ITHACA (WJRT) -
(02/05/13) - It's well-known that the city of Saginaw is pursuing a plan to
have the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department patrol the city. Another meeting is
planned for Wednesday.
Another Mid-Michigan community is exploring the idea as well. The city of
Ithaca is considering contracting its police services with the Gratiot County
Sheriff's Department. But it is far from a done deal.
"We're a small town and we don't have a lot of crime, but that could be in
fact because we have enough police officers," said city resident, Angela
MacLaren.
Ithaca's city manager says that wouldn't change under the current proposal.
"We're absolutely not talking about getting rid of police, if anything we want
to enhance service level," Chelsey Foster said.
Sheriff Doug Wright is a longtime city resident. He believes it's a win-win
for the people of Ithaca, who haven't had a full time police chief since October
of 2011. "We will bring a sheriff, an undersheriff, a detective and a lieutenant
overseeing that position. As well as the other assets we have."
"We're trying to take it step by step," Foster said.
That includes answering all those questions from people who live here, like
the one MacLaren has. "Are there going to be less police officers out there
patrolling," MacLaren said.
MacLaren remains open-minded. "I can see where if they want to save money
that, that might be an option."
The draft proposal shows a potential savings of $100,000 a year. Also, the
city's three full time officers would be hired, and the three part-timers would
be considered.
Terrie Randolph who lives in the city, and owns a business here, likes how
things are now. "I feel that the taxes we are paying, we probably will have to
pay a little more be able to keep the local people here, I think would be well
worth it."
After a meeting Tuesday evening, Ithaca council members decided to plan a few
public hearings on the proposal so residents could learn more and weigh in.
The hearings are not scheduled yet, but city officials hope to get something
in the works soon.
