4/23/14 - Putnam Township does not need extra police protection, but it would be beneficial if the residents were willing to pay for it. That was the determination of the townshipâs Police Protection Committee last night. The committee was established to examine whether the 40 hours a week of dedicated patrols by the Sheriffâs Department are sufficient, or if full time patrols from the Pinckney Police Department are warranted. After several weeks of discussions with stakeholders including Undersheriff Mike Murphy, Pinckney police Chief Jeff Newton, and Pinckney Schools Superintendent Rick Todd, the committee decided that additional patrols would be a quality of life improvement. However, they said the data on crime in the township does not justify paying for more than 40 hours a week of patrols, and the committeeâs recommendation to the township board will be to continue to contract with the Sheriffâs Department. However, that is not the end of the issue. Committee chair Pat Carney tells WHMI they are also recommending that the township seek public input on the issue through a professional survey company to determine if residents are willing to pay for 24-7 patrols. The upgrade would cost an estimated $800,000, doubling the size of the department and likely requiring a property tax of about 2.6 mills throughout the township and Village of Pinckney. While this would be an increase for most residents, it would be a substantial decrease in property taxes for those who live inside the village who already pay 6 mills for police protection. (TD)
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