Layoffs in Waterford Township

As many celebrate this Labor Day weekend, some Waterford Township Police officers are getting word of coming layoffs. 

Township Supervisor Carl Solden says they are forced to lay off 23 police officers and demote 12 others because of a huge 4.1 million dollar drop in property tax revenue.

"It's just like your own home budget. You lose money you can't afford to live the way you were and that's exactly what's happened to us through the years beginning in 2001. We've been, as all communities have been in Michigan, we've been the victim of declines in revenue sharing for so many years and we're able to go through that," said Solden.

But he says cuts in the department were necessary.

"I'm going to make every effort possible that I can do to maintain status quo as best we can. Now let's face it, with what we're forced to do here, it's going to change, the face of the whole operation is going to change. But we're making some changes in that as well to try to keep up with the services as best we can," said Solden.

He says they will be able to save some jobs, but that will depend on other officers taking an early retirement.  Solden says they also plan to push for the passage of 5 millages this November, which would also save a handful of jobs.

The Police officers union calls the cuts drastic that will compromise public safety.