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Newaygo Council approves short-term funding to keep Police Social Worker through December
Summary
The council authorized up to $5,000 per month from September through December 2024 to preserve the Police Social Worker position while grant applications are pending; the decision was unanimous by roll call.
The Newaygo City Council on Aug. 12 voted unanimously to fund the Police Social Worker position for up to $5,000 per month from September through December 2024 so the department can await grant decisions and pursue additional funding.
City Police Social Worker Nicole Klomp and PSW Intern Audrey Patterson had presented an overview of the position’s background, purpose and positive community and officer survey results. Chief Andres told the council that Klomp “started as a volunteer and has worked with the Newaygo Police Department as a paid Police Social Worker for approximately two (2) years through a grant,” and that the current grant expires at the end of September. City Manager Schneider said the short-term funding would give the department time to hear back on pending grant applications and to apply for more grants to cover the role longer term.
The funding motion—moved by Council Member Black and seconded by Council Member Engemann—passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes (Black, Burns, DeVries, Engemann, Fedell, Golliver, Walerczyk). The council approved the allocation specifically to bridge anticipated gaps between grant awards rather than as a permanent budget line. Council discussion noted appreciation for the program’s reported positive impact on officers and community members.
The next step recorded in the minutes is that staff will continue to pursue external grants and report back to council as awards or decisions occur.
