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Muskegon County accepts reduced state grant for marine safety; sheriff to use vacancies to cover shortfall
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Summary
The Muskegon County Board approved a $46,400 state grant to the sheriff's office for marine services, significantly below prior awards; Sheriff Kevin Sanford said the department will use vacant positions and operational changes to cover the gap while seeking state or federal resolution.
Muskegon County commissioners voted to accept CVS 25-18, a state award (MS 25059) of $46,400 to the sheriff's office for marine services, the board was told. Sheriff Kevin Sanford said the grant is an annual award but substantially smaller than in prior years and the department will cover the shortfall with funding from vacant personnel positions.
The amount awarded this year is $46,400; Sanford said the county had sought a larger sum and that in previous years the award had been in the $85,000–$90,000 range. Sanford said the county applied for $86,800 this cycle, leaving an approximate shortfall the department will address through staffing and schedule adjustments.
"The marine services are vital to Muskegon County," Sanford said, describing coverage of major waterways including Muskegon Lake, Bear Lake, Wolf Lake and White Lake and noting extra overtime for busy holiday periods.
Sanford told commissioners the state provided no formal reason for the reduction, and he cited broader shifts in Coast Guard and state priorities as possible factors. "They don't give us reasons on these grants," he said.
The board approved acceptance of the grant by roll call: Commissioners Herman, McGuigan, Mann (chair), Cyr, Hayes Camp and Gates voted yes and the motion carried.
Next steps: the sheriff's office will implement staffing adjustments and monitor whether state or federal changes alter funding for marine services in future years.
