Eaton County commissioners approve 2-mill public safety millage for May 2025 ballot after hours of debate

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners voted 13–1 on Dec. 18 to place a proposed countywide public safety millage of up to 2 mills — $2 per $1,000 of taxable value — on the May 6, 2025 ballot.

Commissioners said the measure is intended to preserve and bolster sheriff's road patrol and specialty services, provide additional staffing and resources to the prosecuting attorney’s office, and support animal-control staffing and services. The resolution estimates the first-year revenue at about $10,058,494 and would run for 10 years (2025–2034) if approved by voters.

Why it matters: Commissioners and county leaders said the county faces immediate public-safety staffing shortfalls and long-term budget pressure. Several speakers pointed to recruitment challenges for law enforcement and to the prosecutor’s office workload as reasons the county needs a dedicated revenue source now.

Board discussion and concerns

Commission chairman Jim Mott said the earlier tax-limitation question failed by a narrow margin and that dedicated public-safety funding could be clearer to voters than the prior language. "It appears there was enough interest to bring it to the board," Mott said when he introduced the item.

Supporters argued urgency: Commissioner Barnes said a breakdown in public safety would “lead to a chaotic and potentially dangerous environment” and urged putting the question before voters immediately. Commissioners Toomey, DiRocia, Hansen, Rodgers and several others said they would support the measure despite reservations because it addresses immediate needs and gives the next board a tool to work with.

Opponents and cautions: Commissioner Pearl Wright said she would vote no, calling it too soon to place another millage on the ballot after the prior measure. Several commissioners, including Joe Brailer and Terrence Augustine, warned the proposal might be insufficient to solve structural fiscal problems and urged extensive public information efforts ahead of the vote. Commissioner Haskell asked for a reaffirmation of support from the incoming board and clearer public-facing materials about what services would be preserved or reduced if the millage fails.

Vote and next steps

The board recorded a roll-call vote (13 yes, 1 no). The clerk was directed to certify the question for the May 6, 2025 ballot and to prepare required ballot materials. If voters approve the millage, the additional revenue would be available to the county for the purposes listed on the ballot question; if it fails the county will continue to face the staffing and budget choices described during the debate.

What the ballot language says

The question on the ballot will 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 (2025–2034)?” The resolution also states an estimate of first-year revenue at $10,058,494.

Outlook

Commissioners said they expect to spend the months before the May election explaining the proposal to residents. Several speakers urged clear, plain-language outreach and noted absentee ballots will be sent in March 2025. The board’s action places the decision to approve the levy with Eaton County voters.