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Police chief thanks community; residents urge retaining city police and caution on roads funding
Summary
The Allegan police chief thanked residents for public support of officers; public comments included praise for keeping a city police force, concerns about poor road conditions, and suggestions to shift some city services to nonprofits to free budget for core needs.
The Police Chief addressed the Allegan City Council on April 28, thanking residents for public support and saying officers "had our back" during recent community interactions. The chief told council that officers appreciated the community's positive words and asked that, if the topic returns to council, the sitting council be given a concise response.
Public comment reflected similar themes. Sally Sturgis (317 Bridge Road) thanked council for keeping the city police force and described severe local road conditions, saying she had "never seen the roads as terrible as they are," and expressed skepticism about a millage, noting she expects city taxes to fund repairs. Matthew P. Vovar (329 Monroe Street) urged the city to consider spinning off some nonessential city functions (theater, Griswold Park) into nonprofit entities or foundations to reduce costs borne by the city and suggested forming a committee to explore options.
Other commenters suggested exploring partnerships with townships to share police funding and consideration of an expanded taxing district for services. Council did not vote on policing structure or a millage at the meeting; staff reiterated that township partnerships would require community-level engagement rather than unilateral council action.
