Pinckney Village Council tabled discussions on a potential police millage July 13, amid ongoing budget conversations and questions about whether the proposal would generate enough funding.
Officials continued their discussions on the future of the police department, which they agreed to fund at $500,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 on June 22 — despite a request of $793,253 from Police Chief Jeffrey Garrison.
Garrison informed officials that he was able to reduce the department’s budget to below $500,000 on July 13 — but councilmembers continued to press for more cost-cutting options, including a potential partnership with Putnam Township.
Garrison previously said Putnam Township wasn’t interested because the municipality contracts with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, but he told councilmembers he would revisit the possibility.
In an email sent to The Daily on July 14, Village President Jeffrey Buerman shared a letter he sent to the Putnam Township Board of Trustees requesting a joint meeting to discuss forming a partnership for police coverage.
“Over the past several months, I’ve heard from a number of residents … who would like to see our two communities work more closely together, particularly on public safety,” Buerman wrote. “My hope is that this meeting will open the door to a productive conversation about strengthening our partnership and exploring opportunities that could benefit residents of both communities.”
Garrison was also asked to examine a rotating schedule based on community needs, and to have some flexibility on the possibility of operating with fewer full-time officers.
“I don’t know how much lower you want us to go and provide adequate coverage,” Garrison said, noting the department has already laid off an officer due to budget cuts.
Trustee Jo Self said officials are trying to compromise to keep the police department, but alleged Garrison is putting “a lot of very, very hard lines,” on why he can’t make proposed changes work.
Councilmembers tabled action on a resolution to approve language for a police funding millage request in November. The millage, as currently designed, would levy up to 2 mills for five years, generating an estimated $198,480 in 2027 for operations and equipment. Some officials questioned whether that amount would be sufficient.
The measure is expected to return for consideration at the next council meeting. For inclusion on the ballot in November, language must be approved by Aug. 11.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Pinckney continues to search for ways to save on police services
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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By Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily | USA TODAY Network
