Atlas Twp.-The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department will continue to provide police protection for the township.
Trustees voted to approve a one- year contract for four deputies in the amount of $399,067 between the township and the sheriff’s department at Monday’s board meeting.
‘That’s a very good contract for Atlas,? said James Guage, Undersheriff of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.
A portion of the funds for the contract will be generated through a special assessment approved by the board last month.
The board voted unanimously for an assessment of $50 per each improved parcel, $25 for each unimproved parcel, continuing for a period of four years.
The township established a contract with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department about 10 years ago, funded by one mill from area property owners. Since then, the cost has continued to go up at a rate of about 6 percent per year. Previously, the township paid $394,000 per year for four deputies in the township. A property owner with a $200,000 home currently pays about $100 per year for police service.
Amman told The Citizen in January funds previously set aside to cover police costs had been depleted, leaving the township to draw from the general fund to pay the bill, which, at current costs, would only last about five years.
The new contract comes at an increase of less than two percent.
‘It’s still slightly below what we figured it would be with the new contract this year,? said Paul Amman, township supervisor.
Guage said the low increase was ‘phenomenal,? when considering the increase in cost of living and health insurance.
Guage said the increase in cost can be attributed to deputy health care benefits, post retirement costs and wage increases. Guage added that costs are now fixed through 2009.
‘I live there too,? said Guage. ‘This is a very good deal. I keep an eye on the deputies out there, they do provide an excellent service.?