below. (JM)
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Howell City & Township Support Parks And Rec Millage Proposal Howell City & Township Support Parks And Rec Millage Proposal
Two more municipalities have approved a ballot item for the August primary election regarding a new millage for local taxpayers. The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority (HAPRA) is looking into asking residents for a .75 millage to help stabilize their income. HAPRA is compromised of the City of Howell and Oceola, Marion, Genoa and Howell townships, each of which contribute to the authority to help fund it. Paul Rogers, Executive Director of Parks and Rec, says 30% of their budget is a fixed revenue source, but the other 70% is found through sponsorships, program fees and donations. Rogers says if the .75 mills were approved by voters, .5 mills would be used for operating expenses and .25 would be used for capital or potentially a new facility. Both the Howell City Council and Howell Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved the proposal at their meetings last night, joining Oceola and Marion townships, who have also agreed it should be on the ballot. Genoa Township is expected to discuss the matter at their meeting next week. If the millage were approved, it is expected to generate about $1.5 million dollars, which would come entirely from residents. The municipalities involved in HAPRA would no longer be required to contribute. Rogers says he thinks the time is right to go to the public with the millage and has planned an educational campaign for residents if the proposal is approved by all participating HAPRA entities. (DK/JK)
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Howell Schools Sign Technology PledgeHowell Schools Sign Technology Pledge
As one of a number of moves toward advancing technology one local district signed a pledge with the federal government last night. The Howell Public Schools Board of Education agreed to sign a Future Ready Schools District Pledge. The pledge, which has been signed by nearly 130 superintendents statewide, is a commitment by the district to keep moving forward with its technology expansion and upgrades. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says the pledge is largely symbolic, but also gives them options. He says the pledge is a framework for bringing the district forward with next generation technology. It provides an opportunity to say what are the needs of the district in a certain framework of instructional technology, where are we falling short and where are we doing really well? He says rather than what he calls a shotgun approach about where to place resources, this provides a very comprehensive framework of where to place those resources. MacGregor says the by signing the Future School Ready Pledge the district will also be part of a larger network of shared information in the state and the country. He says there is no financial impact by signing the pledge; it is simply the framework around which the district will start to build its next generation technology. The pledge was one of a handful technology related issues the board addressed. In his technology report, Technology Director Paul Pominville told the board that the first $4 million from the technology bond will be dispersed on March 23rd. He says he expects work on the districtâs wireless infrastructure can begin almost immediately. Along with the pledge the board also approved awarding bids for the cabling, electronics and indoor wireless network. MacGregor says the School Ready District Pledge allows the district to work within a structure to complete the process. (DS)
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With No Word From Legislators, Howell Extends Medical Marijuana MoratoriumWith No Word From Legislators, Howell Extends Medical Marijuana Moratorium
A local municipality has extended its moratorium regarding medical marijuana for another year until there is movement at the state level. A moratorium that bans growing, processing or selling medical marijuana in the city of Howell was set to expire this April. The city was waiting on state legislators to provide a framework for how to regulate the substance and officials were hopeful that there would be guidance from the state before the moratorium expired. Unfortunately, marijuana legislation remains stalled with no word from legislators, which led Howell City Council to extend the current moratorium for another year. The council approved the extension with a 6-1 vote on Monday. Council Member Bob Ellis was the lone dissenting vote and he says heâs not holding his breath for the state to make regulations. Community Development Director Tim Schmitt says the marijuana legislation is said to be held up in the Senate for a variety of reasons but local governments have to act now. Schmitt says municipalities are regulating it in their own way, which creates a âpatchworkâ across the state. A broad piece of legislation that offers the same set of rules for everyone would make things much easier and Schmitt says the city will have to look into what their options are if that framework isnât created soon. (DK)
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Former Police Sergeant Waives Hearing, Moves Toward TrialFormer Police Sergeant Waives Hearing, Moves Toward Trial
