Pleas have been entered by a woman charged in connection to a stabbing incident in Fenton Township.
32-year-old Kathryn Marie Serra of Fenton was charged with being an accessory after the fact to a felony, false report of a felony and resisting & obstructing police after authorities say her boyfriend attacked another man but then alleged the victim had attacked her. On Wednesday, Serra entered pleas instead to reduced charges of conspiracy to false report of a misdemeanor and attempted resisting and obstructing a police officer. She also agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendant, 22-year-old Justin Winslow of Caro. He is facing charges of assault with intent to murder, mayhem, and false report of a felony, but is currently undergoing a criminal responsibility exam.
The Genesee County Sheriffâs Office and Fenton Police responded to a report of a stabbing on July 28th at a home on Bay View Drive and found a 28-year-old male victim with stab wounds to the face, head and neck. The man told officers Winslow was responsible and had fled the scene along with Serra. The pair was apprehended a short time later at a mobile home park. Investigators say all three, who met while they were patients at a psychiatric hospital, were drinking alcohol and taking prescription medications, when Winslow attacked the victim with a box cutter. Both Winslow and Serra originally told authorities the victim was attempting to sexually assault Serra, which led to the attack, but later admitted it was a lie.
Serra faces up to a year in jail when she is sentenced October 13th. (JK)
Fenton Woman Enters Pleas In Stabbing IncidentFenton Woman Enters Pleas In Stabbing Incident
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Fenton Man Hopes Picnic Can Show Appreciation For Law EnforcementFenton Man Hopes Picnic Can Show Appreciation For Law Enforcement
A community event in Fenton later this month aims to thank law enforcement for all they do, while helping build positive relationships between citizens and police officers.
The 2nd annual Police Appreciation Picnic will be held at Wind Walker Farms Saturday, September 23rd, beginning at 2pm. The event is free and will have live music, fireworks, a bounce house, food, games and a bonfire.
Event Organizer Herman Ferguson (pictured left) says he began the organization Concern Over Police Safety, or COPS, because he was âtired of the anti-police sentimentâ. Fergusonâs objective is to increase awareness and police safety through education, and raise funds for safety training and equipment.
Ferguson feels at a young age, children should be taught that officers are in the community to protect citizens, not victimize them. In turn, Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says officers can do their part by being conscious of the impact they have on the community, whether it be good or bad.
Ferguson says an encounter with a police officer when he was young built his positive perception and deep appreciation of law enforcement. Ferguson shared his personal story with WHMI, saying his father was an alcoholic and abusive, and in one particular incident was beating up Ferguson's mother badly. Ferguson, who was just seven years old, attempted to protect his mother and that's when his father turned on him. Ferguson says at that time, several police officers came through the door and wrestled his father away from his mother. One officer used his handkerchief to wipe the blood off Ferguson's face and promised they would not let his father hurt him. Ferguson says he washed the handkerchief and kept it for many years. He says that experience has stayed with him all this time and is what his mission is built on.
Sheriff Mike Murphy says Fergusonâs story brought tears to his eyes and that officers often have no idea the impact they have on others. Murphy says, âWe donât get into this profession for the accolades or the things. We do it because I truly believe itâs a calling."
Ferguson believes events like the Police Appreciation Picnic can offer positive experiences with officers like he had and change negative impressions. Donations at the event will be given to support COPS. Additional information about the event and beneficiary organization can be found at the âConcern Over Police Safetyâ Facebook page, a link for which is posted below. You can also hear the full interview with Ferguson and Sheriff Murphy this Sunday at 8:30am on WHMI's Viewpoint program. (DK)
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Leader Of Michigan Democrats To Speak At Local Chapter's Fall PicnicLeader Of Michigan Democrats To Speak At Local Chapter's Fall Picnic
Local Democrats will have an opportunity at this yearâs fall picnic to hear from the head of the state party.
