Atlas Twp.-With one public hearing down and at least two more to go, plans for a special assessment are rolling forward.
Before the board can proceed with the assessment they are required to have two public hearings no less than 30 days apart to allow constituents to voice their opinions. The first of these hearings took place last Monday at 6:30 p.m., before the regularly scheduled township board meeting.
Township supervisor Paul Amman says he intends to have at least one additional meeting beyond the required two.
‘We’re going to move forward (with plans for the assessment). We’ve determined there is a need,? said Amman.
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. Currently the township pays $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.
Funds set aside to cover those costs have been depleted, leaving the township to draw from the general fund to pay the bill, which, at current costs, will only last about five years, Amman told The Citizen in January.
Amman gave the board several options to make up for the shortfall, including: reducing police service; generating revenue; reducing the number of officers servicing the township or look at establishing an independent police department for the township.
Amman has suggested $50 per house, along with $25 per unimproved parcel, special assessments as the preferred course of action.
A special assessment can be implemented by the board without public approval, as opposed to a millage, which would be left in the hands of voters.
The next public hearing regarding the special assessments is slated for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Township Hall, 7386 Gale Road.