A former police sergeant has waived his hearing in district court on embezzlement charges. 54-year-old William Scott Cook was extradited back from Tennessee earlier this month to face a felony charge of embezzlement between $20,000 and $50,000. Authorities allege he took the money from his mother, while he had power of attorney. In 53rd District Court this morning, Cook waived a probable cause hearing, sending his case to circuit court for trial. The charges followed an investigation by the Hamburg Township Police Department after they were contacted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services last May. HHS officials had concerns related to the finances of Cookâs mother, who suffers from dementia. She had lived with him for a short time in Hamburg Township before being transferred to a nursing home. Cook was a longtime sergeant with the Pinckney Police Department when he resigned unexpectedly last April. (JK)
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Rollover Crash Near Fowlerville Shuts Down Westbound I-96 Rollover Crash Near Fowlerville Shuts Down Westbound I-96
A rollover injury crash caused traffic problems on westbound I-96 near Fowlerville this afternoon. The accident happened around noon on westbound I-96 near Wallace Road at the Livingston/Ingham county line. The freeway was subsequently shut down, with traffic being diverted onto the Fowlerville Road exit. The scene was cleared around 1:30pm. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post are handling the investigation and tell WHMI there were multiple injures involved, some serious, which involved a person or persons being transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. The crash remains under investigation. State Police were assisted on scene by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, Livingston County EMS and the Fowlerville Fire Department. (JM)
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Heckler Arrested At Howell Secretary Of StateHeckler Arrested At Howell Secretary Of State
An individual who was arrested for causing a disturbance at a local Secretary of State Office will not be charged in the incident. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was dispatched to the Genoa Township Secretary of State Monday to respond to a complaint that two people were heckling employees. One witness to the event, who wishes to remain anonymous, says there was a long wait at the Secretary of State (SOS) and it was taking a long time to move onto each number. The witness says some people were applauding each time a number was called and one of the SOS employees called 911 to have two individuals removed from the building. When officers arrived, they asked the two people to leave because they were causing a disturbance and being disruptive. One of the two left, but the other refused even after being told he would be arrested if he did not. The man was taken into custody and lodged in the county jail without further incident, then immediately posted bond, according to Sheriff Bob Bezotte. Sheriff Bezotte says the man was given every opportunity to leave and cool off, however the witness to the event feels the employeeâs response to the applauding crowd was âa bit muchâ. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI the Prosecutorâs Office does not intend to press charges against the individual. (DK)
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Talks Continue To Deal With Debt On Handy Township Properties Talks Continue To Deal With Debt On Handy Township Properties
The Handy Township Board met Tuesday night and received an update on the status of three debt-ridden properties and a separate contract involving a sewer extension project. A total of six properties comprise whatâs referred to as the Green Grid LLC property. All six are owned by the township; two were purchased outright, with another bought at tax sale but the three other parcels are tied to lengthy litigation involving a developer â the Mitch Harris Building Company, in which additional was pressure was put on the township to extend sewer service along Grand River. That project was started but was never completed, reportedly due to unprepared contractors and various parties pulling out. The total debt and chargebacks owed by the township for the three Mitch Harris parcels is $2.1 (m) million but the interest and penalties stand at $1.7 (m) million - for a total of $3.8 (m) million. As the interest continues to compound, an agreement was earlier reached with Livingston County to pay a portion of the back taxes by selling the property to a company known as Green Grid LLC. It entered into a land contract with the township to purchase the properties for $3.2 (m) million for an industrial type project never came to fruition, thus the township initiated legal action. In February, a court order determined the properties will revert to the township once a final 90-day redemption period is up May 1st. A separate agreement with the county expires at the end of March. Township and county officials met recently to discuss the three properties and accumulating debt occurring. Supervisor Ed Alverson tells WHMI theyâve been trying to come up