Brandon Dillon is the Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party. On Saturday, September 9th he will be the guest of honor at the Livingston County Democratâs fall picnic, held at the Howell Nature Center. Dillon will be accompanied by Pat Miles, who is seeking the party nomination for attorney general, and candidates seeking the nomination for 8th District Congress. Proceeds from the event will be shared with Stiggyâs Dogs and Women Supporting Women Veterans. Three levels of sponsorships, $75, $125, and $250 are available and will help honor veterans and support those organizations. The event begins at noon, with a fried chicken dinner being served at 12:30.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under are free. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but the reserving your spot early will help ensure that there is enough food for all. To RSVP or become a sponsor, call the party headquarters at (810)229-4212, or email livcodems@gmail.com. A check can also be made out to Livingston County Democrats and mailed to 8028 Grand River, Woodland Plaza Suite 7, Brighton, MI 48114. Please include the names of attendees in the request.
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Grand Opening Set For LACASA Collection Resale Store Grand Opening Set For LACASA Collection Resale Store
A three-day community grand opening celebration is set for a new upscale resale shop in Howell that will benefit victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault throughout Livingston County.
LACASA Center is a non-profit organization provides critical services and programs for abuse victims and their families at no charge. The new LACASA Collection is an upscale resale shop in Howell that will provide sustainable funding as well as a place for clients to shop with dignity for things they need, as many come to LACASA with just the clothes on their backs.
The storefront for the LACASA Collection âShop for Goodâ is located in the Crossroads Town Center on M-59 at Michigan Avenue and grand opening festivities are planned this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The organization has been collecting items throughout the spring and summer and LACASA Center President & CEO Bobette Schrandt tells WHMI theyâre ready to go and are doing it up big for the community. She notes that all proceeds from the new resale store will stay in Livingston County and help fund critical program programs for the clients LACASA serves.
The resale store will be operational seven days a week, with donations accepted at the store from 11am to 3pm Monday through Saturday. Volunteers are also still needed for the new venture.
Schrandt says with the upcoming grand opening celebration will feature raffles, giveaways, special discounts and kids activities. Shoppers who donate a new or gently used Halloween costumes for a child or adult will also receive a percentage off general merchandise and furniture.
More information about the grand opening festivities and the store is available through the provided link. (JM)
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US-23 Flex Route Project Progressing, 6 Mile Road Bridge Re-Opens In Northfield TownshipUS-23 Flex Route Project Progressing, 6 Mile Road Bridge Re-Opens In Northfield Township
Thereâs finally a bit of good construction news for residents, businesses and motorists traveling through the Northfield Township area.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced that both the 6 Mile Road Bridge and the northbound US-23 exit ramp to 6 Mile Road have re-opened to traffic. However, motorists should still prepare for another ramp closure.
M-DOT reminds anyone traveling in the area that starting Tuesday at 6am, the northbound US-23 entrance ramp from 6 Mile Road will be closed for reconstruction for more than a month. Detours will be posted. That ramp is not expected to reopen until Saturday, November 4th.
Northfield Township and Whitmore Lake have been heavily impacted by the US-23 Flex Route project, with lengthy closures and detours. The larger project is targeted for completion in November. M-DOT photo. (JM)
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City Of Brighton Collecting Items For Hurricane Harvey Relief City Of Brighton Collecting Items For Hurricane Harvey Relief
The City of Brighton is among those collecting supplies as part of Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
The City of Brighton is hosting a Hurricane Harvey relief effort by collecting items in support of the Detroit Police Department's "Relief Run" Donation Drive. The DPD will be collecting items next week and those looking to donate will be able to drop off items at Brighton City Hall at 200 First Street next Tuesday and Wednesday between the hours of 8am and 4pm.
Various personal care items are being requested such as shampoo and deodorant, along with bottled water, mosquito repellent and socks. Details can be found in the attached press release. (JM)
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Howell City Council Presents Anniversary Resolution To Cleary FamilyHowell City Council Presents Anniversary Resolution To Cleary Family
The City of Howell is recognizing the 30th anniversary of a family-owned Irish pub in downtown Howell.
The Howell City Council met Monday night and presented a resolution to Clearyâs Irish Pub, giving special recognition to the business as a valued and contributing member of the Howell community for 30 years. Mayor Nick Proctor read the resolution aloud and presented it to various members of the Cleary family who were in attendance.
In 2009, the family won an Exterior Restoration Award for extensive improvements to their three story building, preserving its past while creating a modern experience that inspired other downtown property owners to follow in their footsteps.
The Cleary family was again recognized in 2015 for Preservation Stewardship honoring their ongoing commitment to preserving their building compatible with its historic character. (JM)
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Vaupel-Led Task Force Visits State Psychiatric HospitalsVaupel-Led Task Force Visits State Psychiatric Hospitals
A local lawmaker is continuing to lead efforts at improve mental health services in Livingston County.
