KALAMAZOO (WZKO-AM) — Oshtemo residents could lose most of their police protection on New Year’s Eve.
A deal has not been struck between township officials and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office on how to pay for the eight deputies that currently patrol the township.
The county issued a request to renew the arrangement they offer to four townships that pay for the extra protection, and three signed on the bottom line.
Oshtemo decided to rewrite the entire contract.
At its meeting Tuesday, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners sent a clear and angry message about not playing favorites.
There was a tentative agreement to extend the contract two months to allow negotiations. Commissioners extended that to 12 months, take it or leave it.
Sheriff Richard Fuller says failure to reach a deal could mean layoffs and hurt service countywide.
“It’s going to be a significant draw from services in the county and that’s probably the best way to say it,” Fuller said.
The township may have to call a special meeting to decide how it will respond.
Oshtemo explored starting its own police department earlier this year, but the idea was rejected by township officials and citizens.
– John McNeill
