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Board approves marine patrol agreements despite commissioner concern over rate increases
Summary
The board approved updated marine patrol rates and agreements with 13 communities and set Woodward Dream Cruise signage and forfeited‑fund expenditures; commissioners noted significant multi‑year rate increases for marine patrols.
Oakland County commissioners on April 1 approved a set of marine patrol service agreements and related items proposed by the sheriff’s office, including interlocal agreements for 13 communities, after discussion about multi‑year rate increases.
Daniel Pierce, sheriff fiscal officer, explained the marine patrol agreements cover deployment of deputies to lakes at the request of local lake associations and municipalities. Pierce said the contracts include different hourly rates (deputy with boat; deputy without boat; overtime rates) and that 13 communities — representing multiple lakes — had requested contracts that appeared on the consent agenda.
Commissioners raised concerns about the size of the rate increases. One commissioner noted that the first‑year increase ranged roughly 10%–14% across four rate tiers and that subsequent years carry increases of about 8.3% annually, resulting in roughly a 30% increase over three years. The commissioner said they could not personally support the increases but would approve the contracts to allow municipalities time to review them.
The board approved the marine patrol rate item on a recorded vote of 4‑1 (four in favor, one opposed). The board also approved the Woodward Dream Cruise special‑event signage funding request (non‑departmental contingency) and the sheriff’s use of forfeited funds for equipment and specialized training; both passed on voice/recorded votes (signage 5‑0; forfeited‑funds item 5‑0). Later, the consent agenda included 13 local marine agreements for Addison Township, Bloomfield Township, Commerce Township, Highland Township, Independence Township, Keego Harbor, Novi, Orchard Lake Village, Orion Township, Sylvan Lake, Waterford, West Bloomfield and White Lake; commissioners approved the consent items with a motion and support from Commissioner Powell and Commissioner Taylor.
Ending: County staff said they will notify municipal partners of the new rates; commissioners asked staff to alert local officials promptly so municipalities can decide whether to reduce hours or amend contracts in response to higher rates.