State Rep. Hank Vaupel of Handy Township, fifth from right, joined his colleagues from the Houseâs mental health task force last Thursday for tours of two state psychiatric facilities. Vaupel, co-chair of the task force, said it was beneficial to learn more about the Hawthorne Center in Northville, which provides intensive inpatient psychiatric services to children and adolescents, and the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline, which provides both diagnostic services to the criminal justice system and psychiatric treatment for criminal defendants found incompetent to stand trial or acquitted by reason of insanity.
The task force ultimately hopes to use what they learn to help pass legislation that can help create consistency in mental health services, greater support for veterans, better attention to substance abuse, and enhanced training for law enforcement. (JK)
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Howell Police Officer Gary Mitts Retires After 21 Years Howell Police Officer Gary Mitts Retires After 21 Years
A retiring police officer in the City of Howell was thanked recently for his dedication, loyalty and service.
Officer Gary Mitts was recognized by the Mayor Nick Proctor and the Howell City Council at Monday nightâs meeting. Over the course of his career, Mitts received two letters of commendation, two life-saving awards and numerous letters of appreciation from citizens describing him as kind, professional, responsive, caring, understanding and compassionate.
Mitts is retiring after 21 years with the department and officials wished him well. Proctor presented Mitts with the Mayorâs Proclamation in humorous manner, with many jokes and laughs about traffic violations and his time serving as a member of LAWNET or the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Mitts joined the department as a non-sworn reserve officer in 1986 before serving a four year term in U.S. Army. He returned to Howell with reserve officer status in 1990 before becoming a certified officer through the Washtenaw Police Academy. Mitts then continued as a part time officer for another five years in Howell. He simultaneously worked part time with the Fowlerville Police Department before accepting a full time position in November 1996 with the City of Howell.
Howell Police Chief George Basar said the department and fellow officers hate to see Mitts leave but wish him well in his future endeavors, adding the time comes around in everyoneâs career where itâs time to move on and enjoy the next chapter in life. A retirement badge will be presented to him at a future date.
After the proclamation presentation, Mitts thanked the citizens of Howell for letting him wear their badge. Mitts said he had no immediate plans for retirement. (JM)
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Local Officials Encourage Back To School Safety Local Officials Encourage Back To School Safety
With the Labor Day holiday behind us, students across Livingston County are heading back to school and local authorities remind motorists to be on the lookout before, during and after school hours.
Younger children will be out around schools and in neighborhoods where they havenât been seen in a few months, notably during rush hour. With many children and students walking or biking to school or even the bus stop, local motorists are reminded to use extra caution when traveling.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI their job is a lot easier if people pay attention to their surroundings and whatâs going on. He says they want everyone to get off on the right foot as the back to school season starts. Murphy asks that students pay a lot of attention to traffic and their surroundings â noting if they see anything suspicious, they need to report that to an adult or 911 depending on the situation. Murphy says now is also a good time for parents to review bus stop safety with their children and stress that all drivers do not pay attention so they should maintain a safe distance from the road and make sure their bus is completely stopped.
Meanwhile, motorists are reminded to follow speed limits, especially in and around school zones and obey all signs, signals and markings. The afternoon hours are said to be particularly dangerous for walking children. AAA Michigan says more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones so itâs important to always come to a complete stop and check for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
Murphy says one big complaint is school bus flasher violations, when people pass school buses with their red flashing lights on â which is against the law. He noted the Sheriffâs Office has started a Community Outreach Program and deputies will be on buses periodically to enforce laws by relaying information to another deputy of a flasher violation.
Murphy says the intent is to make sure people follow the law and kids are safe, adding heâs looking forward to see what the outcome there is and hopefully theyâll change some habits with local drivers. (JM)
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More Discussion To Come For Headlee Override Request In HowellMore Discussion To Come For Headlee Override Request In Howell
A local municipality is continuing to discuss their options for addressing a noticeable deficit in their general fund.
Howell City Manager Shea Charles says budget difficulties have caused city officials to evaluate whether they need to make significant cuts or explore some type of revenue adjustment. He tells WHMI after city council adopted the 2017-2018 budget, they noted there will be structural deficits moving forward. The current fiscal year will reduce the cityâs fund balance by about $500,000. Looking forward, there will be a structural deficit of approximately $300,000-400,000 a year.
