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Eaton County committee backs putting juvenile-justice millage renewal on the ballot
Summary
The Eaton County Public Safety Committee voted to submit a resolution placing a juvenile-justice millage renewal and restoration on the ballot, citing local youth-programming needs, cost savings from avoiding out-of-county placements, and the millage’s roughly $1.7 million annual budget.
The Eaton County Public Safety Committee voted April 9 to submit a resolution placing a juvenile-justice millage renewal and restoration before voters, officials said.
Amy Etsell, the county court administrator, told commissioners the millage funds detention, residential treatment, community-based treatment and day-treatment programs that keep youth in-county and provide rehabilitative services. Since January 2026 the facility admitted 21 youth and was housing 11 in detention, Etsell said.
Committee members framed the renewal as both a public-safety and fiscal priority. Commissioner Shaver said the programs reduce costly out-of-county placements, noting such placements can cost “upwards to $500 to $1,200 a day.” County staff reported the millage currently totals about $1.7 million a year and supports positions that draw state matching funds.
Commissioners discussed voter-education plans and timing for the ballot measure; administration said it will provide monthly updates and township outreach. After discussion, a motion to submit the resolution was made, supported and carried by voice vote.
The committee did not set a final campaign or implementation plan at the meeting; commissioners said they will return with more information on funding breakdowns and outreach. The resolution will move forward for placement on the ballot and further administrative follow-up.
