Board Votes To Keep Pontiac Police
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has voted to reject a contract to turn Pontiac's policing duties over to the county Sheriff's Department.
Pontiac's emergency financial manager, Michael Stampfler, says contracting with the county would save about $2 million a year, is an effort to cut away at a $9 million deficit
Pontiac's County Commissioner Maddie Hatchet helped lead the opposition.
"It has been no secret that I've been against this contract from the beginning," Hatchet said.
"Basically, because I think there was some leal problems with the contract. Secondly, the information concerning the savings that the city would have gotten were faulty," she said.
The idea drew some community opposition. Commissioners, Thursday, heard from citizens on both sides of the issue including Pontiac Police Chief Valard Gross who call it a bad contract.
"Let us move forward. I'm asking you -- if you want me to get on my hands and knees before you, I will do so. Please, vote this contract down," Chief Gross said.
"I would ask that you remember that this contract is not good for the city. This contract would not be a savings to the city — it could even end up costing us more," said one resident.
The decision came down to the Board of Commissioners vote, after its finance committee voted 6-to-3 to approve a contract with the Sheriff's Department.
Pontiac Mayor Leon Jukowski called Thursday's vote unfortunate. He said the city will now be down to forty-three officers, which is dangerous for citizens.