Charles says the city has done well managing revenue, but a failed fiscal system and the way Michigan finances local governments isnât translating to stronger municipal revenues, despite the noticeable economic recovery in the area. Based on the cityâs general fund balance, he believes something has to give in the foreseeable future.
For some time now, city council has discussed placing a request on the ballot in May of 2018 to override the Headlee Amendment. A Headlee Override restores a municipalityâs tax or millage rate to its original rate in order to generate more revenue. The city has a binary choice of either adding revenue with the override, if approved, or making more cuts. Officials say this challenge is prevalent throughout the state. The city has already made budget cuts and reduced staff according to Charles, so the next round of cuts could mean potentially eliminating services.
City Council held a session in August to review their options and will evaluate them further at a meeting September 18th. (DK)
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Livingston County To Add Circuit Court Judgeship, Eliminate District Court SeatLivingston County To Add Circuit Court Judgeship, Eliminate District Court Seat
A reorganization of judgeships is planned within the Livingston County court system.
There are six total judgeships in Livingston County â two in the 44th Circuit Court, one in Livingston County Probate Court and three in the 53rd District Court. The State Court Administrative Office conducted an analysis of judicial resources in all courts statewide, before issuing a report in July. The term for 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader ends on December 31st, 2018 and she is prevented from running in the 2018 general election because of the stateâs mandatory retirement age for judges. The Office is recommending the elimination of one district judgeship on December 31st of 2018, and the creation of one circuit judgeship in January of 2019. The recommendation will provide the same total of judgeships, just allocate them differently.
A resolution to approve the creation of the additional Circuit Court judgeship and elimination of one District Court judgeship will be taken up by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners when it meets tonight at 7:30pm in the administration building. (JM)
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Religious School Submits Revised Plans To Move Into ChurchReligious School Submits Revised Plans To Move Into Church
A religious school thatâs been locked in a legal battle with Genoa Township has submitted revised plans to locate in the same church that spawned the dispute.
Livingston Christian Schools submitted new plans last week and a public hearing is scheduled during a Planning Commission meeting in October. The school filed suit in 2015 against Genoa Township for its refusal to grant a special use permit that would have allowed the school to relocate to the Brighton Church of the Nazarene. The board cited traffic concerns, the schoolâs failure to follow the proper approval process and incompatibility with the township master plan among other reasons. Neighbors opposed to the project echoed those concerns and raised a myriad of others at multiple meetings.
The case was tossed out of court after a federal judge ruled the claims had no merit. The school appealed that to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, which upheld the judgment. LCS has been leasing space from Whitmore Lake Public Schools and is again trying to relocate to the Nazarene. Plans show the school is anticipating 280 students by the year 2020.
As part of the revised plans, the school plans to stagger start and stop times to fall between the peak traffic of the nearby schools which includes Brighton High School, Maltby Middle School and Hornung Elementary. Additionally, LCS provided a traffic study that shows the church driveway should be widened to provide a longer left turn lane to ensure site safety. They are asking that the township defer that requirement until the student count exceeds 190 students.
Township consultants and the Brighton Area Fire Department will now review the submitted plans. Based on their responses, the school will then need to make a second submittal. A second review will follow before a presentation and public hearing at the October 10th Planning Commission meeting. The Commission will make a recommendation to the township board, which will make any final decision.
Meanwhile as for the lawsuit, there has been no word of any appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Appellate counsel for LCS previously told WHMI they were hopeful something could be worked out between the parties.
When the permit was denied, there was an outcry from officials and parents from both LCA and Light of the World Academy (LOTWA), a formerly private religious-based Montessori school that obtained authorization to re-open as a public charter school. The academy planned to move into the old LCS facility once that school moved to Brighton Church of the Nazarene. LSC ultimately sold its Pinckney building and property to LOTWA, and ended up leasing space from the Whitmore Lake Schools district.
In its previous dismissal of the appeal, the 6th U.S. Circuit panel said the school was not substantially burdened within the meaning of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act despite the fact that LOTWA now occupies LCSâs former Pinckney property, thus preventing the school from returning. It said any argument along those lines had no merit because LCS leased the building only after the special use permit application was denied and litigation commenced.
