OSHTEMO (WKZO-AM) — Oshtemo representatives say they’re trying to hammer out a deal with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office to keep eight deputies patrolling the streets in the township before a New Year’s Eve deadline.
If a deal isn’t done by then, police protection in the township will be lost.
Oshtemo Township Supervisor Libby Heiny Cogswell has issued a written reaction to the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners’ ultimatum, and it’s clear there is a failure to communicate.
She said they are requesting the additional services because they are paying over $1 million annually to contract with the sheriff’s department. Earlier this week, the board said, if they deviate from their standard arrangement, three other townships may also demand concessions.
Cogswell said officers will be laid off just before Christmas. The department was requested by the county board not to lay anyone off until they get a response from the township and the board meets again. If they fail to settle, union rules take over and seven sheriff’s employees with low seniority may be pink-slipped.
In a statement issued to the media, Cogswell also said she feared the board’s action has hurt their relationship. She has also contacted Michigan State Police, just in case if the agreement lapses.
Sheriff Richard Fuller said he’s scheduled to meet with township officials soon.
– John McNeill
