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Eaton County officials tell Olivet residents a proposed millage aims to avert deep cuts to public safety
Summary
Eaton County officials told the Olivet City Council the county’s November ballot measure would raise levy limits by three mills to address a growing budget gap; presenters warned of staff layoffs and reductions to road patrol absent new revenue.
Eaton County officials briefed the Olivet City Council on Sept. 9 about a county ballot proposal to raise its levy limit by three mills, saying the measure is intended to shore up county services and avert layoffs across departments.
Logan Bailey, communications director for Eaton County, said the county faces a persistent budget shortfall and that prior federal relief has been exhausted. "The County would roughly need $12M to maintain what it currently has," Bailey said, and he added that the county is projecting layoffs, reduced hours and service cuts without new revenue.
Why it matters: County officials say 65% of the county general fund supports public safety — the sheriff's office, prosecutor and courts — and they warned the council that cuts would disproportionately affect those services. "There are currently fifteen vacancies on road patrol," Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said, arguing that staffing shortages have already reduced overnight coverage.
Prosecutor Doug Lloyd told the council his office has struggled to retain employees and that roughly two‑thirds of municipal cases in Eaton County — about 7,000 annually — flow through county prosecutors. "If the proposal is not supported, those cases and services will be affected," Lloyd said.
Bailey described the ballot language and mechanics: the measure would raise the county’s levy limit (commonly described on the ballot as a 'separate tax limitation') and, if approved, the county board would levy the additional capacity. Bailey said the average taxpayer impact is estimated at about $216 annually, and that the county has been transparent in public outreach including a taxable-calculator posted on the county website.
Local reaction from Olivet councilors mixed between concern and support. Commissioner Gary Peterson pressed whether funds would go into the general fund and how the county would ensure services reach smaller municipalities; Commissioner Joe Davis asked for clarity on how the county plans to use revenues for recruitment and retention.
What’s next: County officials encouraged residents to attend budget meetings and town halls. No vote or action was taken by the Olivet Council on the millage at this meeting — the presentation was informational ahead of the Nov. ballot.