with a good solution, long term so the properties can be marketed. He says there were a lot of ideas tossed around and the parties will meet again to try and reach some type of mutual agreement about the debt. The parcels could have gone into foreclosure to be sold at tax sale but an error at the state level threw a wrench into those plans for at least another year. Meanwhile, Handy Township officials are holding out when it comes to signing off on the Grand River sewer extension project that also involves the county. A 2nd amendment was approved to complete the project, in which the county would issue bonds and $475,000 would be owed by Handy Township. $45,000 was authorized for engineering but bids came back much higher than anticipated, thus it was determined to no longer proceed and the third amendment was initiated. The board is waiting to act on the third amendment until it is provided with âas-builtsâ for the sewer project, which are usually the original design drawings revised to reflect any changes made in the specifications and working drawings during the construction process. (JM)
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Compromise Reached To Keep Family Fun Fest In HamburgCompromise Reached To Keep Family Fun Fest In Hamburg
A popular local festival has a permanent home at least for the next three years. The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees agreed to concessions with the Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization (HERO) that will keep the Hamburg Family Fun Fest in the township. In February HERO asked the Parks and Recreation committee to commit to a five year contract, which was turned down. Supervisor Pat Hohl recommended an ad hoc committee to work with HERO to come to some agreement before last nightâs meeting. Over the last few weeks the ad hoc committee met with members of the HERO board to hash out details that will keep the annual festival in Hamburg. Trustee Bill Hahn says the agreement is a win for both sides. Hahn says it was a tough process, but they would up with a win win situation. He says HERO can put their midway and heavy equipment off to the side of the sports fields so they're happy and he's happy. He says he took it on to see if they could come to some agreement like grown ups should do and again it turned out to be a win win for everybody involved. Under the terms of the HERO will pay for police and firefighters during a fireworks display. HERO will pay an estimated $5,280, which it hadnât paid before. HERO president Joanna Hardesty says she realizes the importance of having that protection during the fireworks. Another concession HERO agreed to is moving the midway from the baseball fields to a five acre area of the park previously used for parking. Hohl says the township is already seeking bids to build up the area and make it usable for not only the fun fest, but other events too. He says funds will come from a parks capital improvement fund to pay for the upgrades, but HERO will set aside an additional $2,500 for each of the three years to help offset the cost. The board also agreed that HERO wonât be charged any park fees other than what was agreed to. Hardesty says they are pleased with the outcome and Fun Fest having a permanent home in Hamburg Township is a dream come true. (DS)
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Traffic Impact Of Proposed Medical Facility To Be ExaminedTraffic Impact Of Proposed Medical Facility To Be Examined
The Brighton Downtown Development Authority was told Tuesday that plans are proceeding for the new University of Michigan medical facility, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2018. The 320,000-square-foot building will be located on Challis Road west of Grand River. DDA Director Matt Modrack told the board that the university is doing a traffic study in concert with the Livingston County Road Commission right now to determine the impact the facility traffic will have on Challis and connecting roads such as Grand River. DDA Chairman Bob Herbst tells WHMI that the medical center will have a big economic impact on the city of Brighton. "It will be huge for Livingston County. Livingston County will need a facility like this that has everything available and one-day surgeries, or day in, day out kind of things. They'll be able to do them here rather than go to Ann Arbor or some of the other places around for medical uses." Modrack said the number of visitors to the U of M facility is expected to amount to an additional 1,200-to-1,300 vehicles a day â a significant impact on Challis. He said that will undoubtedly call for improvement to Challis Road to handle the extra demand and the city of Brighton will be expected to contribute a portion of the cost of upgrades. The U of M Board of Regents approved the $175 million project in December that will result in a primary and specialty care center on 32 acres owned by the university. The center is expected to offer about 40 medical services and include examination and operating rooms, a pharmacy, ophthalmology, radiology, diagnostic imaging and cancer care services. Surgery will be strictly on an outpatient basis. The project is expected to provide about 125 construction jobs and 375 medical staff positions when the center opens. (TT)
