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Eaton County commissioners approve placing 2‑mill public safety proposal on May 2025 ballot after 13‑1 vote
Summary
The Eaton County Board of Commissioners voted 13–1 on Dec. 18 to place a 2‑mill, 10‑year dedicated public safety millage on the May 6, 2025 ballot. Supporters said the levy is needed to shore up sheriff's road patrol, the prosecuting attorney’s office and animal control; opponents said the timing and size are uncertain.
The Eaton County Board of Commissioners voted 13–1 on Dec. 18 to put a proposed, dedicated 2‑mill public safety millage before voters on May 6, 2025.
The question before voters would read in part: “For the purposes of maintaining and enhancing public safety functions for the citizens of Eaton County in the areas of staffing and resources for the prosecuting attorney’s office, sheriff’s road patrol services, and staffing, facilities and services for animal control, shall the limitation on the amount of taxes that may be imposed on taxable property in Eaton County be increased at the rate of up to 2 mills … for a period of 10 years?” County estimates in the resolution put the first‑year revenue at about $10,058,494.
Supporters argued the millage is needed to avoid reductions in core public‑safety services. “If you don’t have public safety, then you have a fundamental breakdown of society,” said Commissioner Scott Barnes during the board’s discussion. Several other commissioners said the county’s emergency and criminal‑justice functions — including prosecutions and road patrol — face staffing shortfalls and long‑term budget pressure.
Commissioner Blake Mulder moved to certify the millage question; Commissioner Brian Lawsonhiser supported the motion. The roll‑call vote was 13 in favor, 1 opposed (Commissioner Pearl Wright), and the resolution passed.
Why it matters: The proposed levy would be a dedicated property tax collected for 10 years if approved by voters. County leaders framed the measure as a way to stabilize law‑enforcement staffing, support the prosecuting attorney’s office and sustain animal‑control functions amid broader fiscal strain. Opponents and some commissioners cautioned the proposed 2 mills may not fully close the county’s budget gaps and urged extensive public outreach before May.
What commissioners said: Several commissioners described the proposal as a necessary, if imperfect, step. “This plan might feel a little rushed, imperfect, but it does address immediate and urgent needs in the community,” Commissioner Michael Toomey said. Commissioner Joseph Brailler, who supported the motion at Ways and Means, warned turnout for a May election could be low and said the levy “may not be enough” to address all county needs.
Next steps: The county clerk will prepare ballot language and informational materials required by law. Absentee ballots in the spring election will be distributed based on state deadlines; county staff and elected officials said they intend to answer public questions about how the funds would be used if voters approve the measure.
Action recorded: The board certified the millage question for placement on the May 6, 2025 ballot by a 13–1 roll call vote. The resolution included an estimated first‑year revenue figure and directed the county clerk to proceed with ballot preparation and required notices.
Ending: County officials said they will provide further budget detail and outreach to residents before ballots are mailed in March. The board recessed for the holidays and will reconvene in January to continue budget and implementation planning.
