Rochester Hills Council Rescinds Resolution on Police Millage Amid Budget Crisis

The Rochester Hills City Council convened on July 7, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including the appointment of youth council members and significant changes to police funding in response to rising costs from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office (OCSO).

The meeting began with the council unanimously approving the appointment of students to the Rochester Hills Government Youth Council for the 2025-2026 term, marking a commitment to engaging young residents in local governance.

The primary focus of the meeting shifted to a resolution proposed by Mr. Snyder to rescind a previous resolution of intent regarding police funding. This resolution was initially established to ensure that any increase in police millage would be offset by a corresponding decrease in the city's general operating millage, thereby preventing any net increase in taxes for residents. However, following the approval of a new combined police millage by voters in November 2023, the city faced unexpected and substantial increases in OCSO contract rates, projected to rise by approximately 36% over the next three years.

Mr. Snyder outlined several options the city could pursue to address the anticipated budget shortfall of around $2.4 million per year due to these increases. These options included reducing the number of OCSO officers, cutting city staff, utilizing fund balances, seeking voter approval for a new police millage, or rescinding the existing resolution of intent. Ultimately, the recommendation to rescind the resolution was presented as the most fiscally responsible choice, allowing for an increase in police millage without affecting the general operating levy.

Council members expressed their concerns regarding the implications of the county's decision to raise police service costs without providing additional public safety benefits. They emphasized the importance of maintaining current staffing levels for both police and city services to ensure public safety and service quality. The council also highlighted the need for transparency and accountability from the county regarding how tax revenues are allocated.

After thorough discussion, the council voted to rescind the previous resolution, allowing for the necessary adjustments to the police millage. This decision is expected to result in a projected increase of approximately $86 per year for a household valued at $400,000, while still maintaining one of the lowest millage rates in Oakland County.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to continue monitoring the situation and to engage with residents regarding the implications of these changes. The next budget workshop is scheduled for August, where further discussions on the city's financial strategies will take place.