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Board renews township deputy contracts as sheriff warns of budget impact from recent officer-involved case
Summary
Commissioners approved longstanding cost-share contracts that place county deputies in townships and ceremonially swore in two new deputies; the sheriff warned a recent officer-involved incident requiring 24/7 deputy coverage of a hospitalized suspect could cost about $30,000 for 30 days.
Lapeer County commissioners moved forward on township cost-share contracts for contract deputies and welcomed two newly sworn deputies to the department, while the sheriff described operational and budget implications after a recent critical incident.
The sheriff said Michigan State Police are handling the officer‑involved investigation “to actually investigate our officer” to ensure transparency and that the county had called in state police for impartial review. He warned the financial impact of guarding a hospitalized suspect could be significant: “If you’re looking at, let's say, 30 days, you’re talking probably in the area of $30,000,” he said, citing two deputies assigned round-the-clock at about $24.07 per hour.
The board accepted the sheriff’s request to authorize academy attendance and approved the renewal of multiple township contracts by voice vote. Commissioners discussed longstanding arrangements (historically funded in part by COPS grants) and addressed a complaint from Oregon Township, which reported concerns about deputies’ time in that township and fuel purchase practices; the sheriff said he is meeting with township officials and has contingency plans if Oregon reduces coverage.
The sheriff introduced and ceremonially swore in two deputies, Nicholas Bigelow and Justin (last name not specified in transcript), who were welcomed by commissioners. The board framed the contracts as a cost‑sharing approach that allows small municipalities to add deputies while the county manages administrative oversight.
The vote moved the contracts forward; commissioners emphasized ongoing dialogue with townships about expectations and future assessment measures at the local level.