LOTWA purchased the building last year. The opinion added that the fact LCS cannot use the property is due to its own actions and the evidence about the Academyâs decision to become a publicly funded charter school is insufficient because it does not explain the reason for LCSâs financial difficulties. It was also noted that LOTWA became a charter school because it was having a difficult time keeping enrollment numbers up at a tuition based school. (JM)
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Trial Set For Man Charged in Brighton Bank RobberyTrial Set For Man Charged in Brighton Bank Robbery
A Lansing man facing local charges connected to a Brighton area bank robbery is set to go to trial in November.
Earlier this year, 33-year-old Brian Dewayne Ali Jr. was found competent to stand trial. His trial is scheduled to begin November 6th, but will be preceded by a final settlement conference November 3rd.
Ali is facing 14 charges as a result of the April 2016 armed robbery of the PNC Bank located on West Grand River in Genoa Township. Court documents indicate Ali disguised himself by dressing as a woman and wearing makeup and a wig. Authorities say he entered the bank brandishing a handgun and what appeared to be a bomb and announced a robbery. Afterward, he fled in a blue Ford Mustang with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was later arrested in Lansing. Search warrants were conducted at several locations, and evidence â including cash believed to have been taken during the bank robbery â was recovered.
Ali is charged in that case as a habitual offender and faces five counts of armed robbery, four counts of bank robbery and four counts of unlawful imprisonment. He is also facing ten federal charges connected to six armed robberies that occurred in Oakland and Macomb counties between December 2015 and February of 2016. Motions in the federal indictment are due by September 22nd and a jury trial in that case has been scheduled in October. (DK)
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Vacant Downtown Fenton Building To Receive Facelift With Grant FundsVacant Downtown Fenton Building To Receive Facelift With Grant Funds
A project to improve a vacant building in downtown Fenton will be receiving some funding help in the form of a façade grant.
The building, located on First Street in downtown Fenton, is referred to as the âred brick office buildingâ in façade grant application documents. It has been vacant for many years, according to applicant Ghassan Saab, who says the building is outdated and in disrepair. Renovation plans are underway and Saab says the goal is to attract retailers looking to join Fentonâs âbustling downtownâ.
Saab submitted the grant application to the city in July and it received approval from the Downtown Development Authorityâs (DDA) Design Committee at a subsequent meeting. Building owner, Corlin Builders, plans to invest approximately $70,000 worth of improvements into the rehabilitation project. DDA Chairman Craig Schmidt tells WHMI $8,500 from the DDA will be contributed to help fix up the buildingâs façade. The repairs to the exterior include added awnings, a paint job, and new doors and windows.
At a recent meeting, Saab told DDA members the building would be a good fit for basic retailers and possibly a small carry-out business. Schmidt says itâs nice to have a lot of new construction in Fentonâs downtown district. He says city officials want to take care of property owners so if thereâs an opportunity to improve a building there, the grants are âa great program to have.â Saab states the structure was built in the 1900sâ, but believes with repairs and some can-do attitude, it will be âgood as newâ. (DK)
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Report: Unemployment Rate Masks State's Aging, Shrinking Workforce Report: Unemployment Rate Masks State's Aging, Shrinking Workforce
While Michigan's unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest point in years, analysts say that isn't all good news. But much of the decline is being attributed to a loss of workers.
Michigan's workforce reached its peak of just over 5 million people in 2000, but a new report from the Michigan League for Public Policy shows it has shrunk by 326,000 since then. Peter Ruark, senior policy analyst with the League, said there are many reasons people leave the workforce, including disability and retirement. But he said it is particularly troubling that the state has seen a big decline in the number of workers ages 16 to 24. "We know that Michigan's population is aging, and that even though workers are staying in the workforce longer and retiring later, they eventually will retire,â Ruark said. "So, we need skilled, younger workers to be able to replace them."
To boost the size of the workforce and cater to both older and younger workers, the report recommended increasing Michigan's minimum wage, protecting the state's Medicaid expansion, making higher education more affordable, and helping single parents get the support and training they need to find and keep good jobs. Ruark said while the state also needs to address the large number of university graduates who leave Michigan to work elsewhere, many young Michiganders aren't currently working or in college - and they need more options. "There are many training programs that offer certificates, licenses; there are two-year degrees at the community colleges,â he said. "Those provide skills that can get people into the workforce and earning a livable salary."
