Eaton County commissioners vote 13–1 to place 2‑mill public safety millage on May 6, 2025 ballot

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 18 approved a resolution to place a countywide, dedicated public safety millage of up to 2 mills ($2 per $1,000 of taxable value) on the May 6, 2025 ballot. The measure, if approved by voters, would run for 10 years (2025–2034) and is estimated in the resolution to raise about $10,058,494 in the first year of levy.

Chairman Mott, who introduced the resolution, framed the proposal as a response to continuing pressure on public safety services after a broader tax‑limitation proposal failed at the polls earlier this year. “The dedicated millage failed by a little under 3%,” Mott said, arguing the narrower, dedicated question may be easier for voters to understand and that the revenue would support “sheriff’s road patrol and specialty services, and staffing and resources for the prosecuting attorney’s office, and staffing, facilities and services for animal control.”

The measure prompted an extended round‑robin of comments from commissioners. Commissioner Barnes warned of the consequences of underfunding law enforcement: “What happens when you have no public safety? You will likely experience a significant rise in crime,” he said, urging support. Commissioner Toomey, who voted in favor, said the plan was not perfect but said leadership required “making difficult decisions” and that acting now would buy time to address longer‑term fiscal issues. Controller Connie Sobe and several commissioners cautioned that two mills may not fully solve structural budget shortfalls and urged clearer public outreach so voters understand what services would be affected by any shortfall.

After discussion, the board held a roll‑call vote on the resolution to certify the question to the county clerk for placement on the May 6, 2025 ballot. The clerk recorded a 13–1 outcome: Commissioners Barnes, Mulder, Augustine, Haskell, Mudry, Braylor, Drosha, Toomey, Hansen, Lawsonhiser, Holmes, Rogers and Chairman Mott voted yes; Commissioner Pearl Wright voted no.

The full ballot language approved by the board asks voters whether the county’s millage limit should be increased up to 2 mills for a period of 10 years to maintain and enhance specified public safety functions. The resolution directs the county clerk to prepare and distribute the ballot materials and to place the question on the May 6, 2025 ballot. Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd, who addressed the board during public comment, offered to help staff and commissioners with voter messaging; he noted absentee ballots will be distributed in late March (the prosecutor referred to a March 22 date).

Next steps: the resolution was certified to the county clerk for inclusion on the May 6, 2025 ballot. If voters approve the measure, the county will levy the mills in 2025 for collection as described in the resolution. The board and county staff will continue outreach and information efforts to explain what the proposed funds would pay for and to answer resident questions.