Lansing – The future of the Groveland Township State police post could be known as early as this week say officials from State Rep. Jim Marleau’s office.
‘The governor and the Senate agree with me that public safety is a top priority for our communities and should not be taken lightly,? Marleau said. ‘I am still hopeful that we can find other areas to reduce costs without jeopardizing the Groveland state police post.?
Marleau says the last budget to be approved will be the state police budget where state police posts closings have been proposed.
On Thursday a Conference Committee made up of two members of the House and Senate will decide the outcome of the State police budget. At press time no decision has been made.
Facing state budget shortfalls of $770 million, Gov. Jennifer Granholm recommended earlier this year the State Police post in Groveland Township, along with state police posts in Grand Haven, and Iron River close. The proposed Oct. 1 closures would save the state an estimated $1.1 million, say officials from the governor’s office, with an estimated $300,000 from the Groveland Post.
Since the announcement Groveland Township Supervisor Bob DePalma, along with officials from Holly and Rose townships, have appealed to legislators and the governor’s office. Several officials have testified before the budget committee in support of keeping the state police team in the township.
On June 10 officials from Marleau’s office announced that following the passage of a proposed $39.7 billion budget from the House no state police teams or posts will close. Rep. Marleau along with Rep. David Farhat (R-Muskegon) co-sponsored an amendment which would prevent the Groveland Post from closing in the House proposed budget.
The House passed a balanced budget and according to the constitution the State Budget must be approved by the end of the fiscal year Oct.1. The budget process must be completed and approved no later than Sept. 30.
The Michigan State Police opened the Groveland Township location in 1996. Troopers from the police post patrol in Groveland, Holly, and Rose townships.
But on the eve of the closures none of the three affected townships have a plan for police protection for the nearly 15,000 residents who live within each of the 36 mile square townships. While public safety departments, contracts with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and other plans have been discussed it’s just a wait and see attitude say township officials.
‘We’ve looked at a number of plans for police protection with Holly and Rose townships and some plans without the other townships,? said DePalma.
‘Right now we just need to wait and see. The state police are required to give us at least 30 days notice before they leave. Regardless, the state police will still respond to calls in the township whereever they come from.?
Chester Koop, Rose Township supervisor says they are still looking at options regarding police protection. Rose Township has a population of 6,210.
‘Right now we’ll have to evaluate the level of service offered by the Michigan State Police coming from another post if they close the Groveland Post,? said Koop. ‘Years ago before the Groveland Post opened the troopers came from the Brighton State Police Post.?
Dale Smith, Holly Township supervisor may consider contracting with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, but says nothing is concrete and it may require a millage if that’s what people want. Holly Township population is about 5,000 not including the Village of Holly who have their own police force.
‘Right now our goal is to keep the post open,? said Smith. ‘We could contract with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. It’s not over until it’s over. We’re optimistic.?