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Commissioners back expanded funding for county gun-buyback program
Summary
Oakland County commissioners voted to amend funding for a gun buyback program run by Disarm Disarmory Ministries, adding $5,000 from an ad hoc safer communities fund and $5,000 from the board's special projects fund; Father John reported the program has taken more than 1,200 firearms out of circulation to date.
The board voted to recommend additional funding for a countywide gun buyback program after hearing from Father John of Disarm Disarmory Ministries, who reported the program has collected more than 1,200 firearms over several years and continues multiple community buybacks.
"To date, we're now over 1,200 firearms that we've been able to safely dispose of," Father John said, summarizing recent buyback activity and noting giveaways of gun locks and gift cards as part of the outreach.
Commissioner Gershenson moved an amendment to add $5,000 from the Safer Communities ad hoc committee and $5,000 from the Board of Commissioners special project fund; Commissioner Powell supported the amendment. The clerk recorded the vote as 5 yeas and 0 nays and the amendment passed. The item will go to the Finance Committee for final approval tomorrow, according to the chair.
Board members praised the partners and described the buyback as a safety and harm-reduction effort rather than an anti-gun campaign. Commissioners emphasized continued collaboration with law enforcement and community groups to distribute safety devices and facilitate safe disposal.
Ending: The board approved the amendment and recommended the full funding package to the Finance Committee for final action. The program's next steps include scheduled summer buyback events and the Finance Committee review.
