Delta Township contract and county cost-sharing draw public comment at Eaton County workshop

Delta Township's contract for county sheriff services became a focal point of public comment and commissioner discussion during an Eaton County Ways & Means advisory workshop.

Several commissioners said the Delta sheriff contract is a large and longstanding element of the county public-safety budget and should be reviewed by the incoming board when it comes up for renewal at the end of the fiscal cycle. Commissioners suggested negotiating reimbursement formulas and examining line items rather than immediately cutting services.

Public commenters presented differing perspectives. Rick Jones of Oneida Township argued Delta should pay the full cost of the contract rather than rely on county subsidy, citing differences between Oneida’s small 15-hour weekly contract and Delta’s larger needs. Jones urged the board to require Delta to cover the county’s full costs plus administrative fees where appropriate.

Delta Township resident Dennis Fedewa urged the board to avoid finger-pointing and noted that Delta contributes a substantial share of the county’s tax base; during public comment he said Delta’s 5.5-mill contribution equates to roughly 37% of the county’s base revenue. Fedewa recommended pursuing countywide, equitable funding solutions rather than casting blame.

Commissioners emphasized they will need clear numbers before taking action: staff agreed to provide detailed overtime and cost figures and to quantify how contracts and indirect costs (insurance, administration, courts) affect county finances. The workshop produced no motions or votes; commissioners and residents emphasized negotiation, transparency and data-driven discussion as the path forward.