The full report, including jobless rate data for each county in the state, is available on the Michigan League for Public Policy website, a link for which is below. (PNS)
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Brighton Area Fire Authority's Annual 9/11 Memorial 5K Set For SaturdayBrighton Area Fire Authority's Annual 9/11 Memorial 5K Set For Saturday
An annual event in Brighton will pay tribute to the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as lives lost and the sacrifice made by emergency responders.
The Brighton Area Fire Authorityâs (BAFA) 9/11 Memorial 5K Run-Walk will once again serve as a reminder of the heroes and tragic events of September 11th, 2001. The race will be held this Saturday and all ages, as well as both runners and walkers, are welcome.
Funds raised from this yearâs 5K will be used to continue construction of the 9/11 monument that sits in front of Station 31 in Downtown Brighton. BAFA is a guardian of a steel beam that came from one of the collapsed World Trade Center towers. The beam is the centerpiece of the monument. BAFA Sergeant Dave Mourer says the authority plans to add the names of the firefighters who were killed on 9/11 around the outside of the monument and a bronze plaque describing what the memorial stands for.
Mourer says the phrase most often associated with 9/11 is ânever forgetâ and says in following that, the sacrifice made by emergency responders must be remembered. He feels the authorityâs memorial events are close to their heart because 343 firefighters were lost that day. He urges the community to join BAFA in honoring them at the 5K.
The race will begin at the Brighton Mill Pond and ends back at the station, followed by a celebration. Participants will have a chance to win prizes at the event as well. You can find additional information about the race and registration at the link below. (DK)
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Sheriff's Office Investigating Fatal Crash In Howell Township Sheriff's Office Investigating Fatal Crash In Howell Township
A fatal crash in Howell Township this afternoon is under investigation.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office and the Howell Area Fire Department responded on scene. The crash happened around 1:20pm on Grand River at Burkhart Road. It involved a Mazda and a Jeep Cherokee, both traveling westbound on Grand River. The Sheriffâs Office says preliminary investigation revealed the crash caused the Jeep to lose control and roll over. The driver, identified as a 72-year-old Hartland man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident investigation resulted in both directions of Grand River being closed at Burkhart for roughly three hours, re-opening around 4:30pm. (JM)
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South Lyon Looks To Fill Dual Role At Wastewater FacilitySouth Lyon Looks To Fill Dual Role At Wastewater Facility
South Lyon officials say the recent departure of their longtime DPW director has left with them with the task of trying to find a replacement that can handle both the administrative duties as well as operate the cityâs waste water treatment plant.
Bob Martin recently retired from South Lyon to take the DPW job with Lyon Township. But because state law requires the city to have a Class B licensed operator to oversee its treatment plant, city officials are faced with essentially having to hire two people to fulfill the duties Martin handled. The city has agreed to hire a licensed operator through Highland Treatment Inc. of Highland Township at a cost of $90 per hour.
But it was Martinâs dual-role as an administrator that will be missed. South Lyonâs consulting engineers Hubbell, Roth and Clark indicated that if the city canât find an appropriately licensed operator with administrative experience, a second person may ultimately need to be hired to fill the job duties Martin handled. (JK)
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Saturday Inspections By Building Department Shuttered Until 2018Saturday Inspections By Building Department Shuttered Until 2018
The Livingston County Building Department is suspending Saturday inspections until next construction season begins.
Building Department Official Jim Rowell said he is unaware of any like department in the state that offered a sixth day of inspections until Livingston County began earlier this year around Memorial Day. He described offering them on Saturday as a big win as it has helped reduce the overload of appointments they usually have on Mondays. The Saturday inspections were performed at no extra cost to the applicant. By law, building departments are not allowed to make a profit and receive no taxpayer dollars to operate.
Revenue from permit fees is used to support the office. Rowell said that because of an efficient staff and high permit activity, they are seeing a surplus in revenue and will be reducing permit fees within a month. This is the second time they will be doing so since 2015. Two years ago they reduced fees by 25%. This yearâs reduction is expected to be as much or more. Rowell told WHMI that the Building Department intends to offer Saturday inspections at no extra cost again next summer. (MK)
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