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Clean-Up Continues After Train Derails In Howell Township Clean-Up Continues After Train Derails In Howell Township
Crews have been busy removing freight cars and replacing railroad track after a train derailed in Howell Township but clean-up is expected to stretch into next week. A freight train carrying 23 empty grain cars derailed on Sunday morning in the area of Oak Grove and Byron Roads. There were no injuries and Great Lakes Central Railroad General Manager Chris Bagwell tells WHMI the clean-up involves a two phase process. All of the cars had to be cleared off the line, about 100 feet of track was torn out and then the rail line was rebuilt. Bagwell says everything was satisfactory and they anticipated running trains through the area Tuesday night. The next phase is expected to begin Monday when wrecking crews will start lifting up the cars to get them back up on the track. That process will take four or five days. Bagwell says the majority of the cars - about 75% -can be repaired and will run again so theyâll get those back to their Owosso shop, rebuilt and back in service. He says the other 25% were basically destroyed and past any rebuilding so theyâll be buying some cars. As for the cause, a rail broke underneath the middle of the train while heading to a customer in Middleton, Michigan. Bagwell says they haul a lot of different types of commodities on that line but grain is the largest at around 51%. As for costs, Bagwell estimated a ballpark number of around $500,000 but says the account will keep ticking while there are cars on the ground. Bagwell said itâs always great to deal with people from Livingston County and commended those throughout the surrounding area for working with them to get this cleaned up. While Sundayâs derailment was uncommon for Great Lakes Central, Bagwell pointed out these types of incidents are very common in the industry and two were reported in the state Tuesday. Drone video provided by Brian Jonkheere. (JM)
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Cinderella's Closet Offers Discount Dresses As Prom NearsCinderella's Closet Offers Discount Dresses As Prom Nears
Local high school students will once again have the opportunity to find a classy outfit for prom without breaking the bank through the LACASA Centerâs Cinderellaâs Closet. Cinderellaâs Closet is held twice a year to coincide with the homecoming and prom season and allows high school girls to shop from a boutique of donated gently-used dresses, which are sold for just $25. All proceeds go to support programs for victims and survivors of interpersonal violence at LACASA. Limited dress scholarships are available by speaking with the project leader on duty. Students that receive a dress from Cinderellaâs Closet are asked to sign the âMy Promiseâ agreement, which asks that they refrain from using drugs or alcohol on the celebratory nights. The boutique is located at Snedicorâs Green Earth Cleaners on Grand River Avenue in Brighton. A list of the dates and times the boutique is open can be found at the link below. The Brighton Tux Shop, which is located just a few doors down from Snedicorâs, will also be working with LACASA once again to offer a deal for the gentlemenâs attire. Students that sign the promise agreement will receive a 10% discount off their suits and ties from the Tux Shop. (DK)
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Freedom Of Information Day Reminds Public Of Need For Transparency Freedom Of Information Day Reminds Public Of Need For Transparency
Today is Freedom of Information Day, part of Sunshine Week, which highlights the need to ensure that government isn't kept behind closed doors. The annual observance of Freedom of Information Day began in 2003 as a reminder of the power of the First Amendment and the importance of transparency and accountability among elected leaders, law enforcement, the court system and all other public bodies. Jane Briggs-Bunting is president of the Michigan Coalition for Open Government. "You cannot have a government that's a democratic functioning government that doesn't have its citizens right in the driver's seat and knowing what's going on. if you don't have freedom of information. You don't have accountability. You don't have transparency. Very soon, you won't have a free democratic country." The Freedom of Information Act was passed in 1966, essentially giving citizens the right to access information from the federal government. It's a crucial tool for the publicâs right to know what their government is, or is not doing. Briggs-Bunting says the Flint water crisis is the most recent example of its importance. "Without the effort, frankly, of a reporter at the Flint Journal, a guy named Ron Fonger, and Curt Guyette of the ACLU, this story never would have gotten the national and international coverage it's getting, and now the rush to solve the problem. This problem went on for two years." The federal government processed a record 769,000 Freedom of Information Act requests in 2015 and reduced its backlog of pending requests by about 35 percent. Civic groups, news organizations and libraries in Michigan are among those holding events this week to build awareness of the importance of open government in American society. Public News Service assisted with this report. (JK)
