5/9/13 â The townships of Hartland and Tyrone are waiting on the sheriffâs department for comment on a contract proposal for dedicated patrols in their borders. For more than 30 years the two townships have contracted for a deputy to patrol their roads, which was seen as a way to maintain a police presence without the cost of forming their own police department. This year, however, the townships announced that a cost-benefit analysis had determined that it was not cost effective to continue the contract and allowed it to expire. They have since approved a new contract proposal that would allow them to pay for a deputy, but presumes the townships are entitled to 24/7 road patrols without extra payment based on their population. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman says a proposal outline was compiled and sent to Sheriff Bob Bezotte a couple of weeks ago. The sheriffâs response included questions regarding the feasibility of the plan, and follow up conversations have discussed that issue. Wickman says it is his understanding that Bezotte will get back to the townships sometime in the next week with ideas on how to accomplish their goals through the contract. Road patrols are not a statutory duty of the sheriffâs department, but are conducted throughout the county as an extra service. (TD)
↧