SAGINAW COUNTY -- A new law enforcement tax is in the offing for Saginaw County residents.
NBC25 found out there's a lot at stake.
The millage would impact all of law enforcement, including the sheriff's office, prosecutors, the courts, and the probation department.
The criminal justice system in Saginaw County is in the hands of voters this spring.
County commissioners are discussing millage options for a new law enforcement tax.
“What ever millage we decide to go with will be very simple, do you want to continue law enforcement services at the county, at the current level?” said Saginaw County Controller, Marc McGill.
Here’s what's at stake. A 1.0-mill proposal would cost the average homeowner $35 annually.
But officials say 16 jobs would be cut across ten departments.
A 1.25-mill would cost taxpayers about $48 and current law enforcement levels would be maintained.
“We need to maintain the status quo, we are driving a Chevy here and we want to keep that Chevy on the road, we are not asking for a Cadillac,” said Saginaw County Commissioner Cheryl Hadsall.
The county prosecutor is against cuts and says he wants to keep the homicide level at a 50 year low.
“I mean living in a community that had a thousand murders in three decades is not something you want to throw on the outside of your visitors bureau material, you want to be able to say Saginaw is safer now,” said Saginaw County Prosecutor, Michael Thomas.
If the millage fails, the Saginaw County Jail could close, that means 160 beds would no longer be in service, and given the severity of the crime, the criminal could be released.
“Here's an appearance ticket Mr. Criminal, appear in court in 14 days, have a nice day, and would be released to the street, to turn around and go to another store and steal again,” said Saginaw County Sheriff, William Federspiel.
County commissioners say public safety is their top priority and will craft a millage taxpayers can understand.
In the end, the sheriff's office would see the biggest impact if the millage fails.
The sheriff says his whole department would have to be restructured.
The Saginaw County Courts and Public Safety Committee will look at the 1.25 millage proposal February 7.