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Michigan Education Association Plans To Support Gilbert For CongressMichigan Education Association Plans To Support Gilbert For Congress
Brighton Democrat Melissa Gilbert will likely be receiving support from the Michigan Education Association for a seat in Congress. Gilbert is looking to represent the 8th Congressional District and will be challenging Republican Incumbent Congressman Mike Bishop in the November election. Gilbert met with the Livingston County MEA Retirees Chapter Tuesday morning to discuss ideas and priorities when it comes to education issues in the state. Gilbert tells WHMI this communication is necessary to making a change. Dane Morris, President of the MEA Retired Chapter Livingston County, says the organization is in the process of recommending Gilbert to all MEA members, including related state and national organizations. Morris says the MEA has requested a meeting with Congressman Bishop as well, however he has not responded to that request. Morris says he does not know why Bishop hasnât responded, but he feels that indicates a lack of concern from the Congressman about education issues. Bishop's spokesman, Stu Sandler, said that no one from the MEA contacted their office about a meeting, adding that, "As a member of the education committee, Mike Bishop led efforts on legislation that empowered parents and education leaders to have more local control and hold schools more accountable to effectively teach children, and helped make college more affordable for students in financial need. Mike Bishop is working on other key legislation reforms to improve the education system for our children." Gilbert says education is a priority among items she hopes to address if elected, as well as women and veteranâs issues. (DK/JK)
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Jail Time Ordered For Highland Township TeenagerJail Time Ordered For Highland Township Teenager
A Highland teen convicted of stealing a vehicle and committing several larcenies has been sentenced. 18-year-old Ricky Lee Keyser pleaded guilty last month to charges including Unlawful Driving Away of Auto, Larceny from a Building, Malicious Destruction of Property, Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer and Escape from Lawful Custody. On Tuesday he was ordered to spend 210 days in jail, with credit for 52 days already served. He must also serve two years of probation and make restitution of $3,777. The charges stemmed from a string of incidents that occurred January 23rd in Highland Township in which police say Keyser stole a car and smashed it into a convenience store in order to gain entry to the building. Keyser reportedly then attempted to steal another vehicle from Milford High School and several larcenies were reported in the vicinity and surrounding time frame. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township Substation arrested Keyser after they found him walking along Milford Road. After being taken into custody, he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. Keyser is also charged with domestic abuse in a separate case set for a pretrial in district court March 30th. (JK)
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Hamburg Township To Ask For Fire MillageHamburg Township To Ask For Fire Millage
Reducing response times and keeping the doors open at the fire department has one local township asking for a millage. In Hamburg Township the fire department is staffed during the day, and at night the firefighters are paid to be on call. A millage will be on the August primary ballot, which the township hopes will pay to keep the fire department staffed at night and on weekends, too. The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees voted last night to approve forward a request to Livingston County for a 1.75 mil levy for operating and capital improvements to the fire department. Supervisor Pat Hohl says the 10 year millage will allow for 24/7 staffing of the fire stations and help reduce response times. Hohl says currently the fire station is manned throughout the day and response times are about 5 minutes. He says on nights and weekends response times are 8 minutes because the paid-on-call firefighters have to drive to the station for each call. He says the firefighters are not only on call for fires, but as trained emergency medical technicians also respond to medical situations. He says the goal is to staff the stations at all times to reduce the response times to five minutes from 8 minutes. Hohl says Hamburg and Green Oak Townships are the only two who respond to every call, whether it is a fire or medical emergency. Hohl says the millage only adds slightly to what residents have been paying. He says there is already a one mil levy for fire department operations and up until December 2015 there was an additional .61 mils for debt service. He says the average owner of a home assessed at about $225,000 will pay an additional $14 per year in taxes. If it passes in August, the millage could provide an estimated $1.69 (m) million dollars the first year. (DS)
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